The mission of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Program is to transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders. The cadet program brings the benefits of CAP's character education, fitness, leadership, and aerospace curriculum into middle and high schools as a weekly after-school program.
Air Force Affiliation
Cadets are never obligated to join the military, nor does CAP attempt to recruit cadets for the armed forces. However, the uniform, military customs and courtesies, and drill and ceremonies are important features of cadet life that contribute to individual self-discipline. Moreover, 10% of the cadets at the Air Force Academy got their start in CAP.
Junior ROTC Connection
The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program complements JROTC opportunities at the high school level. CAP can also be implemented on high school campuses and is a possible option for schools where JROTC is unavailable. The two programs are complementary and CAP cadets are encouraged to be a part of both the JROTC and the United States Air Force (USAF) Civil Air Patrol.
Cadet Advancement
The cadet program is a self-paced program of sixteen achievements. Cadets complete one task in each element of cadet life — leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character — during each achievement. There is a degree of academic rigor to the program; cadets study their textbooks and must pass written tests to advance. Along the way, cadets earn promotions, acquire new leadership responsibilities, and collect awards.
Meetings
Meetings are held Thursdays, after school, from 3:25-6:00 p.m. and every Saturday from 8:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Eloy. The bus leaves campus at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 12:30 p.m.
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