Mentor
Great Cadet Programs Officers are passionate about helping young people succeed through encouragement, coaching, and positive leadership.
Become a Cadet Programs Officer
Cadet Programs
Cadets Need Your Leadership
Every successful cadet program begins with dedicated adult leaders who mentor, teach, and inspire the next generation of Civil Air Patrol members.
Mentor the Leaders of Tomorrow
Cadets need your leadership. Your service as a supervisor, instructor, mentor, or role model is one of the most valuable contributions you can make to Civil Air Patrol.
No squadron will succeed in its cadet mission unless it has the benefit of well-trained, dedicated Cadet Programs Officers.
Cadet Programs Officers help cadets grow through leadership development, aerospace education, character development, fitness, activities, and meaningful mentorship.
Cadet Programs Officer
What Makes a Great CPO?
Lead
Cadet Programs requires adults who can plan activities, develop leaders, supervise events, and build relationships with cadets and families.
Inspire
Every interaction with a cadet is an opportunity to shape a future leader who may remember your guidance for the rest of their life.
Why Volunteer?
The Rewards Are Worth It
Serving in Cadet Programs is one of Civil Air Patrol's most demanding missions. It requires time, training, activity support, relationship building, and a sincere commitment to being a role model for young people.
"I work with cadets to mentor them so that hopefully they don't make the mistakes I made. I want them to be better than me, and to take the leadership lessons they learn to be the leaders of their state and nation."
- Lt. Col. Phil Kost, USA (Ret)
"My reward as a senior member is ensuring the cadets are getting the information and resources I never knew of so they can enjoy the program to the fullest."
- Capt. Joshua Taylor, CAP
Leadership Opportunities
Cadet Programs Needs Diverse Leaders
Different Backgrounds
Cadet Programs Officers come from many backgrounds. Educators, veterans, emergency managers, first responders, administrators, communicators, parents, and community leaders all bring valuable experience.
Real Leadership Experience
Cadet Programs can provide practical leadership experience through training, activities, event planning, mentoring, team development, logistics, communications, and youth supervision.
Get Involved
How to Become a Cadet Programs Officer
Cadet Programs Officers help squadrons create meaningful experiences for cadets. If you are ready to mentor, teach, and serve, these steps can help you get started.
Mentorship
Training
Activities
Leadership
Getting Started
Steps to Serve in Cadet Programs
1. Talk to Your Commander
Speak with your squadron commander about being added to the Cadet Programs Specialty Track.
2. Attend TLC
Attend a Training Leaders of Cadets course to learn the fundamentals of mentoring, supervising, and supporting cadets.
3. Find a Mentor
Talk to your squadron, group, or wing Cadet Programs Officer about finding a mentor who can help guide your development.
4. Support Activities
Get your Civil Air Patrol Driver Authorization and begin supporting meetings, events, trips, activities, and cadet training opportunities.
Helpful Resources
- Cadet Programs Specialty Track
- Training Leaders of Cadets Course
- Cadet Programs Handbook
- Cadet Programs Study Guide
- Civil Air Patrol Driver Authorization
- Squadron, group, and wing Cadet Programs mentors
Why Cadet Programs Matters
Cadet Programs Officers help create the environment where cadets learn discipline, teamwork, responsibility, confidence, and leadership. Their mentorship can shape cadets long after they leave the program.
Contact Wing Cadet Programs
If you do not know where to begin, contact Texas Wing Cadet Programs at cp@txwg.cap.gov.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you are interested in mentoring tomorrow's leaders, speak with your squadron commander or contact the Texas Wing Cadet Programs team.
