San Diego Cadet Squadron 144
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Youth

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is tasked with producing dynamic young Americans and Aerospace Leaders. We offer young men and women ages 12-18 (may remain a cadet until their 21st birthday) the challenge of a lifetime, through a program based on leadership training, flight training, search and rescue, and aerospace education. Cadets advance through the CAP Cadet Program by completing written tests and practical exams in leadership, physical fitness, and aerospace education, in addition to the ethical foundation set for them in our Moral Leadership program. As cadets advance in grade and rank, they earn greater responsibility, and the rewards are commensurate with this advancement. All cadets begin as a Cadet Basic and can promote as high as Cadet Colonel, given enough time and commitment on their part.

Leadership training in CAP is ongoing, in the form of Drill and Ceremonies, Teaching Techniques, and Conflict Management, to name a few examples. What sets CAP’s Leadership training apart from others, is that our cadets learn leadership through practical application and specially designed schools, which mirror Air Force Leadership Schools in nearly every way. Some of the school increments are Basic Cadet School, Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer School, and Cadet Officer Basic Course.

CAP cadets are also eligible for many scholarships that range from $500.00 to $5,000.00, or more. Many cadets find that membership in CAP made the difference in their successful nomination to the United States Air Force Academy or other service academies. A large percentage of USAF Academy cadets began their journey as CAP cadets.

Among other benefits, CAP cadets are also eligible for national and international activities, such as International Air Cadet Exchange, Hawk Mountain Ranger School, and National Ground Search and Rescue School. Along with all of these great opportunities, CAP Cadets who decide to enlist in the Air Force, and who have received the General Billy Mitchell Award, receive advanced pay grade (E-3) after Air Force Basic Training.

Without a doubt, the most popular program in CAP for the cadets is the Flight Training Program offered at the squadron and national levels. CAP cadets are eligible for both powered and glider orientation flights, plus opportunities for ground school and flight training scholarships. CAP cadets can solo and even become private pilots in glider planes in this manner. National special activities specifically for flight training include our National Flight Academy Glider/Powered, Jacksonville Airline Academy, Aviation Challenge, and Space Camp.

The possibilities are endless, come and see why the CAP Cadet Program is truly “America’s best-kept secret!”

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