The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is arguably one of the best activities for young men and women in the United States.

A cadet is eligible when he or she is twelve years old, and may continue until reaching the age of twenty-one. Cadets in the Civil Air Patrol are eligible to achieve ranks almost identical to those of the United States Air Force through participation in the program. Civil Air Patrol enables youth to build and hone their leadership skills to become tomorrow's leaders.

Cadets are eligible to participate in almost all aspects of the Civil Air Patrol program, including orientation flights, Emergency Services missions, and much more. The cadets on the left are participating in the National Cadet Competition, an activity that tests leadership and drill knowledge, physical fitness, and mastery of drill movements.

One of the premiere oportunities in the Cadet Program is the ability to attend National Cadet Special Activities. These summer activities are held thorughout the nation and cover a plethora of fields ranging from aerospace to officership to field training. Cadets partake in experiences that other teenagers can only dream about.

The National Cadet Special Activities webpage contains more detailed information on the various activities available to cadets.

Cadets learn discipline through drill. This basic concept is then used to take cadets to higher levels. Part of the National Cadet Competition is the Color Guard Competition. Cadets who participate must possess mastery of drill movements, have ample knowledge regarding flag regulations, and be physically fit. The picture on the right shows Glenn L. Martin cadets posting the Colors during a ceremony at the World War II Memrial in Washington DC.

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