AF Civil Engineering Academy

The Air Force Civil Engineering Academy cadet activity for Civil Air Patrol inspires the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders by immersing cadets in real-world engineering challenges that mirror the demands of today’s Air Force missions. Through hands-on training by elite RED HORSE Civil Engineering Cadre in construction, environmental stewardship, and emergency infrastructure repair, cadets learn the value of teamwork, innovation, and precision under pressure. They discover that engineering is more than blueprints and tools—it’s about building the future, sustaining operations, and ensuring mission readiness in any environment. This experience not only strengthens technical and leadership skills but also instills pride in service and a deeper understanding of how Civil Air Patrol and Civil Engineering contribute to national readiness through education, excellence, and dedication to the RED HORSE motto of “Can Do, Will Do, Have Done”.

What You’ll Do at Air Force Civil Engineering Academy

• Receive a combination of classroom instruction as well as hands-on activities

• Learn about such disciplines as:

  • Heavy equipment management

  • Map making

  • Explosive ordnance disposal

  • Emergency management

  • Water purification

  • Runway lighting

  • And more!

• Instruction on military and civilian careers in Civil Engineering

• Practical experience reading blueprints and using a mechanics ruler.

Why You Should Apply

• Gain real-world skills in Civil Engineering

• Strengthen your college and scholarship applications with unique experiences and demonstrated skills

• Hands-on experience with heavy equipment and practical trade job training

Ready to launch your Civil Engineering adventure?

If you’re passionate about unique Military and Civilian Careers in Civil Engineering, this is your mission. Apply for the Air Force Civil Engineering Academy and explore the possibilities!

Contact for Activity: kevin.divers@tncap.us

Website for Activity: https://www.facebook.com/2014CivilAirPatrolCivilEngineeringAcademy/

Note: Cadets enrolled in Cadet Wings are not eligible for national activities until they complete the program or are disenrolled.

Registration Prerequisites

The following are required at the time of application

• Must be at least age 15 by activity start date

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

Staff Application Information

Cadets:

• Must be at least age 15 by activity start date

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

• Prior attendance at AFCEA preferred

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

Apply in Registration Zone

Applications will be accepted from 15 December through 15 January at 12pm Central.  

Parent, Unit and Wing Approval deadlines must be met in order for an application to be considered. 

Staff: In addition to applying in eServices, please send letter stating why you want to attend AFCEA as cadet staff member to the activity director at kevin.divers@tncap.us.

All participant and staff applications must be submitted via Registration Zone in eServices. 

Lift/Top is a needs-based financial assistance program. If selected as a Lift/Top recipient, your activity tuition will be paid by NHQ and you may have the option to receive a partial travel reimbursement towards round trip transportation to and from the activity. Lift/Top recipients must accept their slot in writing in order to receive this financial support.

CAP Cadet Scholarships: Through the generosity of our supporting donors, some CAP scholarships focus on supporting cadet attendance at NCSAs through a merit-based application process. Please see the Scholarship page to see the full list of available Activity Scholarships.

How to apply:

• Applications for both Lift/Top and CAP Scholarships are located in Registration Zone.

• You must apply for each program for which you wish to be considered.

• Lift/Top and each CAP Cadet Scholarship have their own individual Registration Zone events, separate from activity applications.

Important:

• Applying for these financial support programs does not guarantee financial assistance will be offered.

• Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity.

• You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity.

• You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.

The deadline to apply for these financial support programs is 15 January at 12pm Central. No late applications will be accepted. 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Activity Staff will provide transportation between Northwest Beaches Airport (ECP) and the activity location.

• Required Staff Training on TBD at TBD.