Become a Cadet Special Activity (CSA)

Cadet Special Activity (CSA) & National Flight Academy (NFA) Accreditation Process

The purpose of the accreditation process, as outlined in CAPR 60-1, 8.5, is to enlarge cadets’ access to exemplary special activities, use the CSA ribbon as a motivator, and provide managerial and quality controls within the NCSA/CSA system. CSAs are programs hosted by wings or regions that enable cadets to explore in-demand careers. NFAs are powered flight programs that provide primary flight instruction.

CSAs and NFAs agree to the following when submitting for accreditation:

Activity will use Registration Zone as the exclusive application platform
Activity will require Encampment credit for all Cadet Slots
Activity will use Autoslotting for all Participant/Student Slots

How to Nominate

Each September, an email invitation is sent from National Headquarters Cadet Programs Team to Wings and Regions soliciting nominations for activities that you believe should become an Accredited CSA.

Minimum Requirements & Nomination Process

Returning CSAs Nominations will include the following:

Endorsement letter or email from the Region Commander
If CSA is hosted by a wing, the Wing Commander must also submit an endorsement
Statement from Activity Director that includes proposed updates to curriculum and proposed activity updates based on survey feedback

First-time CSA Nominations will include the following:

Copies of curriculum
Schedule
Budget to actuals
Course critique or after-action reports
Operations plan that includes lodging, meals, transportation and staffing details
Endorsement letter or email from the region (if wing hosted the wing must also endorse)

Use the Accredited CSA Checklist to prepare your nomination package. Submit your nomination package during the annual nomination window in September, once announced.

A panel reviews each submission to ensure it meets criteria for selection and recommends the list to the National Commander.
Once the commander approves the list, Cadet Programs notifies the activity staff and host of their selection.

The goal is to post all Summer approved activities on the NCSAS.com website by 1 December.

Past Accredited Activities

See this attached list for activities garnering the Cadet Special Activities (CSA) Ribbon prior to 2018.
Some activities do not issue attendance certificates.
Attendance is recorded by the activity staff in the "Cadet Training" section of member's eServices at the conclusion of the activity.
This electronic record is proof of attendance and can be used to request authorization to wear the ribbon.