We Are A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Squadron
One of the missions of Civil Air Patrol, as chartered by Congress, is cadet programs. CAP offers one of the most robust youth leadership programs in the country and we, at the Dutchess County Cadet Squadron, are home to a very vibrant cadet program!
The mission of the Cadet Program is to provide the youth, aged 12 up to 21, of our nation with a quality program that enhances their leadership skills, and simultaneously provide service to the United States Air Force and the local community.
United States citizens or aliens admitted for permanent residence between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age are eligible to join as cadets. Individuals who join CAP prior to their 18th birthday may remain cadets until their 21st birthday. Through their CAP experience, cadets develop into young, dynamic leaders and responsible citizens. The Cadet Program is not just fun and rewarding, it also challenges cadets to develop the self-discipline, strong character, and team spirit they will need to become tomorrow's leaders.
Five elements comprise the overall Cadet Program: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development, and activities. As cadets participate in the five program elements and complete progression requirements, they advance through a series of sixteen achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.
Leadership: Cadets develop leadership skills through classroom education and hands-on training. Older, ranking cadets plan and conduct a significant portion of their own program, under the guidance of adult CAP volunteers. The program emphasizes Air Force perspectives on leadership.
Aerospace Education: Cadets develop a love for aviation by studying air and space in the classroom and experiencing the wonder of flight in the cockpit of CAP aircraft. The curriculum teaches cadets both the scientific principles that enable flight, as well as the history and importance of air and space technology.
Physical Fitness: Cadets are encouraged to develop a lifelong habit of exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through activities such as hiking, obstacle courses, volleyball competitions, and other activities. To progress in the Cadet Program, cadets must pass physical fitness tests.
Character Development: Cadets participate in character development forums, where they apply CAP's Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect to ethical issues affecting teens. Additionally, through the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) program, cadets and their adult leaders promote a drug-free ethic, and encourage others to follow their lead.
Activities: Cadets make new friends through weekend and summer cadet activities that reinforce the four program elements described above.
National Cadet Special Activities are also conducted every summer to introduce cadets to career opportunities in leadership, technology, operations (emergency services), flying, aerospace, and the Air Force.
The mission of the Cadet Program is to provide the youth, aged 12 up to 21, of our nation with a quality program that enhances their leadership skills, and simultaneously provide service to the United States Air Force and the local community.
United States citizens or aliens admitted for permanent residence between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age are eligible to join as cadets. Individuals who join CAP prior to their 18th birthday may remain cadets until their 21st birthday. Through their CAP experience, cadets develop into young, dynamic leaders and responsible citizens. The Cadet Program is not just fun and rewarding, it also challenges cadets to develop the self-discipline, strong character, and team spirit they will need to become tomorrow's leaders.
Five elements comprise the overall Cadet Program: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development, and activities. As cadets participate in the five program elements and complete progression requirements, they advance through a series of sixteen achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.
Leadership: Cadets develop leadership skills through classroom education and hands-on training. Older, ranking cadets plan and conduct a significant portion of their own program, under the guidance of adult CAP volunteers. The program emphasizes Air Force perspectives on leadership.
Aerospace Education: Cadets develop a love for aviation by studying air and space in the classroom and experiencing the wonder of flight in the cockpit of CAP aircraft. The curriculum teaches cadets both the scientific principles that enable flight, as well as the history and importance of air and space technology.
Physical Fitness: Cadets are encouraged to develop a lifelong habit of exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through activities such as hiking, obstacle courses, volleyball competitions, and other activities. To progress in the Cadet Program, cadets must pass physical fitness tests.
Character Development: Cadets participate in character development forums, where they apply CAP's Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect to ethical issues affecting teens. Additionally, through the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) program, cadets and their adult leaders promote a drug-free ethic, and encourage others to follow their lead.
Activities: Cadets make new friends through weekend and summer cadet activities that reinforce the four program elements described above.
National Cadet Special Activities are also conducted every summer to introduce cadets to career opportunities in leadership, technology, operations (emergency services), flying, aerospace, and the Air Force.