Leadership Schools

Today's cadets are tomorrow's aerospace leaders.  CAP introduces youth to Air Force perspectives on leadership through self-paced study, classroom instruction and hands-on opportunities to apply leadership principles to real-world challenges.  As cadets advance through the program in-residence leadership schools give them a space to explore increasingly complex concepts and skills associated with leading others.  

Attendance at a leadership academy is required to earn the Eaker Award and cadets should plan their cadet careers accordingly. Cadets have opportunities to study advanced leadership concepts in four settings (CAPR 60-1 5.5.3):

• Region Cadet Leadership School

• Cadet Officer School

• College Programs

• Alternate Leadership Programs

See below for details about each program. 

Region Cadet Leadership Schools

A region cadet leadership school (RCLS) is a course in officership, indirect leadership, and other themes consistent with CAP’s leadership expectations for Phase III and IV cadets. The vision of RCLS is to develop skilled, ethical, and dedicated cadet officers who excel as leaders within the Civil Air Patrol and beyond—bringing mission-driven leadership into their  communities to shape a brighter future for all.

RCLS is offered in person, hybrid, or virtual.  A minimum of 40 contact hours is required with 28 hours of required classes and 12 hours of electives.  The academic core competency areas include project management, organizational leadership, critical thinking/decision making, and interpersonal skills.  Electives allow cadets to explore expanded leadership concepts via experiential learning, field experiences, or team activities. 

To participate, cadets must have completed an encampment and hold the grade of C/MSgt or above (CAPR 60-1 8.4.5.2). However, given the focus on Phase III and IV leadership expectations, the recommended grade is C/2d Lt or above with significant leadership experience at the unit level or beyond.

Cadet Officer School 

Cadet Officer School (COS) is patterned after the USAF Squadron Officer School and is an academically challenging course for cadets 16 and older conducted annually at Maxwell AFB, home of the USAF's Air University.

COS is an in-depth study of the skills of leadership. The course is divided between lecture, seminar, and hands-on training. Instructors guide cadets through the Air Force approach to the psychology of leadership, problem solving techniques, 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 to discuss their experiences with the cadets. Topics include human relations, critical thinking, leadership and national security issues.

There are only about 100 slots available for COS each year and high interest makes the activity highly competitive. Visit the COS website below for more information.  Also, make sure to keep up with the NCSA website for application details.  
 

College Programs 

One semester of college ROTC, a service academy, or a military junior college (any branch). To obtain credit, the cadet forwards to CAP/CP (through the unit commander) a transcript or letter from the institution indicating completion of one semester’s studies.  (CAPR 60-1 5.5.3.2)

Alternate Leadership Programs 

Cadets may request CAP/CP consider a leadership program not listed above for potential credit. CAP/CP awards credit only if the program:

• includes academic content on leadership and officership

• is delivered in both an academic and practical setting

• includes at least 32 contact hours, with 16 of those hours in-residence

• has not already been used to fulfill the encampment requirement (see  CAPR 60-1 9.6).

To obtain credit, the cadet forwards to CAP/CP (through the unit commander) a graduation certificate and synopsis of the curriculum.  Examples include JROTC leadership camp or military academy summer seminar. 

Updated 7 October 2025