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Cadet Programs

Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.

• Attracts over 24,000 members ages 12 through 20 for participation in its cadet programs.
• Educates youth in four main program areas — leadership, aerospace, fitness and character development.
• Enriches school curricula through after-school programs.
• Offers orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft, as well as flight training scholarships.
• Provides activities and competitions for cadets at the local, state, regional and national levels.
• Provides opportunities for community involvement through color guard/drill team and emergency service missions.
• Challenges youth to be ambassadors for a drug-free lifestyle.
• Introduces thousands of cadets to cyber defense careers through CyberPatriot, the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Security Competition.
• CAP cadets make up about 10% of the Air Force Academy’s classes.
• Cadets who have earned the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award enlist in the Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard at a higher pay grade.
• Participates in the International Air Cadet Exchange program.
• Awards college scholarships in several disciplines.

More Detail on the National Civil Air Patrol site

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