Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters - Cadet Blog

Introducing QCUA Local Action Metric

jmcintosh@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:02:52 +0000

As we enter the 2026 QCUA season, we are excited to announce the new Local Action metric! To earn Local Action credit, units must host four different community engagement activities with at least four cadets at each event. Local Action events are unit level events with a community service focus. CAP fundraising activities, missions (training or actual), open houses, recruiting tables, and training events at the unit do not qualify for Local Action.

How does my unit get credit?

Local Action credit is added by the unit in the QCUA Administration module in eServices, or automatically through Registration Zone if the following criteria are met in the Manage Events setup and if attendance is entered through the Registration Zone attendance module.

Organization includes all units that should receive credit on the Event Details tab
Type of Community Service is included on the Event Details tab
Mark Attendance is toddles on in the Advanced tab.

For more information on the QCUA module in eServices, please reference the QCUA User Guide.

What counts as Local Action? What doesn't count?

Local Action events are unit level events with a community service focus. CAP fundraising activities, missions (actual or training), open houses, recruiting booths, and training events at the unit do not qualify for this category. For example, selling Wreaths Across America wreaths at the local mall would not count, but participating in the wreath-laying at WAA does count for local action. Events hosted by a Group or higher echelon do not count towards Local Action. If you are unsure if an event would count as a Local Action, check with your Wing DCP for guidance. cadets@capnhq.gov is a great resource, too.

7 October 2025 Update: Several questions come up during the recent QCUA webinar. Answers to them are below:

Can CAP help at county fairs, airshows, and the like with parking cars? This type of activity is not prohibited. See this fundraising page for more information. The process is required regardless of the event being for fundraising or not.
How many hours are required for something to count as Local Action? There is no hour minimum, but units should use good judgement when adding something as local action or not.
Does Operation Pulse Lift count towards Local Action? This would not count since it is not a unit level event, and is a mission.
Do events spanning multiple days count as several Local Action events? This would only count as one Local Action since it is for the same event.
Can multiple units get credit for the same event? What if the Group or Wing hosts it? Only the primary hosting unit receives credit for an event. For example, Anytown Composite Squadron is invited to march in the holiday parade and organizes 15 cadets to march plus a color guard - they would receive credit, but an extra group of cadets who joined from Neighbortown Composite Squadron would not since Neighbortown did not organize the event.
Do events hosted by the group or wing get credit for all participating units? Events hosted by a group or wing are not unit-level so would not count towards Local Action for any of the participating units.

Still not sure if your event counts as Local Action? Check with your Wing DCP or email cadets@capnhq.gov!

How can I check what Local Action credits my unit (or a unit within my scope) has?

There are two ways to check Local Action credits.

QCUA Reports.
- Within the QCUA module, select the Local Action report type, Organization, and an optional QCUA cycle. You can then view the data in eServices or export it to an excel sheet for further data manipulation.
QCUA Details.

Within the QCUA module, select your unit, then scroll to the Local Action Credits section.

When can I start entering Local Action credits?

The QCUA Local Action credit module is in eServices now and credits can be entered!

What happened to the Specialty Track metric?

With the introduction of the Local Action criteria, we have removed the Specialty Track criteria (Unit has at least 2 Senior Members with a Cadet Programs Specialty Track rating). Since its introduction in 2022, approximately 80% of units have met this criteria, indicating that the criteria is not challenging for the majority of units. Additionally, about 25% of all CP Specialty Track ratings were earned before 2010. Members with CP Specialty Track ratings who are on a unit’s roster but are inactive or are no longer involved in Cadet Programs do not contribute to a strong program.

QCUA Local Action & Best Practices Webinar

CAP/CP hosted a webinar, QCUA Local Action & Best Practices, on Sunday, 5 October, at 7pm Central Time to discuss the new Local Action metric and ways units can work to earn QCUA. You can view the recording and slides here.

Cadet Programs Welcomes New YAI Panel Members

jcooley@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 14:47:37 +0000

We are excited to welcome two new YAI Panel Members!

