Cadet Programs
Today's Cadets . . . Tomorrow's Aerospace Leaders
Our Michigan Wing Cadets in Action
Cadet members of the Monroe Composite Squadron finishing up preparatory tasks in order to achieve trainee status in Emergency Services. Great job, cadets!
The Cadet Program is organized around four main elements. Everything you do as a cadet will point back to one or more of these elements, in one way or another.
Leadership
CAP introduces cadets to Air Force perspectives on leadership through classroom instruction, mentoring, and hands-on learning. First, cadets learn to follow, but as they progress, they learn how to lead small teams, manage projects, think independently, and develop leadership skills they can use in adult life.
Aerospace
CAP inspires in youth a love of aviation, space, and technology. Cadets study the fundamentals of aerospace science in the classroom and experience flight first-hand in CAP aircraft. Cyber topics important to the national defense represent a new frontier. Summer activities allow cadets to explore aerospace-related careers.
Fitness
CAP encourages cadets to develop a lifelong habit of regular exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through calisthenics, hiking, rappelling, obstacle courses, competitions, and other vigorous activities. A comprehensive fitness test based on age and gender challenges cadets.
Character
CAP challenges cadets to live their Core Values. Through character forums, cadets discuss ethical issues relevant to teens. Chaplains often lead the discussions, but the forums are not religious meetings. CAP also encourages cadets to promote a drug free ethic in their schools and communities.
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Michigan Wing Cadet Program - At a Glance |
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Mission: Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders |
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Established Nationally: 1942 |
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Age to Join: 12 through 18 |
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Content Areas: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character |
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Total MIWG Cadets: 500 |
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Locations: 35 hometown Cadet and Composite squadrons |
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Time Commitment: Ideally, cadets participate in a 2-hour squadron meeting each week, plus one "Saturday" event monthly and one week-long encampment in summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority** |
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Costs: Annual dues of $40 (Cadets, $65 for adult members); some assistance is available with uniform costs and overnight activity fees; a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance |
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Military Obligation: None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets |
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Annual National Flying Hours: 25,000 hrs in single-engine aircraft; 12,000 glider sorties |
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* All figures are approximations that will vary year-to-year |
Cadet Fact Sheet
Cadet Program Overview
