Cadet Officer School

At Cadet Officer School (COS), you’ll experience the same academic environment that shapes Air Force officers — a fast-paced, discussion-driven program that sharpens your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. Hosted at Air University, the U.S. Air Force’s center for professional education, COS is one of Civil Air Patrol’s most prestigious NCSAs.

Designed for advanced cadet leaders, COS builds on the foundations taught at Region Cadet Leadership School, challenging you to think critically, lead with confidence, and approach leadership from a strategic perspective.

Over 10 days, you’ll engage in dynamic seminars, debate complex issues, and test your leadership in real-world scenarios under the mentorship of Air Force Officers, experienced CAP leaders, and Air University instructors who train military and civilian leaders alike.

What You’ll Do at Cadet Officer School

• Full, high-energy days of graduate-style seminars and leadership labs modeled after Air University coursework that challenge you to think and perform at your best

• Hands-on opportunities to strengthen communication, teamwork, and public speaking through guided practice and real-time feedback

• Engaging discussions and case studies that explore real-world challenges in ethics, strategy, and organizational behavior

• Explore careers in military, government and civilian leadership areas important to our nation

Why You Should Apply

• Build advanced leadership, interpersonal, and thinking skills that set you apart as a CAP officer

• Network with leaders, educators, and motivated cadets from across the nation

• Gain a competitive edge for future leadership opportunities in CAP, college, and beyond

Ready to take your leadership to the next level?

For over 60 years, COS graduates have gone on to become Civil Air Patrol’s top cadet leaders and mentors. Join that proud legacy and apply for Cadet Officer School 2026 to challenge yourself to lead, think, and inspire!

Contact for Activity: cadetofficerschool@gmail.com

Activity Facebook Group for Participants, Parents, and Alumni: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18WPMUDWPz/

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

The following are required at the time of application:

• Must have earned the Mitchell Award

• Must have Encampment Credit

• Must be at least 16 years old by start of activity

• Must be under 21 years old at the end of activity

• Must NOT have attended COS previously

Staff Application Information

Cadets: There are no cadet staff positions for this activity

Senior Members: 

The following are required at the time of application:

• Must work well with others

• Must thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment

• Current in Training Leasers of Cadets (TLC)

• Current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have updated CAP Health in prior 30 days

Additional requirements for Flight Instructors:

• Must have proven strategic-level leadership experience within CAP or in military or civilian organization

• Must have strong mentoring skills for guiding youth

Apply in Registration Zone

Any required documents for your application are listed below and should be uploaded to the Registration Zone application for this activity.

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. 

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

Selectees, please bookmark and use this page for further instructions. COS Student Page.  

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 any reason

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

Note: only successful graduation from Cadet Officer School (not just completion of activity) garners NCSA credit or award of a silver star on the milestone ribbon  

Cadet Travel Days: July 18 & July 30, 2027 

Staff Travel and Required Training Days (dependent on position): Coming Soon

Transportation Options: Select the one that is best fit to get you there on time and is cost effective for you.  All options below are acceptable.

1. Fly to Montgomery Airport (MGM) (COS Staff will pick up there)

2. Atlanta Airport (ATL) then use vetted commercial provider (Groome Transportation) to be dropped off directly at lodging

3. Self-Driving or drop-off at designated check-in location 

4. Greyhound bus to Montgomery, AL station (COS Staff will pick up there)