Marching along the path from STRIPES to DIAMONDS!

The cadet progression in CAP, the cadet grades share names used by the Air Force starting with cadet Airman Basic and ending with cadet Colonel. The progression includes 16 achievements and 4 phases capped by milestones. While we do related activities during the cadet meetings, most of the effort to advance or certify in skills is self-directed.

•    The first phase is the learning phase of the cadet program and includes the Airman grades and culminates in the Wright Brothers Award, which is the first of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) grades. For each of these achievements, cadets must pass a leadership test, participate in a character development seminar, demonstrate proper wear of the uniform, perform drill and ceremonies, and perform at a fitness level better than 25% of the youth their age. These requirements get more stringent as cadets age and advance.
•    The second phase includes the Sergeant grades and is the “hands-on” leadership phase where seasoned cadets lead junior cadets while still learning from their Officers. The second phase of the cadet program includes 5 Sergeant grades, and begins with the Eddie Rickenbacker award and ends with the Billy Mitchell award. For each of these achievements, cadets must pass leadership and an aerospace test, participate in a character development seminar, demonstrate proper wear of the uniform, perform drill and ceremonies, demonstrate leadership within the squadron, and perform at a fitness level better than 35% of the youth their age for the first 3 achievements and better than 50% for the last 2. 
•    The last two phases are the Command and Executive phases of the cadet program and include the Officer grades where our senior cadets get involved in the management, planning, and execution of the cadet program and learn about all the different leadership roles that make an organization such as CAP run effectively. The third phase of the cadet program includes 4 achievements starting with the grade of 2d Lt. and ending with Captain. For each of these achievements, cadets must pass leadership and an aerospace test, participate in a character development seminar, demonstrate proper wear of the uniform, demonstrate leadership within the squadron, analyze management positions and perform at a fitness level better than 60% of the youth their age.
•    Each achievement except for the John Curry award and Carl Spaatz award requires a minimum of eight weeks in the prior grade.

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*** Update *** 12 January 2023

Cadet Promotion Checklists have been updated by cadets to reflect current requirements (C/Amn - C/2dLt)