Know Where You're Coming From, and What You Represent!

Father of the Cadet Corps

Brigadier General Edwin Alexander Forbes

The Beginning of the Cadet Corps

During this era (1900s) California State Assembly has passed a bill in 1911, which authorized a program dubbed "High School Cadets" to be established under the supervision by both the Military Board of Education; with an overall purpose of...

"...to strengthen the military spirit in this State and to awaken waning patriotism and love of the Flag and to furnish a young, virile and trained asset to the country, in case it should be needed in a time of national stress..." ~ California National Guard, 1914

With this in mind, California Cadet Corps was founded April 5th, 1911.

Cadet Corps Mission

Generally, it's to provide California schools a program with a quality educational and leadership concepts, preparing students abroad.

The program teaches the principles of intelligent leadership and creates an attitude favorable to respect for recognized authority, develops sound American character, personalty and the overall capability to lead and teach others. It also especially improves the physical condition of the Cadets and habits of personal hygiene, their care of the body and their knowledge of first aid. also establishing seriousness, new sense of values and new appreciations.

The Cadet Code

Loyalty: Cadets bear true faith and allegiance to the United State Constitution, the State of California Constitution, the California Cadet Corps, and the units to which they belong. They exhibit a patriotic spirit and pride in our American way of life and heritage.

Education: Cadets do their best at school, they follow school rules, and know the current events going on in their city, the State of California, the U.S. and the world. They learn as much as they can about a good cadet and they know the importance of high school graduation and attending college.

Ambition: Cadets try to earn as many ribbons and as much rank as possible. They strive to attain the highest cadet positions possible. They set high goals for themselves and make long-range plans for college and employment that will make the world a better place.

Duty: Cadets fulfill their obligations. They can be counted on to get the job done. They are trustworthy and hard-working. They take their duty assignments seriously by following their general orders and obeying all lawful orders they receive from superior officers and non-commissioned officers.

Enthusiasm: Cadets are passionate about their jobs as students and as cadets. They share their excitement about life with others, especially subordinates. Even tasks that seem boring are taken seriously and accomplished according to expectations.

Respect: Cadets live the “Golden Rule” to treat others the way they would like to be treated. They are good sports on the athletic field, appreciative of the diversity and contributions of the many people in our society. They are friendly, tactful, and courteous.

Service: Cadets give of their time, talents, and other resources to help others, especially the less fortunate. They do so selflessly and with a positive spirit. Cadets willingly participate in regular and meaningful service to their schools and communities.

Healthy: Cadets strive for high levels of health, wellness, and fitness. They get enough sleep, they eat healthy food, they participant in a variety of fitness activities, both individually and in groups, and they look out for their emotional well-being. They strive to be well-rounded individuals.

Integrity: Cadets do what is right, both legally and morally. They are clean-minded and they set an example for others to follow. They do not lie, cheat, or steal, nor do they tolerate those who do these things. Cadets place a high value on honesty.

Personal Courage: Cadets face physical and moral danger with confidence. That does not mean they are not afraid; rather it means they face their fears and are able to be heroic in situations of physical danger and remain faithful to their values in situations requiring moral courage. They know when and how to say “no” to something they know to be wrong.

Cadet Corps Taboos

Taboos are universal prohibitions of an action because these actions can bring discredit on the Cadet Corps or yourself, embarrass others, ambush established procedures, diminish respect, and result in broken relationships with others. These taboos have been established in the Cadet Corps over the past one hundred years:

  • Never criticize the Cadet Corps or a leader in public or Social Media

  • Never go "over the heads" of superiors-don't jump the chain of command

  • Never offer excuses, unless asked to explain

  • Never "wear" a superior's rank, Speak with your own voice

  • Never attempt to avoid giving the hand salute

  • Never run indoors or pretend you don't hear to avoid standing reveille or retreat

  • Never chew gum while in uniform

  • Never spread gossip or rumors

  • Never use profanity or vulgar words

  • Never walk or stand with your hands in your pockets

Cadet Corps Objectives

To Develop Leadership

To Engender Citizenship

To Encourage Patriotism

To Foster Academic Excellence

To Teach Basic Military Knowledge

To Promote Health, Fitness, & Wellness

Cadet Corps General Orders

This Cadet's First General Order Is, I will guard everything within the limits of my post, and quit my post when properly relieved.

This Cadet's Second General Order Is, I will obey my special orders, and perform all my duties in a military manner.

This Cadet's Third General Order Is, I will report violations of my special orders, emergencies, and anything not covered in my instructions to the Commander of the Relief.

PLEASE DO NOTE!

158th Battalion HIGHLY RECOMMENDS you to fully review and refer back to the Cadet Handbook, which shows more in depth information regarding various subjects that have been mentioned here, and abroad. As previously mentioned, this page EXCLUSIVELY mirrors the Handbook, and only highlights the most reliable and useful information for participants to look back to, and be able to academically excel. (some of these highlights are also plastered around the site as imminent reference)

All information displayed and or mentioned on this website and it's respective sub-sections have been cleared by those within leadership, all reliable information is also official and final, unless otherwise corrected by an individual(s) of leadership.