Section 9 | Cadet Recognition Programs
Unit Training Plan & Goals
9.1 Program Overview
CAPR 60-1, Section 6.2 encourages units to present a Cadet of the Month Award to motivate cadet participation and progression. An alternate Cadet of the Quarter is encouraged.
NOTE: This Section only covers awards regularly presented to cadets, emphasizing that these awards be utilized throughout the annual training cycle, as appropriate. Additional cadet awards can be found in CAP Regulation 39-3 Award of CAP Medals, Ribbons and Certificates.
9.2 Cadet of the Quarter
As squadron standard operating procedure, cadets are measured against criteria for recognition as the Cadet of the Quarter based on the following (subject to alteration during the year):
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Weekly attendance
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"Weekend" activity participation (Squadron-, Group-, or Wing-level)
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Promotions in grade
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Milestone achievements
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Top scores in physical fitness testing
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Awards and ribbons earned (excluding cadet promotions/achievements)
The Cadet Command Staff, with he advice and feedback of the Cadre, shall review the top three candidates for Cadet of the Quarter to select the individual most deserving of recognition. This individual does not need to have scored the most points but should be distinctive above all others in their performance for that quarter.
The Cadet of the Quarter will receive a gift item reward along with a certificate for recognition.
9.3 Airman of the Quarter
The Airman of the Quarter Award recognizes the most outstanding Cadet Airman, Cadet Airman First Class, Cadet Senior Airman, or recently-promoted Cadet Staff Sergeant for their performance during the quarter. The criteria for Cadet of the Quarter should be referred to as a basis for the Airman of the Quarter Award, which is intended for non-staff cadets.
The Airman of the Quarter will receive a gift item reward along with a certificate for recognition.
9.4 Air Force Association Award ("Cadet of the Year")
In accordance with CAPR 39-3, the unit shall review candidates for the annual AFA Award to recognize the squadron's most outstanding cadet during the training year. The unit shall review the individuals recognized as the Cadet of the Quarter as the basis for the AFA Award.
The AFA Award should be considered an equivalent of a "Squadron Cadet of the Year" award.
9.5 Cadet Cyber Badges
CAP Pamphlet 60-41 Cyber and STEM Recognition outlines the criteria for the awarding of Cadet Cyber Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced level badges.
Cadets must participate in the CyberPatriot competition to earn the Basic and Intermediate badges.
The unit shall maintain a tracker to record cadets' progression through the cyber curriculum and those participating in CyberPatriot to ensure that earned badges are awarded. Cyber Badges will be awarded automatically upon meeting prerequisites to earn the badge. An Awards Committee is not required to review candidacy/worthiness.
9.6 Cadet STEM Badges
CAP Pamphlet 60-41 Cyber and STEM Recognition outlines the criteria for the awarding of Cadet STEM Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced level badges.
Cadets must participate in a series of STEM-related activities to earn STEM badges. Civil Air Patrol's Model Rocketry Program is excluded from the list of eligible activities to earn the badge. Participation as a member of the unit's StellarXplorers competition team counts for credit toward the badge.
The unit shall maintain a tracker to record cadets' progression through the STEM curriculum to ensure that earned badges are awarded. STEM Badges will be awarded automatically upon meeting prerequisites to earn the badge. An Awards Committee is not required to review candidacy/worthiness.