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 12 years through age 20 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).
To become a cadet, you must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets meet three hours per week and also have opportunities to attend various state events throughout the month, the NH Wing Leadership Academies, and National Cadet Special Activities
Seacoast Composite Squadron:
At the Squadron (local) level, we host:
- Weekly drill on Pease Air National Guard Base.
- The 'Pods' system for specialty pursuit in Aerospace, Emergency Services, or Leadership.
- Bivouac Training Exercises
- Touch-A-Plane Fundraisers
- KC-46 Flights with the NH Air National Guard
- Cessna 172 and Cessna 182 Orientation Flights
New Hampshire Wing:
At the Wing (state) level, we host:
- Quarterly Ground Team Training Schools for Emergency Services, Disaster Relief, and Search and Rescue.
- Semi-Annual NH Basic Encampments
- Semi-Annual Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership School
- Annual Aerospace/Model Rocketry Weekends
- Annual Wing Conference
- Glider Orientation Flights
- Annual Color Guard Academy
- Annual Cadet Formal Ball
- Annual Cadet Competition
North East Region:
At the Region (regional) level, we have:
- Semi-Annual Region Cadet Leadership Schools
- Annual Region Conference
- Annual Region Honor Guard Academy
National:
At the National level, we have:
- National Cadet Special Activities such as International Air Cadet Exchange, National Blue Beret, and Hawk Mountain Ranger School.
- Annual National Conference
- National training events
