THE CADET PROGRAM
The Cadet Program mission of Civil Air Patrol is truly the future of the organization. More importantly, the real purpose of the 461st's Cadet Program is to inspire each of our youth to become leaders in their communities.  Cadet membership is open to U.S. citizens and persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, its territories and possessions. Candidates for the Cadet Program must be 12 to 18 years of age or be enrolled in the sixth grade.     Sgt. Meredith "Jetwash" Zopf and Airman Jennifer"Splash" Adkins

    cadets ponder their future as women in aviation

 

Cadets progress through the program by participating in activities and through study. Physical fitness, leadership laboratory, moral leadership and aerospace education comprise the curriculum of the Cadet Program.  As the cadets pass their achievements, they earn rank, awards and/or certificates.
Because the United States Air Force recognizes the value of the Cadet Program, each cadet who receives the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award and chooses to enlist, enters with the advanced rank of Airman First Class.          ddr seal

     Cadet Majors Buehler and Scott

Cadets of the 461st WCS participate in summer encampment at Volk Field in West Central WI, giving them a taste of Basic Training life in the Armed Forces. They also receive orientation flights provided by CAP pilots, provide assistance to local air shows with parking and flight line, serve in a color guard, march in West Bend parades and more.

Besides progressing through the rank structure, one of the most rewarding aspects of the Cadet Program is being part of a Search and Rescue Ground Team, in fulfillment of the CAP Emergency Services mission.

 
     Cadet Pischke receives a promotion