Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) Honor Guard Academy

The Mid Atlantic Honor Guard Academy's objective is to provide leadership training to cadets that will enable them to implement the Honor Guard Program within their individual wings and units. The Honor Guard Program contributes to both Civil Air Patrol and Mid-Atlantic Region by providing a highly visible public relations program. It allows cadets, and seniors to become Ambassadors for Civil Air Patrol and assist with both recruiting and retention.

Honor Guard Academy is a premier Civil Air Patrol training activity where cadets elevate their professionalism, discipline, and ceremonial expertise. Cadets learn advanced skills including rifle movements, Honor Guard drill, flag folding, funeral and memorial proceedings, and other cornerstone elements of ceremonial service. Through rigorous instruction and high standards of uniform wear, customs, and courtesies, Honor Guard Academy prepares cadets to represent Civil Air Patrol with precision, respect, and excellence.

Advanced Honor Guard Academy is an elite Civil Air Patrol training experience designed for cadets who have mastered foundational Honor Guard skills and are ready to advance to a higher level of ceremonial excellence. At this academy, cadets deepen their knowledge and capabilities as Honor Guardsmen through complex drill movements, precision ceremonial procedures, and advanced instructional blocks. Training includes the execution of a six-man flag detail, enhanced rifle techniques, and refined funeral and memorial service elements. Advanced Honor Guard Academy challenges cadets to uphold the highest standards of bearing, professionalism, and respect as they prepare to lead and mentor within the Honor Guard program.

There are three application options for this activity: 

Honor Guard Academy - Basic. This is for first year attendees
Honor Guard Academy - Advanced.
Honor Guard Academy - Staff

Each has its own application in Registration Zone. See instructions below.

Please note that there is required Virtual Training June 25-27, 2027.
Slotted participants and staff will receive information on this Virtual Training after selection.

Contact for Activity: hga.admin@mar2.cap.gov

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

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

Registration Prerequisites

The following are required at the time of application

• Must be at least 15 years old at start of activity

• Must be under 21 years of age at end of activity

• Must have Encampment credit

• Must have earned the grade of least C/SMSgt

• Physical Fitness Category 1 (Unrestricted) as defined in CAPP 60-50

• Must have updated CAP Health in the prior 30 days

• Advanced course applicants must have completed an honor guard academy 

Important Note: Cadets applying for the Honor Guard Academy must be able to maintain high-energy periods and sustain a lengthy daily schedule while working in a team environment. Must be in excellent physical condition.

Staff Application Information

Cadets: 

• Must be a MAR HGA graduate, or equivalent experience considered approved by the Activity Director

Senior Members: 

• Must be current in Cadet Protection Training

• Must have completed Professional Level II

• Must have updated CAP Health in the prior 30 days

Apply in Registration Zone.

MAR Honor Guard Academy Basic (first year applicants)

MAR Honor Guard Academy Advanced

MAR Honor Guard Academy Staff

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. 

Supplemental documents may be required uploads in Registration Zone.

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

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. 

• Complete 80% of the activity requirements 

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for behavior (includes online portion)

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Activity Staff will not be able to accommodate cadets using the airlines' Unaccompanied Minor service

• Activity Staff will provide transportation between Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) and the activity location

• Additional details will be provided after slotting

Required staff training will be conducted on TBD