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Special Cadet Program Awards
Every cadet knows about the Curry, Mitchell, Spaatz, and the other awards they naturally earn as they climb the ranks. But for cadets who achieve above and beyond basic expectations, special awards are available. This page summarizes Cadet Program awards for cadets, seniors, and cadet units. Note that some organizations that sponsor awards provide mementos that may or may not be authorized to wear on the uniform; see CAPR 39-1 for details.
Table of Contents
Awards for Individual Cadet Programs Officers (Adults)
2024 Award Winners
Awards for Individual Cadets
General Excellence
| Award Name | Reference | Echelon | Suggested Niche |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP Cadet of the Year | CAPR 39-3 | All | Best cadet overall, total membership duration |
| Air Force Association Award to Outstanding Cadets | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron | Cadet at any level performs in superior manner during year; more information here |
| VFW Award to Outstanding Cadet Officers | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron | Cadet officer lauded for leadership performance. Submit to your local VFW Post with a CAPF 120. |
| VFW Award to Outstanding Cadet NCOs | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron | Excellence from a younger cadet NCO. Submit to your local VFW Post with a CAPF 120. |
| Air Force Sergeants' Association Award to Outstanding Cadet NCOs |
CAPR 39-3 | Squadron | Best overall cadet NCO, total membership duration; more information |
| CAP Cadet of the Month Award(s) | CAPR 60-1 | Squadron | Outstanding performance by a cadet airman or NCO during the preceding month; see program details |
Excellence in Aerospace Education
| Award Name | Reference | Echelons |
|---|---|---|
| Frank G. Brewer Memorial Cadet Aerospace Education Award | CAPR 50-1 | Wing, Region, National |
| Air Force Association Aerospace Education Cadet of the Year | CAPR 50-1 | Wing, Region, National; more information here |
Excellence in Physical Fitness
| Award Name | Reference | Echelons | Eligibility Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Youth Fitness Award | Website | Individuals at squadron | Available to all who qualify |
| Presidential Active Lifestyle Award | Website | Individuals at squadron | Available to all who qualify |
Awards for Accomplishments Made Outside of CAP
| Award Name | Reference | Echelons | Eligibility Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Congressional Award |
CAPP 52-5 /
CAPP 60-63 |
Individuals at squadron | Available to all who qualify |
| CAP Honor Roll at USAF Academy | CAPR 39-3 | Nationally, at USAFA | Determined by USAFA |
CAP Ribbons All Cadets Should Try to Earn
| Award Name | Ribbon Image | Requirement | Reference | Echelon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet Recruiter Ribbon |  |
Recruit 2 new cadets or seniors | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron |
| Community Service Ribbon |  |
Provide 60 hrs service outside CAP | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron |
| Red Service Award |  |
Complete 2 years' service in CAP | CAPR 39-3 | Squadron |
Awards for Individual Cadet Programs Officers (Adults)
| Award Name | Reference | Echelon |
|---|---|---|
| F. Ward Reilly Leadership Award | CAPR 39-3 | National |
| John V. "Jack" Sorensen Cadet Programs Officer of the Year Award |
CAPR 60-1 | Group & above |
Awards for Cadet Units
| Award Name | Reference | Units Eligible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Cadet Unit Award | CAPR 60-1 | Squadrons | Available to every squadron that qualifies; see QCUA home page |
| Squadron of Merit Award | CAPR 60-1 | Squadrons | Available to 1 squadron per wing, annually |
| Squadron of Distinction Award | CAPR 60-1 | Squadrons | Available to 1 squadron per region, annually A representative squadron from among the region winners is recognized nationally |
| Cadet Programs Mission Award | CAPR 60-1 | Wings | Available to 1 wing per region, and 1 wing at national |
| American Legion Award to Outstanding Squadrons |
CAPR 39-3 | Squadrons |
Awards of Historical Interest
| Award Name | Image | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Congressional Gold Medal (WWII-era CAP members) |
 |
|
| Air Force Organizational Excellence Award |  |
See news release |
