MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Officer School will be in session beginning Tuesday in Alabama.
Maxwell Air Force Base, the site of CAP National Headquarters, is also the home of Air University and professional military education for the U.S. Air Force, making it the ideal venue to develop the leadership skills of CAP’s top cadets, according to CAP officials.
Participation in Cadet Officer School, or COS, is a top choice for CAP cadets from across the nation because of the rigorous academic curriculum and caliber of instruction offered by the Air Force and CAP officers. Only the top 15% of all CAP cadets are accepted to attend.
This year, 123 cadets from 35 states are participating in the 10-day, college-level course.
“This is a premier leadership opportunity that can help propel our cadets to exciting careers in both the military and the private sector,” said Lt. Col. Rajesh Kothari, the activity’s director.
Patterned after Air Force Squadron Officer College, COS is an academically challenging program combining lectures, seminars and hands-on training designed to develop cadets’ broader understanding of leadership as a discipline. Throughout the week the cadets participate in a variety of lectures and supporting discussions to explore leadership topics. They practice what they learn through a series of comprehensive writing and speaking assignments, culminating with graduation ceremonies on Aug. 7.
“Cadet Officer School helps build our nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Kothari. “Our cadets gain confidence and experience as they expand their skills. They enhance the ability and skills work with others. When they leave COS, they are better prepared to serve as leaders in their units, schools and communities.”
Throughout its 72-year-old history, CAP’s cadet program has built strong citizens for the future by providing leadership training, technical education, scholarships and career education to young men and women ages 12 to 20.