CADET PROGRAMS 



While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone. Thousands of young people from 6 grade through age 21 are introduced to aviation through CAP's Cadet Program. The program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others. Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the Air Force as an E3 (airman first class) rather than an E1 (airman basic).
1994 marked the introduction of the CAP Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDR). Targeted toward Active, Guard, and Reserve Air Force family members and members of the local community (typically within 30 miles of an Air Force installation), units participating in DDR actively perform the following activities:
  • Promoting CAP as an alternative lifestyle.
  • Encouraging youth to remain in school.
  • Educating youth on the dangers of drugs.
  • Providing alternative activities to drugs.
Whatever your interest - Survival training, flight training, photography, astronomy - there's a place for you in CAP's cadet program. Each year, cadets have the opportunity to participate in special activities at local, state, regional, or national level. Many cadets will have the opportunity to solo fly an airplane for the first time through a flight encampment or academy. Others will enjoy traveling abroad through the International Air Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air shows throughout the nation.

MORE ABOUT THE CADET PROGRAM