Lt Col Morgan Bennett joined CAP as a cadet in Alabama Wing's Pell City Composite Squadron in January 2003, and earned the Carl A Spaatz Award in June 2008. Her first solo was in a CAP Cessna 172 in December 2009, and she earned her Private Pilot Certificate in a CAP Glider as a senior member in December 2016, after which she continued training in single-engine airplanes. In 2019, she was selected to develop and lead the Great Lakes Region Advanced Flight Training Academy, where she served as the academy director until October 2022. Lt Col Bennett holds a multi-engine land ATP certificate and is an instructor for single-engine airplanes, gliders, and instruments. She is a captain on the Hawker 800 at AirMed International in Birmingham, AL, and continues to instruct at a nearby flight school.

Captain Joshua “Josh” Pattberg is an active member of the Silver City Cadet Squadron in the Connecticut Wing of Civil Air Patrol. He currently serves as the Cadet Student Pilot Coordinator for the wing, where he enjoys his role in guiding and mentoring aspiring aviators. As a certified CFI/CFII, Captain Pattberg is dedicated to helping motivated cadets reach their aviation goals with focus, discipline, and efficiency. Beyond flight instruction, he contributes to the wing’s operational readiness as both an Assistant Inspector General and Assistant Maintenance Officer. When not in uniform, Captain Pattberg enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, and golfing.

Civil Air Patrol Announces Jacob McIntosh as Program Manager for Cadet Support Services

jmcintosh@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Wed, 28 May 2025 15:40:52 +0000

The Cadet Programs team at Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters is proud to announce the appointment of Jacob McIntosh as the new Program Manager for Cadet Support Services. In this pivotal role, Jacob will lead the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of the support systems that serve thousands of cadets and adult volunteers across the nation.

Jacob will manage the daily operations of key cadet-facing programs, including the Curry Uniform Voucher Program, Cadet Packet Program, Quality Cadet Unit Award (QCUA), Cadets in School initiative, Spaatz Award administration, and several other high-impact initiatives. He will oversee lifecycle planning for these programs, align them with CAPR 60-1 and strategic objectives, and seek opportunities for innovation and automation.

In addition to program management, Jacob will provide frontline and escalated customer service via phone, email, help desk, and social media; supervise National Cadet Team volunteers; and serve as the administrative lead for the National Cadet Advisory Council (NCAC). He will also coordinate with CAP’s IT, Legal, Logistics, and Finance teams to ensure platform integrity, regulatory compliance, and financial stewardship across support services—with oversight of more than $2 million in transactions annually.

Jacob brings a unique blend of operational experience and member perspective. Since Fall 2023, he has served as the Program Assistant for Cadet Wings, where he supported cadet advancement through aviation training and managed vendor and customer support processes. Prior to joining CAP’s national staff, Jacob managed USDA Commodity food programs at a Feeding America-affiliated food bank, partnering with community organizations to distribute essential resources and improve food security.

A proud graduate of the University of North Carolina at Asheville with a Bachelor of Arts in History, Jacob first joined Civil Air Patrol as a cadet in 2014 and earned the General Ira C. Eaker Award before becoming a Senior Member. He has since served in numerous volunteer leadership roles, including Public Affairs Officer, Emergency Services Training Officer, and Deputy Commander for Cadets. Notably, he led his Wing’s fixed-wing thermal imaging initiative, expanding its emergency services capacity.

Outside of CAP, Jacob enjoys reading, hiking, and exploring the scenic landscapes of his home state of Maine—which he considers the best state in the country. Fun fact: Maine is one of only four states that prohibit highway billboards, helping preserve its natural beauty.

Please join us in congratulating Jacob McIntosh on his selection. His dedication to mission, member service, and program excellence will continue to benefit cadets, volunteers, and staff nationwide.

Cadet Protection as a Force For Change: Year of Ownership Webinar Recap

kthurson@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:07:35 +0000

In Civil Air Patrol, safety and leadership go hand in hand. Whether on a mission, in the field, or during a weekly squadron meeting, cadets and adult leaders are called to step up, not just when things go right, but especially when challenges arise. This mindset is rooted in the principle of Extreme Ownership, a cornerstone of effective leadership that reinforces accountability, trust, and mission success. CAP is currently engaged in a Year of Ownership targeting four key areas: Airworthiness, Safety, Stakeholder Experience, and Cadet Protection.

