Cadet Officer School

The goal of COS is to contribute to the growth of Cadet officers as mature leaders and responsible citizens. COS is an introduction to strategic perspectives in leadership, consistent with the Cadet Program’s leadership education goals for Phase IV of the Cadet Program. Moreover, behind this goal is the belief that leadership is a multi‐disciplinary subject requiring academic study and continual self‐assessment. Michelangelo’s statement, “Ancora imparo” or, “I am still learning” serves as the school motto and underlines our belief that leadership education is a lifelong process.

Cadet Officer School is patterned after the USAF Squadron Officer School. The course is divided between lecture, seminar, and hands-on training. Instructors, both Civil Air Patrol and military, guide cadets through the Air Force's approach to the psychology of leadership, problem solving, effective writing, speaking, and group dynamics.  In addition to classes and seminars, a wide variety of top military and industry leaders come as guest speakers. Topics include human relations, critical thinking, leadership and national security.

Contact for Activity: cadetofficerschool@gmail.com

Website for Activity: https://www.facebook.com/CAPCOS/

Cadet Participants:

Possess the Mitchell at the time of application
Completed Encampment and recorded in eServices by time of application
At least 16 by start of activity
Not 21 years old by end of activity
Have not previously attended COS

Staff:

Cadets: COS does not have a cadet staff 

Senior Members (Support Staff & Flight Instructors) 
All Staff: Must work well with others and thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment; must have completed TLC and be current on CPPT requirements. 

Flight Instructors: Proven strategic-level leadership experience, within CAP or in military or civilian organization, with strong mentoring skills for guiding youth.
 

Apply in Registration Zone here.

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

All staff must apply via Registration Zone in eServices, or they will not receive credit for the activity in their records. For staff applicants, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not you have not been selected. Applications will be accepted from 1 December onward.  In addition, accomplish the following: 

Participants: 

Follow the directions for required documents in Registration Zone.

Senior Members: Upload a resume reflecting your relevant leadership experience.

Important Information:

Please apply for this activity in Registration Zone.

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

NHQ Financial Assistance: Go to the eServices CadetInvest Module and apply for Cadet Lift and Take-Off Program Cadet (TOP), to be considered for needs-based financial assistance or NCSA scholarships.  Also apply for flight scholarships. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with attending some NCSAs, as well as flight academies. They include payment of your activity fees and transportation to and from the activity. Go to the CadetInvest pages for more details. Deadline to apply for scholarships and financial assistance is 15 January. 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.  

COS Specific Scholarships: Through CadetInvest, Cadet Officer School has a limited number of scholarships available for deserving cadets. 

• 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: 17 July and 28 July 2025

Staff Travel and Required Training Days (dependent on position): 14/15 July // 28 or 29 July

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)