Basic Cadet Training

Overview

Basic Cadet Training (BCT) provides a foundational introduction into life as a new Civil Air Patrol cadet and serves as the pathway for a cadet's first promotion. 

A variation of CAP's Cadet Great Start initiative, BCT uses a cohort training pipeline—in which new cadets start their initial training at the same time and graduate together at the conclusion of the training cycle—ensuring that each cadet receives a similar training experience under a structure intended to standardize and enhance the quality of learning, camaraderie among training classmates, and provide stable mentorship throughout a cadet's first several weeks in the the CAP Cadet Program. 

 

Training Outline

Basic Cadet Training is conducted over several weeks during which new cadets—who will hold the grade of Cadet Airman Basic (C/AB)—will become familiar with Civil Air Patrol activities as well as the unit structure and staff team. During this time, new cadets will participate alongside their peers, including those cadets who are already senior to and more advanced than them, to develop relationships within the unit and become comfortable with knowing to whom they can reach out with questions or support that might be needed along the way. 

In these first weeks, new cadets will learn about introductory level Air Force-style drill maneuvers and traditional courtesies to be displayed during CAP operations. The cadets will also be issued initial equipment items that will be essential during training as well as receive their uniform items to continue their progression through the training program. 

Note:  See Uniforms & Equipment below for details regarding uniform items to be provided.

During each BCT class cycle, one Saturday will be used as a "Requirements Training Day" to standardized the training for all new cadets and ensure that they are ready for their first promotion to the grade of Cadet Airman (C/Amn). This promotion will require the cadets to: 

• Receive an 80% score on their Learn to Lead Chapter 1 Leadership Knowledge Test (written exam)

• Receive a score of 11 out of 15 on the Achievement 1 Drill Test (scroll to Instructor Resources at the bottom of the linked page)

• Attempt the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (passing score not required for the first promotion)

• Participate in the Cadet Wingman Course (scroll to Orientation section on the linked page) to provide an introduction into CAP's Cadet Protection Program

• Memorize and be able to recite the Cadet Oath

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Schedule a Visit

Use our Contact Form to schedule a visit to one of our upcoming meetings. Our Calendar provides upcoming activity dates. 

 

Enrolling

Applications may not be accepted unless recruits have visited at least three (3) meetings to a "regular" CAP meeting in order to allow the recruit to familiarize themselves with a typical CAP meeting night and be sure they wish to enroll as a new cadet. 

Applications are submitted online via our eServices web system. A link to the application system will be provided to parents via email once the prospective cadet has attended their third meeting visit. 

Applicants must meet the Eligibility Criteria in order for the application to be accepted. Proof of eligibility is required (refer to the required Proof of Identification on the linked page under Eligibility). 
*All paperwork and fees must be turned in/paid. 

 

Fees

$40 to Civil Air Patrol Ohio Wing (Credit Card for online applications)
*A reoccurring annual fee of $40 will be required each year based on the month of enrollment

 

Uniforms & Equipment

Issued Items

• Financial Assistance — Upon joining CAP, cadets are asked to provide a statement of Financial Need which will assist in covering the cost of uniforms. Cadets are eligible to receive assistance to provide $175, $125, or $75 if opting in for uniform assistance.

• Uniforms — The unit will provide cadets with the the Airman Battle Uniform (ABU), the common cadet field uniform which is worn for most activities.

  • Cadets will need to purchase their own Service Uniform (A.K.A. "Blues") if the squadron cannot provide uniform supplies. More details on these uniforms can be found by visiting the official Civil Air Patrol Uniform Information web page. 

  • Rank insignia and ribbons are provided by the unit upon promotion.

• Other Equipment —Each cadet will receive:

  • A quart-sized water canteen at the start of training. Canteens are the property of the cadets, who will be required to bring it (filled with water) to each training meeting and ensure its care (i.e., safekeeping and cleanliness).

  • A notepad and pen to be utilized during training. 

 

Disenrolling from the Program

Uniform items issued are considered the property of the unit and are requested to be returned/turned in if the cadet chooses to disenroll from the program. 

Disenrolling cadets are encouraged to donate any self-purchased items to the unit for distribution to future cadets. 

 

Transfer Cadets (to or from other units)

Existing CAP cadets transferring into the unit (from another unit) should ensure that any items issued by the original unit are returned/turned in as necessary. Cadets and their families should coordinate with that unit to ensure any local standard operating procedures are adhered to. Cadets transferring into the unit traditionally do not undergo Basic Cadet Training if they are already at the grade of Cadet Airman or higher. 

Upon leaving the unit (to transfer elsewhere but stay in CAP), cadets are expected to turn in unit-provided uniform items. This will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis with the cadet prior to transferring out. 

 

Accessory Items

Only black or matching camouflage backpacks are authorized for wear with uniforms. Non-uniform backpacks must be carried by hand. Cadets are not required to possess a backpack; however, it is highly encouraged for future training activities.

 

Haircuts and Grooming

Male cadets are required to be clean-shaven (mustaches are authorized; no beards) and wear a military-style haircut (e.g., buzz cut, high-and-tight, etc.).

Female cadets must maintain military-style hair forms when in uniform (e.g., hair in a bun or neat ponytail if exceeding shoulder-length).

 

Promotions

The goal of Basic Cadet Training is to prepare new cadets for advancement in the Cadet Program, instructing them on the basic information and general knowledge expected of cadets. This includes an overview of testing processes and promotion requirements. Upon graduation, cadets will be promoted to the grade of Cadet Airman (C/E-1).

During training, cadets will test in Leadership (written exam) and Drill & Ceremony (practical exam). Cadets must successfully pass both exams in order to promote upon graduation.

All cadets will conduct regular physical training to prepare them for the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) which will evaluate cadets’ cardio-aerobic and muscular endurance. Testing includes:

• Push-ups

• Curl-ups

• 1-mile run

• Jog/sprint measure (A.K.A. “PACER Challenge”)

• Sit-and-reach (flexibility)

Cadets in Basic Cadet Training are not required to pass the CPFT to advance, but must at least attempt the CPFT. Future promotions will require passing the CPFT.

 

After the First Promotion

Testing during Basic Cadet Training will be scheduled and provided to each cadet to ensure the maximum opportunity to graduate and promote upon the completion of the training course. After Basic Cadet Training, cadets will be responsible for conducting online testing outside of the weekly meeting on their own, as well as scheduling drill testing through the Cadet Staff to be conducted at upcoming meetings. Cadets who do not take the initiative to complete testing on their own or schedule testing as required will struggle to advance after Basic Cadet Training.