During a recent Year of Ownership webinar in our Cadet Protection series, we focused on the first two steps of the “Five Effective Steps of Ownership,” a practical framework for taking responsibility and fostering a culture where cadets, senior members, and their stakeholders (i.e., parents, friends, community members, etc.) thrive. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways.

Why Extreme Ownership Matters

The session opened by highlighting CAP’s deep commitment to youth protection and leadership development. These values are not just aspirational, they’re lived out every day through programs that prioritize safety and personal growth.

Extreme Ownership, popularized by Echelon Front, teaches that it's not enough to simply say, “It’s my fault.” True ownership requires a structured response; one that begins with Explaining the Problem and Describing the Impact to the Team and Mission.

These steps also align with the 5 Cs of Positive Youth Development (PYD):

Competence – Recognizing and articulating challenges clearly and constructively.
Confidence – Feeling empowered to speak up and take meaningful action.
Connection – Building trusting relationships through open communication and shared responsibility.
Character – Demonstrating integrity and accountability when facing mistakes or setbacks.
Caring – Expressing empathy and concern for how problems affect others and the mission.

Step 1: Explain the Problem

Why it matters: A well-defined problem is easier to solve. It prevents misunderstandings, finger-pointing, and missed opportunities for learning.

Key strategies:

Stick to the facts—keep emotions and blame out of it.
Be specific and concise.
Focus on what success looks like, not just what’s going wrong.

Panel highlights:

Creating a safe environment for cadets to raise concerns is essential.
Clear communication is a leadership skill we can model and mentor.

Leaders shared strategies for making sure cadets feel heard, and that their concerns are addressed constructively.

Step 2: Describe the Impact to the Team and Mission

Why it matters: Understanding why a problem matters reinforces the importance of each team member’s role. It connects the dots between individual actions and mission outcomes.

Key reflection questions:

How does this affect team trust?
How does this impact safety or mission success?

Panel discussion highlights:

We shared a moment when a near-miss safety incident was quickly reported and used as a learning opportunity. That transparency built more trust than if nothing had gone wrong at all.
The power of storytelling to help cadets connect the “small stuff” to big-picture outcomes.

Final Takeaways

Do it scared. That is one of my favorite quotes - it’s okay to be scared, and you can still be courageous in the face of adversity. Speaking up, asking questions, holding people and systems accountable, especially those we love can all seem overwhelming at times. And more than just seeming overwhelming, it is overwhelming! But you’re not alone. Whether you’re a first year cadet or a 50 year member, there is an incredible network of people devoted to embodying our values as servant leaders, here at CAP.

Whether you're a cadet just beginning your leadership journey or a seasoned senior member mentoring the next generation, these two steps (1) explaining the problem and (2) describing its impact can transform our culture.

We hope you’ll join us for our next Year of Ownership Cadet Protection webinar, on June 8, 2025 at 7 PM CT! Questions? Please reach out to cadetprotection@capnhq.gov and we will get you squared away.

New Program Administrator, Cadet Aviation

jcooley@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Thu, 15 May 2025 14:33:03 +0000

Hi! I’m a Program Administrator with Civil Air Patrol, where I help keep things running smoothly so our members—especially our cadets—can focus on what really matters: growing as leaders and exploring the world of aviation.

One of the coolest parts of this job is watching young people discover that flying isn’t just exciting—it’s a real career path, one that’s meaningful, challenging, and full of opportunities. Whether it’s through aerospace education, hands-on training, or leadership experiences, we’re not just shaping future pilots—we’re shaping confident, capable people ready to serve and lead in any field.

I’m proud to be part of a team that builds character, supports community, and makes aviation feel accessible and awesome!

