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Cadet Officer School
CADET OFFICER SCHOOL 2026
Think. Lead. Inspire. Cadet Officer School is Civil Air Patrol’s premier leadership experience: a challenging and fast-paced academic program held at Maxwell Air Force Base, home of the U.S. Air Force’s Air University. Patterned after the USAF Squadron Officer School, COS helps you strengthen your leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills through dynamic classes, real-world scenarios, and thought-provoking discussions. You’ll train alongside some of the top cadets from across the country with guidance from experienced CAP senior leaders, Air Force officers, and Air University instructors—the same professionals who develop our nation’s military leaders. Expect full days of hands-on learning, inspiring guest speakers, and an environment that encourages you to grow, perform, and lead at your best.
If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, Cadet Officer School 2026 is your next step.
2026 Travel Information
Arrival: In-process will take place on Saturday 18 July 2026 between 1000-2200. If you cannot arrive between the set hours, please email cadetofficerschool@gmail.com as soon as possible - we cannot promise to accommodate arrivals outside this window.
Departure: on Wednesday 29 July 2026 before 1200. Early departure is not recommended as many of the requirements for graduation take place in the last 48 hours of the activity and you cannot leave late as all COS facilities must be returned to USAF at noon. Cadets with airline departures after 1400, out of either airport, should plan to wait at the airport.
**Travel and in-processing UOD is civilian clothes.**
Travel Options:
There are several methods of getting to and departing from Cadet Officer School:
1. Commercial Airline:
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Fly directly into Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) – COS will provide pick-up/drop-off services to this airport.
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Fly into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and secure own transportation to/from our staging area (Maxwell AFB Visitors Center, Bldg. 502, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112).
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Our recommended (and used in 2023 & 2024 for all cadets) option is Groome Transportation into Maxwell AFB. Groome will drop students off directly at the COS hotel on base.
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2. Bus - Use Montgomery, Alabama, as your destination. COS will provide pick-up/drop-off services only from this station. If you opt for other stations, you must secure your own transportation to the Maxwell AFB Visitors Center, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112.
3. Driving
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Self-Driving Cadets - Report to our in-processing area (Squadron Officer School). Cadets are not permitted to use their vehicles during COS. Keys will be surrendered during in-processing.
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Drop-off by Parent/Guardian/CAP Senior Member - Please drive to our staging area (Maxwell AFB Visitors Center, Bldg. 502). If the non-student driver desires to actually drive on base to see the COS facilities, this must be pre-coordinated with the COS Staff.
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Carpooling – if this is a method you would be interested in, please email cadetofficerschool@gmail.com as soon as possible to see if this a feasible option with another cadet from your area.
Other Important Information
COS is an intensive 10-day course that mandates academic and physical participation and can create stressful, but controlled, environments. An USAF medical officer and CAP chaplain will be present to support as needed. For cadets to perform at their best, we encourage advance notice of any medical, academic, or other necessary considerations.
Dietary Considerations - The majority of meals will take place in the Maxwell AFB Dining Hall. Each meal will have options in the cafeteria that meet common dietary needs, including vegetarian options. However, there will be some catered meals so you must notify us so we can plan for specific meals. Please let us know what specific dietary observances you maintain at home so we can support you here. In the past CAP has supported pre-arranged gluten-free, lactose intolerance, allergies, diabetes, low-sodium, vegan, kosher, halal and vegetarian meals. There is also the option to bring your own food if you are more comfortable controlling your dietary options.
Language Considerations - If English is not your first language or you have any documented educational support plans (for example, an IEP) please notify cadetofficerschool@gmail.com so we can adequately prepare to support your academic success at COS.
Graduation Ceremony - The 28 July ceremony is not open to the those outside COS. However, we will live-stream these events on the Cadet Officer School Facebook page for family/friends/mentors to participate virtually.
Lodging Arrangements - You will be staying on-base at Maxwell AFB. You do not need to make your own reservation. Most likely all of the rooms are single occupancy and have a private bath. There are laundry facilities in the building and the COS staff will provide your laundry detergent. You will not be able to charge incidentals to the room.
Medical Disclaimer - If you have, or develop before arriving at Maxwell AFB, any medical conditions that might affect your ability to successfully completing the full activity (examples: physical limitations due to current treatment for broken bones or sprains, frequent headaches, regular nose bleeds, seizures, severe allergies, needing crutches /wheelchair, etc.) please notify the COS email so we can adequately prepare to meet the need. If discovered at COS, a cadet could be dismissed for integrity as failure to disclose is putting staff at risk for caring for this individual. Additionally, if adequate medical accommodations are provided and a cadet chooses not to use them and thereby is unable to fully participate, there is also grounds for dismissal. Note: Maxwell AFB is a federal military facility and does not permit federally illegal substances, including medical marijuana or other cannabis products.
COS Scholarship Program
A donation to the COS Student Scholarship provides top cadets with the opportunity to attend this premier leadership training. Every contribution supports scholarships that help future leaders develop critical skills in leadership, teamwork, and service. Together, we can inspire and equip the next generation to lead with excellence.
In 2024, 36 students received funded to attending COS - that is over $22,000 worth of value. Many of those students would not have had the opportunity to attend without your generous donations.
Apply for Scholarships
Applications for receiving scholarship funding is done through CadetInvest. Refer to the CADETINVEST pages for additional information and timelines.
CONTACT US
The COS Staff looks forward to sharing this challenging learning experience with you in person! You can contact us at cadetofficerschool@gmail.com.
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