The Cadet Program provides motivated teenagers, leadership, aerospace, physical and moral training with a unique opportunity to acquire the skills they will need in their adult life. The Cadet Program is largely run by the cadets and includes a wide variety of opportunities in aerospace, communications, emergency services and other fields, as well as the opportunity to compete for college and aviation scholarships.
Today's Cadets . . . Tomorrow's Aerospace Leaders
Briefing Documents
Cadet
Fact Sheet
Cadet Program Overview
for Strategic Audiences
CAP Cadet Program - At a Glance*
Mission: Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders
Established: 1942
Age to Join: 12 through 18
Content Areas: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character
Total Cadets: 25,000
Locations: 1,000 hometown squadrons
Time Commitment: Ideally, cadets participate in a 2-hour squadron meeting each week, plus one "Saturday" event monthly and one week-long encampment in summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority**
Costs: Annual dues of $25 - $60, depending upon location; some assistance is available with uniform costs and overnight activity fees; a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance
Military Obligation: None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets
