Civil Air Patrol Cadet Promotions

madgriff

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Aug 4, 2015
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Hello, I'm about to begin my junior year of high school and I am joining the Civil Air Patrol. How long does it take to pass through the first phase and enter the leadership phase of the program? I want to know that I have what it takes to lead before I go off to college, and I would like to get in a position of leadership so I can prove to the ROTC selection boards that I have leadership potential. I'm willing to do whatever it is necessary to prove to myself an others that I can lead, as well as get into a better position to help the organization and my community.
 
You know that there are all sorts of ways to prove you have leadership ability? You don't have to have CAP to do that. :)
Are you a captain of a sports team? Do you hold a leadership position in a club/activity/etc? Have you organized events (charitable, school dances, etc.)? Have you done anything where you were in charge or lead other people - at school, work, church, etc?

Those are just a few suggestions. :D
 
@USAFA83GradWife I'm planning on starting a club at my school and getting involved with a local charity this year. I was never really adept at the school sports I tried (I am going for a black belt in MMA though, but that's more of an individual thing), and if I have time this year I plan on helping with student council. I'm planning on CAP even if I can't use it on my application because I feel it offers valuable experience, but I was just wondering if I would have another opportunity to hold a leadership position. Thank you for the suggestions though. I never really thought of what I could do at student council because I've never had much interest in it, but helping put together a dance is a great idea. Unfortunately I've recently decided that I want to be an officer in the military (Marine Corps to be more specific) and my resume is fairly mediocre as far as leadership positions go.
 
My DD has a black belt and she taught Taekwondo. You might want to ask if you can lead a few MMA classes for the beginners or start a self defense course at school (doesn't have to last all year - maybe a few weekends or after school?)

Good luck to you!
 
If you work hard, you can promote and gain leadership fairly quickly, depending on the size of your squadron. I know it took me two years to make C/2dLt, and I missed a few promotions, so as long as you follow the guideline of promoting every two months, you should have rank fairly quickly :) One quick piece of unsolicited advice- CAP is awesome and fun and gives you a tiny bit of military experience, but just know that the operational military will do everything differently, so just go in knowing that CAP's standards do not align 100% with the operational military.
 
Madgriff, to answer your question, it takes about 7 months to get through Phase 1 if you study diligently and pass your tests every two months. However, one thing I would strongly caution against is "chasing" a staff position. Focus on bettering yourself and the leadership opportunities will follow, usually sooner than you think.

I also agree 100% with USAFA83GradWife. If you pick opportunities that fit your talents and interests and then strive your best to be excellent in them, you will go far. Good luck to you! :thumb:
 
To answer your original question, it takes 18 months to get to C/2nd Lt assuming you nail every promotion. That's not saying you can't get leadership experience before then though. Look at attending encampments etc, go to the advanced leadership schools within them, seek out leadership roles at your squadron.
 
Also, it's not guaranteed that you will promote every two months. My squadron commander will not promote cadets simply because one has the two months in and passes PT, drill, and the leadership & aerospace tests. If a position is not available for you demonstrate leadership, then he will not promote you, so you may be at"x"-sgt level for awhile waiting for your turn to lead and then leading to his satisfaction.

That being said, leadership begins with leading yourself ... something you start off doing right away in CAP. As long as you read, understand, and apply what is in the leadership books, your squadron commander will see your potential and the leadership positions will come.
 
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