A little about me—I’m a proud military spouse, an Air Force mom, and someone who’s passionate about helping young people grow into their potential. I love serving locally in military/community relations, military spouse employment initiatives, youth education programs, and supporting our youngest military-connected members. I hold degrees in Project Management and Human Resources: Training & Development, and I’m currently pursuing a Graduate degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Outside of work, you can usually find me out on the water, cheering on UAB sports, or planning my next travel adventure. My family is my pride and joy—I have three amazing adult children and one awesome grandson who keeps life extra fun.

New Cadet Curriculum Program Manager

cmulcahy@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 13:50:55 +0000

I am incredibly excited and honored to be joining the National Cadet Team as the Program Manager for Cadet Core Curriculum. I have been committed to positive youth development work my whole life, starting when I was four years old and adamantly declared I wanted to become a teacher. I stuck to that dream all the way through college and the start of my career, until I discovered camps and the world of outdoor education back in 2015. Since then, I’ve been inspired by just how many ways there are to support and empower young people, and I’m thrilled to continue doing that work with CAP.

My role as the Cadet Core Curriculum Program Manager will allow me to engage with the larger CAP community in an effort to keep our cadet curriculum as relevant and purposeful as possible. Creating experiences that our cadets can learn and grow from is pivotal to what CAP does, and I am so honored to be a part of the team that helps create those experiences.

While I have not previously participated in CAP programs in a traditional sense, I was introduced to CAP by serving as a small group facilitator for the Youth Development Conference for three years. The commitment I witnessed to CAP, and particularly the young people in the program, during those conferences was incredible, and I was immediately eager to learn more.

My professional experience involves a lot of program facilitation and curriculum development, a great deal of which occurred in my work with the American Youth Foundation. There I served in a variety of roles, but primarily as the Community and School Programs Director. This work taught me a great deal about tailoring curriculum and activities to the needs of specific groups and finding every opportunity to incorporate youth voice and leadership. My time with the AYF also cemented my professional philosophy, which is that community and relationships should always be the utmost priority. I truly believe that everyone - whether you are a 7 year-old away from home for the first time at summer camp, or a grown adult in a professional setting - needs to feel like they belong and have a genuine connection to another person in order to thrive. It is my mission in life to help as many people as possible create and foster those connections in a way that allows them to live their best lives.

After a handful of years with the AYF, I moved back into the realm of public schools and served as an afterschool program coordinator for Kentwood Public Schools. Additionally, I serve as the Program Director for a small nonprofit, Ballet & Books, which provides free literacy and dance class to children ages 3-9 in an effort to help reduce the literacy gap. Sprinkled throughout my career I’ve also been a nanny, a trivia host, a freelance team building facilitator, and my first job ever was as a farm hand on a potato farm!

I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my husband, Dalton, our dog, Monte, and our angsty cat, Bagels. We bought our first house in 2022 and love to spend our free time doing home improvement projects, cooking, gardening, and traveling across the country to visit loved ones. I also love reading, crafting, and consider the times that I’m in or around water to be some of the happiest in this life. I am grateful and excited to get started on this next chapter of my life with CAP, and to start making connections to more of you!

New Program Administrator for Cadet Career Exploration Camps

malbright@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:39:37 +0000

Welcome Jacquelyn Hansen to the Cadet Programs Team!

I am very grateful for the opportunity to join the Cadet Programs Team as the Program Administrator for Cadet Career Exploration Camps. I will be working with Mary Albright and a dedicated team of volunteers to facilitate participation in unique and transformative experiences for CAP cadets across the nation including National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs), CSAs, and Cadet Invest.

My professional experience includes over 16 years in the telecommunications industry in a variety of roles, including technical support, social media management, content management, and operational analytics focused on improving efficiency. My education experience includes a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistic Anthropology from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Business Administration focused in Data Analytics from Colorado Technical University.

I have been a volunteer in my home Civil Air Patrol Squadron since 2023, serving in roles including Finance Officer, Safety Officer, and Assistant Deputy Commander for Cadets. I have also served on Encampment staff as Finance Officer, Communications Officer, and Senior Tactical Officer. I came to CAP with a desire to provide opportunities to Cadets to gain important skills for their future careers as a result of seeing the way the Cadet Program shaped my husband into the person he is today. The leadership opportunities and safe place to fail provided by CAP’s Cadet Program are among the best at helping teenagers grow into future leaders and responsible adults.

