Cadet Achievement Awards

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is a program for youth ages 12-20 who are interested in aviation and leadership. The program has four phases through which cadets are expected to progress. Cadets are expected to learn aerospace and leadership skills, military drill, customs & courtesies, be physically fit, participate in CAP activities, and actively participate in the squadron's Moral Leadership program. However, the CAP cadet program is not for everybody. CAP cadets must learn to have strong self-discipline, good moral character, honesty, and many other traits that require hard work and dedication. Those who are not willing to strive to live up to these values are not destined to be successful cadets.

The Four Phases
 

Phase One-The Beginning Phase
This is the first phase after initial membership for a CAP cadet. During this phase cadets are often either put into a separate "Phase One" flight or are assigned a personal "tutor" so they may begin learning the ins and outs of being a cadets. During this time the cadet will receive their first uniforms as well as their books. Teachings in basic military drill, customs, and courtesies begin. Cadets leave this phase once they earn their first achievement, the General Curry Achievement. This achievement carries with it the grade of Cadet Airman (or Cadet).
Grades of this phase: Cadet Basic, Cadet Airman, Cadet Airman First Class, Cadet Senior Airman, Cadet Staff Sergeant


Phase Two-The Learning Phase
The next phase in the cadet program is much longer than Phase One. Cadets during this phase begin to learn the more complex drill maneuvers, and eventually learn to give the commands and to command flights in drill maneuvers. Cadets begin this phase as flight members, but as they progress in rank so can they progress in responsibility. Cadet move up through Element Leader (responsible for 4-5 cadets), to Flight Sergeant (responsible for 10-15 cadets), and even to First Sergeant (administrative duties for 30-40 cadets). These jobs are no easy tasks and require many hours by the cadet. They are critical components of the squadron staff and relied upon heavily. Not every cadet earns a staff position, but the adult leadership tries to see that those who deserve it get their fair chance. This phase ends when the cadet earns the first of three major awards in the Cadet Program, the General Billy Mitchell Award. The Mitchell Award is earned by earning a passing score on the Mitchell Exam which is a comprehensive examination of what the cadet has learned from their Aerospace and Leadership texts and training to this point. Upon National recognizing this award the cadet earns their "commission" and joins the ranks of cadet officers. Cadets who earn the Mitchell Award are eligible for the grade of E-3 if they later decide to enlist in the Air Force.
Grades of this phase: Cadet Technical Sergeant, Cadet Master Sergeant, Cadet Senior Master Sergeant, Cadet Chief Master Sergeant, Cadet Second Lieutenant

After completing Phase II cadets are awarded the Mitchell Award

Phase Three-The Leadership Phase
The third phase of the cadet program focuses less on followership and more on developing strong leadership principles and abilities. Cadets in this phase usually serve in squadron staff positions and are commonly responsible for 20-30 cadets at a time, a major squadron project or area, or all of these. Examples are Flight Commanders who are responsible for keeping their cadets informed about activities and for helping them with problems or questions they have. Another cadet may be assigned to "support staff" position like Administration where they must update and maintain squadron records, or the Activities Officer where they must keep track of Wing and Squadron activities, help cadets sign up for them, and even plan squadron activities. Added to the study areas for the cadet during this phase are Staff Duty Analysis packets. The SDA is a chance for the cadet officer to learn more about each staff position in CAP and to learn the manuals and regulations that come with each. This phase ends when the cadet earns the second major award, the Amelia Earhart Award. This is another 100 question, comprehensive examination which the cadet muss pass to continue progressing.
Grades of this phase: Cadet First Lieutenant, Cadet Captain

After compelling Phase III cadets are awarded the Earhart Award


Phase Four-The Executive Phase
The final phase of the cadet program is involved in getting the cadet ready for their transition to senior status, and with teaching them the "big picture" of leadership. Cadets at this level have been in the program a minimum of two years (usually longer) and have served in many different capacities in CAP. These cadets are often serving as Cadet Commanders for their units (responsible for 10-50 cadets) or have already served as Cadet Commanders and are now advisors. Some cadets even serve at higher levels such as Group or Wing Headquarters to coordinate major Wing cadet activities. These cadets often run large projects with assistance and have developed in strong leaders. This phase concludes once the cadet has earned the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel marking the completion of Achievement 15. Cadets receive a letter from National Headquarters and are authorized to wear a silver triangular clasp on their Earhart Ribbon to denote this achievement. However their career does not always stop here...
Grades of this phase: Cadet Major, Cadet Lieutenant Colonel
After completing Phase IV cadets are awarded the Eaker Award

The General Carl A. Spaatz Award-The Final Award
The third of the three CAP Cadet awards is the Carl A. Spaatz Award. To receive this award a cadet must pass a 60 question comprehensive Aerospace examination, a 60 questions comprehensive Leadership examination, run a mile in a specified time, and write a judged essay. These exams as a group can only be taken three times, those who do not pass after the third time will never receive their Spaatz Award. For this reason the Spaatz Award is extremely difficult to earn. Cadets who do earn it are typically 5 year or more "veterans" of CAP and have served in many areas and run many projects. To date only about 1,400 cadets have ever earned their Spaatz Award. Brooks AFB has had three of those 1400, and Texas Wing has had only 18 Spaatz cadets in its history. Cadet who earn this prestigious award are promoted to grade of Cadet Colonel. The Spaatz award is similar to the Boy Scout's Eagle Award, but is MUCH harder to achieve.