Training Leaders of Cadets
Training Leaders of Cadets is the premiere venue for Cadet Programs Officers to learn how to become better mentors of cadets and more effective managers of cadet squadrons. The 3-course program is a component of the Cadet Programs Officer Specialty Track. To find a course near you, please click "Events" above and search the All-Unit Event Calendar. To foster collegial discussions among adult volunteers, cadets are prohibited from attending.
Quick Links to Course Materials
TLC Program Guide &
Course Director's Handbook
TLC Basic -
Student & Instructor Downloads
TLC Intermediate -
Student & Instructor Downloads
TLC Advanced -
Student Downloads
TLC via Distance Learning
New - March 2020
Adult volunteers may participate in the TLC courses via distance learning using any convenient platform -- Skype, MS Teams, Google Hangouts, Zoom, etc.
The usual operating standards, found in the TLC Program Guide, page 12, remain in effect, except that a virtual experience may substitute for an in-residence experience. For the virtual environment, students should attend a TLC sponsored by their Wing or Group because a portion of the course content is devoted to local Cadet Program practices.
Course directors will please limit class size to 15 or 18 participants, or at least format the online environment so that each "seminar room" is limited to 15 participants. Because TLC is a discussion-centered environment, it's vital that the group be kept at a manageable size that affords every student a fair opportunity to participate actively. Truly, allow more than 18 students and the course will not be possible to implement as designed.
At some point, CAP will make the TLC courses available via its in-house learning management system. Until then, Regions, Wings, and Groups are welcome to deliver the content virtually using local resources and free online tools.
Practical & How-To Suggestions
Chaplain (Lt Col) Jeff Williams CAP has been conducting TLC via distance learning, with CAP/CP authorization, for a while and so he’s shared his tips and tricks. Course directors are welcome to contact him for assistance with his Manhattan Virtual Classroom.
Course Descriptions & FAQs
TLC Basic Course
Format: 7 hours of discussion-based learning in-residence, with two short web modules
Outcome: Adult leaders prepared to contribute as Cadet Programs Officers on a squadron staff
Learning Goals:
1. Articulate the Cadet Programs vision, to include referencing the key traits of cadet life, the program elements and the outcomes each produces, and an explanation of the promotion process.
2. Explain the roles and responsibilities of cadet programs officers serving at the squadron level, with special regard to leadership dynamics, as the adult’s role changes when the cadet staff’s readiness changes.
3. Describe operating principles for squadron-level cadet programs, including Cadet Great Start, weekly meetings and activities, and using the Quality Cadet Unit Award as a self-assessment and managerial tool.
Target Audience:
• New adult volunteers
• Adult volunteers serving in positions below squadron deputy commander
• Veteran CP officers seeking refresher training
Pre-Arrival Coursework: Students need to complete web-based lessons prior to arrival.
See eServices > Online Learning > Learning Management System > Cadet Programs > TLC Basic Course
Course Materials: Visit the Student & Instructor Downloads page
TLC Intermediate Course
Format: 8 hours of discussion-based learning in-residence, with three short web modules
Outcome: Cadet Programs Officers prepared to lead a squadron’s Cadet Program
Learning Goals:
1. Explain basic principles of youth development
2. Describe methods for positive, indirect leadership
3. Describe resources for each program element
4. Describe major national and wing activity programs
Target Audience:
• Graduates of the TLC Basic Course
• Adult volunteers preparing themselves for service as a squadron commander or deputy commander for cadets
• Veteran CP officers seeking refresher training
Pre-Arrival Coursework: None at this time
Course Materials: Visit the Student & Instructor Downloads page
TLC Advanced Course
Format: 6 hours of discussion-based learning and briefings delivered via NHQ-hosted webinars
Outcome: Cadet Programs Officers prepared to administer a wing Cadet Program
Learning Goals:
1. Demonstrate a comprehensive awareness of the DCP’s responsibilities
2. Identify what resources NHQ makes available to wings and describe best practices for maximizing them
3. Describe effective ways for training, monitoring, and evaluating, squadron-level people and programs
4. Describe effective ways to implement wing-level cadet activities, consistent with CAP standards
Target Audience:
• Graduates of the TLC Intermediate Course
• Adult volunteers recently appointed as Region or Wing DCPs
Registration: Limited to Region and Wing DCPs
Pre-Arrival Coursework: None
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Squadrons are supposed to have 2 TLC graduates assigned. What's that mean, now that we have this new TLC program?
A: Completion of the "old" course or completion of the new TLC Basic satisfies the squadron's staffing requirements.
2. Do you have to be a graduate of this "new" TLC to serve as an instructor? Who can teach at the new program?
A: The activity director should hold a Master Rating in Cadet Programs, but that's not a requirement. The activity director selects the instructors, who also should hold master ratings. Ultimately, the activity director staffs the course with the most well-informed, experienced people he or she can find.
3. Do I need to complete TLC Basic before attempting TLC Intermediate?
A: To participate in TLC Intermediate, you need to have completed the "old" TLC program, or TLC Basic. The subject matter at TLC Intermediate presumes a solid working knowledge with Cadet Programs rules and practices, so a newcomer should not attend TLC Intermediate until first completing TLC Basic.
4. Can our squadron host the TLC program?
A. TLC Basic or TLC Intermediate proceeds only under the auspices of the group, wing, or region. This ensures that the participants will come from multiple squadrons, and therefore participants will encounter a variety of perspectives during the class discussions. However, a squadron can "host" a TLC program by providing the facility, helping with publicity around the wing, and generally making everyone feel welcome.