When I am not doing something for CAP, I enjoy reading and knitting. I have knitted many replicas of costume pieces worn in popular television shows and movies.

I currently reside in Albuquerque with my husband, dogs, and cat, close to my adult children and young grandchildren.

Apply Now for Summer 2025 National Cadet Special Activities

malbright@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:09:41 +0000

National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) applications for Summer 2025 are open!

We’re so excited to have 50+ courses available across multiple interest areas.

Dream of pursuing your private pilot’s license? Apply to one of the National Flight Academies
Want to grow your Emergency Services skills? Apply to one of the Search & Rescue Academies
Planning a STEM career? Apply to one of the Technology category activities
Focusing on stepping up your leadership? Apply to one of the Leadership category activities

That's just a taste of what's available!
There is something for everyone.

Visit NCSAs.com to view the FAQs about these activities.
Click here to see the entire slate of options available.

Applications automatically close on Jan 15 at 12pm Central.

No late applications will be accepted.
Do not wait until the last minute to apply.

Follow our Facebook page for the spotlight series showcasing each activity over the coming weeks.

Registration for Summer Activities Opens December 16

cguarniere@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 13:20:36 +0000

Registration for Summer Activities Opens December 16

With the announced operational pause of glider activities in the Civil Air Patrol, we are adjusting the opening date for summer activity registrations to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated process.

Registration for Summer National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA), Cadet Special Activities (CSA), and National Flight Academies (NFA) will now open on December 16, 2024, instead of December 1.

This brief delay allows the NCSA and NFA Leadership Teams time to incorporate necessary adjustments into our programming, ensuring that all cadet opportunities reflect the current landscape while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Important Notes:

Registration Deadlines: Registration will open on December 16, 2024, and will still close on January 15, 2025. Cadets must finalize their registrations within this window to be considered for participation.

Cadet Invest: The application deadline for Cadet Invest also remains unchanged and will close on January 15, 2025.

What to Expect

Beginning December 16, cadets will be able to register for a variety of activities across the country that foster aerospace exploration, leadership development, and camaraderie. These programs are designed to:

Safe: Providing a secure environment for learning and growth.

Meaningful: Offering impactful experiences that inspire and challenge.

Reflective: Encouraging personal insights and growth through thoughtful activities.

Aerospace-Focused: Building a deep affinity for and connection to aerospace through engaging, hands-on opportunities.

Fun: Creating memories that last a lifetime.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to ensure the best possible experience for our cadets. The team is committed to delivering programs that meet our high standards while adapting to this evolving situation.

Information about National Cadet Special Activities can be found at: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/activities/national-cadet-special-activities

Thank you for your continued dedication to Civil Air Patrol and your support of our cadet programs.

Kathrine Schmidt Promoted to Senior Program Manager for Cadet Aviation

cguarniere@capnhq.gov (Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:54:11 +0000

Kathrine Schmidt Promoted to Senior Program Manager for Cadet Aviation

We are excited to announce that Kathrine Schmidt has been promoted to the role of Senior Program Manager for Cadet Aviation. Since joining the Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Team in January 2022, Kathrine has brought over 15 years of experience in nonprofit organizations and youth development to our team. In her new role, she will continue to lead CAP toward its vision of providing "America’s most effective youth aviation experience."

Kathrine will oversee key initiatives such as Orientation Flights, National Flight Academies, Cadet Wings, and the James C. Ray Flight Training Scholarship. She will also chair the enterprise-wide Youth Aviation Steering Committee, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve the program’s outcomes, efficiency, and safety.

Kathrine holds a B.A. in Psychology from Auburn University and is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Her prior experience includes working with child behavioral therapy and language acquisition for exceptional learners and adolescent ESL speakers in foreign nations. In addition to her professional achievements, she is actively involved in The American Saddlebred Horse and Breeders Association, Zeta Tau Alpha Huntsville Alumnae Chapter, and enjoys being a company Dance Mom.