Adult Leaders

Like adult staff in other after school and youth-serving organizations, the Cadet Programs Officer is CAP's version of a youth development professional. More than mere chaperones, they are educators and role models, trusted adults who enable cadets to grow and succeed through CAP's carefully-designed Cadet Program. Survey after survey, cadets say that the #1 factor affecting cadet life is their having access to well-trained, highly-committed adult leaders. 

In relation to cadets, CP Officers are authority figures. They are entrusted with the responsibility of acting in loco parentis, in the place of the parent. Accordingly, they do not permit their relationships with cadets to deteriorate into peer-to-peer relationships. 

Cadet Programs Officer is an umbrella term claimed by any senior member whose CAP service focuses on instructing, supervising, or mentoring cadets, such as adult volunteers holding these duty assignments:

• Director of Cadet Programs  (Region, Wing, Group)  

• Squadron Commander

• Deputy Commander / DCC

• Leadership Officer          

• Aerospace Officer

• Cyber Education Officer

• Fitness Officer

• Character Development Instructor

• Testing Officer 

• Recruiting & Retention Officer

• Staff Assistants  (CP staff at group level and higher)

Who are the most effective CP officers? Cadet alumni? Parents? Aviation professionals? Educators? Retired military? Community do-gooders? All of the above! Survey after survey, cadets tell us that what counts most is not their adult leaders' background, but the adults' personal qualities. As Dr. King once said, "Everybody can be great because everyone can serve." Cadets need guidance from trusted, caring adults who respect the cadets as capable young leaders. Thank you for your service.