Number Four- Promoting

Why Promote?

In CAP, everything you gain is directly proportional to the effort you put into the program. The more time and effort you put into CAP, the more benefits you will reap later on. As a brand-new cadet, it can be really hard to see why promoting rapidly is important, you are just there to have fun, right? Not quite, while having fun is important, so is learning and progressing in the program.

When you first join, it is really hard to see the benefits that await a motivated cadet. If you put in the effort and make the commitment to promote as soon as you are eligible every 56 days, you will appreciate that later in your cadet "career." Phase one and two promotions are relatively easy to keep up with, give yourself room to take your time later when it gets harder.

As you become a senior non-commissioned officer (NCO) and junior officer, the benefits of your hard work now will become apparent. As you apply for squadron staff positions, encampments, special activities, and scholarships, you will stick out among the others because of your drive and commitment in the beginning. It may seem pointless now, but it will be valuable in the future as you discover the potential of your cadet "career." Make the most out of your cadet opportunities now, your time as a cadet is limited, and there is no restarting.

Hoonah Cadet Aurora Clark is promoted to Cadet Airman during the ACTA event in August 2022.

What's my First Promotion?

The first promotion that is available to cadets is called the "Curry Achievement", also known as Cadet Airman, or C/Amn. This achievement was named after John F. Curry, Civil Air Patrol's National Commander. In order to achieve this first promotion, you must first complete the Cadet Wingman Course at your squadron meeting place and Cadet Welcome. The Cadet Welcome course is a very short easy lesson with questions and you can find it through the Axis portal on eServices (see eServices page for information on how to take these tests).

You will also need to complete the first Learn to Lead Module on eServices, an open book exam or an interactive module that will lead you through how to be a better leader. Be sure to check with your chain of command to see what your squadron's requirements are on these two different tests. While it is not required to take both forms of tests, some squadrons require that all cadets take both the interactive module and the open book test to get the most out of these lessons that the Learn to Lead books provide. If you do complete both forms of tests, you will be eligible for Honor Credit. This will give you an awesome looking star on your ribbon to wear on your dress Blues!

In addition, you are require to participate in a PT (physical training) test. For your first few PT tests you will not be required to pass them, but you must participate. These tests include a timed mile, push ups, sit ups, and the sit and reach. The passing requirements vary depending on your rank and age.

Lastly, you'll need to be able to recite the Cadet Oath from memory. You can find the cadet oath below as well as the core values, and Civil Air Patrol's motto. You may be asked to recite these from memory while in flight as you get to higher ranks.

This might seem like a lot, but you'll find that they're very easy and straight forward lessons and simple multiple choice questions. Good luck, cadet!

Oath, Core Values, and Our Motto

When an Officer or NCO asks you to say the Cadet Oath, they will say "Cadets! What is the Cadet Oath?" and you will answer "sir/ma'am/chief/sergeant, the Cadet Oath is as follows..."

Cadet Oath

"I pledge to serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."

CAP also had four Core Values. You can remember them with the acronym "IVER."

• Integrity

• Volunteer Service

• Excellence

• Respect

Lastly, the Civil Air Patrol Motto. The Civil Air Patrol motto is "Semper Vigilans" or "Always Vigilant." This motto helps remind us that to always stand by our Core Values.