Major Cadet Program Awards

From Left To Right: General Carl A. Spaatz Award, Amelia Earhart Award, and the The General William Mitchell Award

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The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program

The mission of the CAP Cadet Program is to provide the youth of our nation a quality program that enhances their leadership skills through an interest in aviation, and simultaneously provide services to the United States Air Force and the local community.

The Cadet Program permits every cadet to:
    A. Participate in a variety of special activities and programs
    B. Develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for understanding aerospace principles, and the total impact of air and space vehicles upon society.
    C. Learn self-discipline through study of leadership practices and military training.
    D. Understand and appreciate the moral issues of our time through discussion and debate.
    E. Become physically fit through a physical fitness program.

Through study and performance, cadets work through a series of achievements.  As cadets progress, they may receive ribbons, certificates, and eligibility for nationally sponsored special activities, or eligibility to apply and compete for academic and flight scholarships.

During World War II, CAP trained thousands of young men to fly before they joined the Army Air Forces. This training, coupled with the positive values instilled by role models, resulted in the AAF having a pool of aviators virtually ready to do battle.

After the war, the success of the wartime cadet program convinced Congress that a peacetime cadet program would pay great dividends.

For the past half-century, CAP's Cadet Program has provided young people between 13 and 18 the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through their interest in aviation. For many, it has also offered them the opportunity to learn to fly.

A knowledge of aerospace-related information is one of the pillars of the program. Cadets progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.

As cadets make progress, they have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities, including encampments on military bases, orientation flights, and a variety of national and international activities.

Through its National Scholarship program, CAP provides scholarships to cadets to further their studies in such areas as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, and aerospace medicine. Scholarships leading to solo flight training are also provided.

The U.S. Air Force recognizes the high standards the cadets must meet. When CAP cadets enlist in the Air Force, they now enter as an E-3 (Airman First Class) instead of as an Airman Basic.

CAP cadets are also well represented at the United States Air Force Academy. Usually 8-10 percent of the academy class is composed of former CAP cadets.

Starting in 1993, CAP became more closely involved in direct support of the Air Force ROTC. Joint efforts are underway to conduct crossflow educational and orientation flights with Air Force ROTC, benefitting both organizations through better use of each one's training resources.