Military Customs & Courtesies

Civil Air Patrol's cadet program is a traditional military cadet program. CAP cadets wear modified versions of Air Force uniforms, hold rank and grade, and practice military customs and courtesies. They are also required to maintain physical fitness standards and are tested on their fitness and their knowledge of leadership and aerospace subjects for each promotion.

The current Cadet Program is composed of four phases (learning; leadership; command; executive), each of which is divided into several achievements. Achievements generally correspond to a grade promotion while phases are tied to a level of responsibility. The Cadet Program is executed at the local unit (squadron) level with weekly meetings and weekend activities, along with national and wing sponsored week- and multi-week long summer activities, of which encampments are an example.

Cadets have a rank structure similar to the United States Air Force enlisted and officer ranks. A cadet starts as a Cadet Airman Basic and is promoted as he or she completes each achievement. To complete an achievement, a cadet must pass a physical fitness test as well as two written tests; one for leadership and one for aerospace education.

Parents' Guide

Honor Guard

This kind of team is the way for the cadets to demonstrate to their community, state, and Civil Air Patrol what they have learned and how serious they are about the program. It offers the chance for cadet members to “give back” to the program and their communities while helping their peers make American society drug-free.

Membership in any CAP Honor Guard is not a right, but a privilege and encouraged. Active participation in the Honor Guard is necessary in order for the member to maintain his or her proficiency. It is important that Honor Guard members present themselves in the best possible light at all times. Therefore, classes ar sometimes held covering etiquette, public speaking, flag history and protocol, military and CAP protocol, and information on the dangers of drugs in addition to being proficient in all CAP Honor Guard movements and duties.

HONOR GUARD CREED

I am a proud member of a Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard.

My Standards of Conduct and high level of professionalism show the
respect for and dedication to my craft and those with whom I serve.

I have earned the right to wear the Ceremonial Uniform,
which is steeped in rich tradition and history.

I am superbly conditioned to perfect all movements
in every drill or ceremony.

Neither the type of ceremony, severity of temperature, nor size of
the audience will ever dictate the level of quality of my performance.

I am constantly driven to excel by a strong sense of dedication,
patriotism, love for my fellow man, God, Country, and Civil Air Patrol.

While performing, I stand sharp and crisp; motionless by choice,
for I have voluntarily chosen to represent every member,
past and present, of the United States Air Force Auxiliary – Civil Air Patrol.

I am a Ceremonial Guardsman.

National Cadet Competition

The National Cadet Competition is an annual event that provides opportunities for cadets to model traits of the highest standards of leadership and personal responsibility.

The purpose of the National Cadet Competition is to provide incentive and motivation for cadets to train and attain goals in leadership, drill, aerospace education, physical fitness and teamwork.

It also provides an opportunity for cadets to increase esprit de corps through excellence in training and performance.

Finally, it provide a public validation of the objectives of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Program.

Cadet Competition teams must first compete or be selected at the local, state and regional levels in either the Color Guard or Drill Team categories. These outstanding teams will compete for the USAF Chief of Staff Sweepstakes Award.