Teaneck Composite Squadron- NER-NJ-035

Any youth can join as a cadet if they are between the ages of 12-17 and may remain as a cadet until they are 21.
At squadron meetings, cadets are trained in military drill, customs and courtesies, and uniform wear. They also participate in military leadership, aerospace education, moral leadership, safety, emergency services, and homeland security instruction.
In order to advance in rank, cadets must do the following:
Pass the appropriate leadership test for the achievement
Pass an aerospace education test if required for that achievement
Attend a moral leadership class
Pass one session of the physical testing requirement for the achievement
Attend meetings and actively participate on a regular basis
Perform at the expected level of their current grade in regard to both practical drill and general knowledge, in addition to demonstrating commitment to their current position and to the squadron.
*Cadet officers have additional requirements for each achievement as required by National Headquarters and stated in CAPR 52-16

Cadet Resources:
Learn To Read CAP Grade
Cadet Oath and Pledges
TCS Cadet Chain of Command
Cadet Program Management, CAPR 52-16
Leadership Text Books
Drill & Ceremonies Manual

A typical meeting schedule is as follows:
1930-1945 Opening Formation and Uniform Inspection
1945-2020 Military Drill
2020-2030 Break/ Supply Purchases
2030-2100 Class on a subject matter relative to CAP
2100-2130 Closing Formation

In a month the classes typically fall as follows:
Week One- Moral Leadership and Safety
Week Two- Aerospace or Leadership
Week Three- Aerospace or Leadership
Week Four- Physical Testing and Teambuilding, there is no drill at this meeting
*Week Five- Drug Demand Reduction

The cadet program is supervised by Senior Members (adults) but is run by advanced cadets in the squadron, to allow them to take on and demonstrate leadership abilities. As a cadet advances in rank their role in the squadron and the standard they are expected to achieve increases. Below are descriptions of each of the five phases of the cadet program.

The Motivation Phase introduces the prospective cadet to the requirements, procedures and goals of CAP.

Phase I, the Learning Phase is just that: cadets learn to function in a military-type environment. They learn to march, wear their uniform properly, learn the principles of followership, and begin to learn about the aerospace environment.

In Phase II, the Leadership Phase, cadets become more involved in the program. They may enter leadership roles in their squadron and attend a CAP encampment, which is designed to give cadets an introduction to the Air Force culture and hands on leadership and aerospace training in a team environment.
In Phase III, the Command Phase, the cadet is expected to take on greater responsibility for activities and training within their squadron. They must assume a leadership position and mentor younger cadets in a variety of areas. In addition, they must also become knowledgeable in different staff areas, learning from their senior member counterparts in areas such as public affairs.
The Executive Phase, is designed to provide high-level leadership experiences to the individual cadet.

Opportunities Civil Air Patrol Provides Cadets:
TCS Cadets are eligible to join the unit honor guard
Participation in 6 orientation flight before they turn 18
Participation in unit and wing activities
Participation in the NJW cadet competition teams

Opportunities for Cadets Who Complete Encampment:
Can apply for National Cadet Activities
Can obtain cadet officer grade, which results in higher pay if a cadet joins the AF
Academic scholarships for cadet officers


Cadets in the motivation phase are assigned a cadet mentor. Their mentor guides them through their introduction by explaining the CAP program, teaching them basic procedures and drill, assisting with uniform wear, and answering any questions they may have.

LINKS OR REFERENCES TO INDIVIDUALS OR COMPANIES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU MAY RECEIVE FROM SUCH SOURCES. For More Information Contact Capt Pete Mitchell at peter.mitchell@njwg.cap.gov or Captain Al Hoffman at albert.hoffman@njwg.cap.gov