Cadet Programs

LEARNING TO LEAD

Cadet Programs is one of the three missions of Civil Air Patrol nationally and a priority for the Lynchburg Composite Squadron. Teenagers from 12 to 18 years of age can join and participate in one of the largest volunteer forces in the world; develop leadership skills, serve their community and experience real-time actual search & rescue missions both on the ground and in the air. Cadets that become members prior to age 18 may continue in the cadet program to age 21. 

Lynchburg Composite Squadron prides itself on having a robust cadet program. The unit has received the distinctive designation as a "Quality Cadet Unit" by National Civil Air Patrol for 7 consecutive years as of 2022. This distinction is awarded only to a select number of CAP Squadrons nationwide. In 2022, Lynchburg Composite Squadron was one of only four units in Virginia Wing to have a perfect score of 10/10.  

Please see the National website to learn more about the criteria for this award. 

Cadets in the CAP learn leadership, aerospace education, teamwork, respect, responsibility, military customs and courtesies, and physical fitness. Also available to cadets are a wide range of summer camps and activities that they can attend. These week long camps called National Cadet Special Activities, allow cadets to have hands-on experience with a wide range of topics from Search and Rescue, Civil Engineering, Aircraft Flight Training, and much more.

FLIGHT IN CAP AIRCRAFT

Also, upon joining CAP, cadets receive five free orientation flights, or "O-Rides" in a Civil Air Patrol powered airplane and five free orientation flights in a glider plane.

PHASES OF THE EXPERIENCE

The Cadet Program is divided into four phases of leadership experience and aerospace knowledge: the Learning Phase, Leadership Phase, Command Phase, and Executive Phase. With each phase, cadets advance in leadership, aerospace education, responsibility, and physical fitness.