Cadet achievements

Cadet Programs

The Mission of Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs is to Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders . Cadet Programs activities occur on the squadron, group, region, and national level, and explore all areas of the 3 Missions of the Civil Air Patrol.

Cadet Achievement

Cadet Achievement is a broad term that encompasses cadet promotions, awards, and recognitions.

Stripes to Diamonds

"Stripes to Diamonds" is a term that refers to the progression from "stripes" or Phase 1 promotions, to "diamonds", referring to the diamond insignia of C/Maj, C/LtCol, and C/Col. Cadet promotions are typically recognition of completing a set of aerospace, leadership, physical fitness, character development, and drill and ceremonies tests and activities.

Cadets are eligible for promotion every 56 days, with special expedited promotions being given to cadets based on their level of participation in their High Schools Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs or JROTC.

Phase 1 - The Learning Phase

Phase 1 is the entry phase to Civil Air Patrol which encompasses the grades of C/AB-C/SrA. Cadets in phase 1 make up the majority of inflight cadets and are working to improve their followership skills and cadet program knowledge. Cadets in Phase 1 are expected to display a positive, team-oriented attitude, listen actively and attentively to guidance given, and hold a sense of responsibility while working to develop crucial time management skills.

Cadet Airman Basic

Cadet Airman Basic is a rank automatically given upon membership in the cadet program and it is abbreviated C/AB. There is no insignia for C/AB, and members of this grade should wear no grade on their collar. Cadet Airman Basic typically are element members whose main goal is to advance to Cadet Airman (C/Amn) within a set period of time.

Prerequisites: 12 years of age or above (age limit waived if a participant in a Middle School Squadron and in 6th grade), U.S. Citizenship (or waiver), active membership. Automatically given upon joining.

Leadership: N/A

Aerospace: N/A

Physical Fitness: N/A

Character Development: N/A

Special Requirement: N/A

Honor Credit: N/A

Cadet Airman (Maj. Gen. John Curry Award)

Cadet Airman is the first achievement in the cadet program, abbreviated C/Amn. The insignia for C/Amn consists of a shield and one stripe. Cadet Airmen are typically new cadets who serve as element members and are working to advance their leadership, followership, and knowledge as a cadet.

Prerequisites: Cadet Airman Basic, current CAP membership, ability to recite the CAP cadet oath from memory, active participation.

Leadership: Take Cadet Interactive Learn to Lead chapter 1 module OR pass an online test on Learn To Lead chapter 1, with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. Complete a practical Drill and Ceremonies test with a passing score of 80% as outlined in CAPP 60-33.

Aerospace: N/A

Physical Fitness: Attempt the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, work towards attaining Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) requirements or exceeding them.

Character Development: Participate in the Cadet Wingman Course offered at the squadron level.

Special Requirement: Participate in the Cadet Wingman Course offered at the squadron level.

Honor Credit: Available, for completion of both Cadet Interactive and the open-book online test of Learn to Lead chapter 1 with a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Cadet Airman First Class (Gen. Hap Arnold Award)

Cadet Airman First Class is the second achievement in the cadet program, abbreviated C/A1C. The insignia for C/A1C consists of a shield and two stripes. Cadet Airman First Class is the first rank where a new cadet can begin to take on leadership opportunities as an element leader, while still working to improve their followership.

Prerequisites: 56 days in Achievement 1 (unless qualified for accelerated promotions through JROTC), current CAP membership, ability to recite the CAP cadet oath from memory, active participation.

Leadership: Take the Cadet Interactive Learn to Lead chapter 2 module OR pass an online test on Learn To Lead chapter 2, with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. Complete the Achievement 2 practical Drill and Ceremonies test with a passing score of 80% as outlined in CAPP 60-33.

Aerospace: Take an Aerospace Dimensions Cadet Interactive module OR pass an online test with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. Aerospace Dimensions tests may be done in any order.

Physical Fitness: Attempt the Cadet Physical Fitness Test, work towards attaining Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) requirements or exceeding them.

Character Development: Participate in 1 moral leadership activity or character development at the squadron level.

Special Requirement: Proper, CAPR 39-1 compliant wear of the uniform.

Honor Credit: Available. Complete Learn to Lead Chapter 2 test, Learn to Lead Chapter 2 Interactive module, Aerospace Dimensions module test, AND Aerospace Dimensions Interactive module.