NCSAs

National Cadet Special Activities 

NCSAs provide CAP cadets with unique opportunities in many fields of interest. A few top NCSAs are listed here; however, many more exist and can be found at ncsas.com

Aviation Related

Flight academies

Powered Flight Academies

The goal of the National Flight Academies is to give cadets an opportunity to fly approximately 10 hours, weather and schedule permitting, and receive instruction from an FAA Certified Flight Instructor.  Cadets are given appropriate ground and air instruction and opportunities to practice/perform assigned maneuvers. Additionally, cadets get the opportunity to work with aviation professionals, civilian and military, who share their expertise on how to prepare for a career as an aviator.  For those interested in a career as a pilot, this is your first step towards a private pilot certificate and could help you achieve one item on the Cadet Wings "ideal candidate" list if you solo!

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Encampment

2. Be 16 Years old

3. Have your FAA student pilots certificate

4. Get your third class medical certificate

5. Have a government issued photo ID

Glider Academies

The goal of the National Flight Academies is to give cadets an opportunity to receive instruction from an FAA Certified Flight Instructor. Participants in glider flight academies receive “hands on” flight time learning the basics of flying a glider aircraft, ground instruction, and the opportunity to work the flight line doing launch and recovery operations. At these glider flight academies, all the basic to advanced skills and ground instruction leading toward your private glider rating are included. Additionally, cadets get the opportunity to work with aviation professionals, civilian and military, who share their expertise on how to prepare for a career as an aviator.  For those interested in a career as a pilot, this is your first step towards a private pilot certificate and could help you achieve one item on the Cadet Wings "ideal candidate" list if you solo!

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Encampment

2. Be 14 Years old

3. BMI not to exceed 32

4. Have your FAA student pilots certificate

5. Have a government issued photo ID

Cost

Typically $800

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "top Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Maintenance Academy

Ever wonder how aircraft are built? Or how major manufacturers and airlines handle normal and unexpected maintenance problems? Does a week at Textron Aviation doing hands-on work seem a good fit for you? Come to AMMA and try your hand at elements of design and aircraft production. If you are interested in a career in the general aviation industry or are an aspiring pilot or airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic who wants to know how your aircraft is built, this activity is a must for you! A week at Textron will open your eyes to the myriad of careers available in the aviation industry. And they offer amazing internships, some of which are exclusively for CAP cadets!

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Encampment

2. Be 16 Years old

Cost

Typically $450

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

And Many More at ncsas.com

Including:

1. National Blue Beret 

2. Ground School

Air Force Familiarization

Civil Air Patrol National Cyber Academy

The Cadet Cyber National Cadet Special Activities is a collection of cyber security career exploration and training courses. The goal is to Increase cyber security knowledge and awareness and to forge a lifelong passion for cyber security. During our summer NCSA, cadets receive daily briefings from various USAF Cyber Operations units.  They also receive advanced training in cyber security concepts to help hone their skills for CyberPatriot and other cyber defense competitions. Finally, cadets begin work towards cyber security certification.

Prerequisites:

1. Age 15 by activity start date

2. Completed encampment

3. Possess the Wright Brothers when you apply

4. Must have successfully completed one of the following courses: 
   1)Cyberspace Familiarization Course,
   2)Cyberspace Advance Course,
   3)Great Lakes Region Cybersecurity Advanced Course, OR
   4)Cisco Networking Academy "Introduction to CyberSecurity" AND "CyberSecurity Essentials" (from Learn-A-Thon)

Cost

Typically $300

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Space Command Familiarization Course

Beginning in 1994, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) has sponsored two Civil Air Patrol (CAP) special activities, one at Patrick AFB in Florida and one at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs to showcase AFSPC roles and missions for CAP cadets (age 15-21).  With the stand up of the US Space Force, these courses continue.

The purpose of the AFSPC program is to expose cadets to the ideals of leadership and service through aerospace education and training. Attendees are CAP cadets who are interested in aerospace careers and/or military service. 

Each of the courses has a different focus. Cadets that choose the Air Force Space Command Familiarization Course at Patrick AFB will experience “behind the scenes” tours, briefings and guest speakers on the various aspects of America’s missions and roles in space. Cadets will get first-hand opportunities to meet the many talented men and women of the 45th Space Wing and NASA supporting the exciting business of space launch and exploration.

In past years, cadets have visited the Morrell Operations Center where all launches from Cape Canaveral are controlled and tracked, toured historical launch sites from the Mercury and Apollo programs, seen satellites readied for launch, and taken exclusive tours of Delta and Atlas rockets on the launch pad.

In addition, cadets will visit NASA’s Kennedy Space Center where they will be able to go inside the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building where elements of the new Space Launch System will be prepared for flight.

Prerequisites:

1. Age 15 by activity start date

2. Completed encampment

3. Possess the Wright Brothers when you apply

4. Must be U.S. citizens to attend this event

Cost

Typically $475

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

AF Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training

If you want to be a USAF pilot, this is the program for you. You will experience what it takes to get accepted to and graduate from USAF pilot training. There will be opportunities for you to meet and hear from ROTC and USAFA cadets who are also on their way to becoming USAF pilots. Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course (SUPTFC) -TX is designed to provide CAP cadets with the opportunity to experience Air Force pilot training. In one week’s time, you will experience much of what USAF pilot candidates experience during their 52-week training. Typical experience includes:

• Classroom Academics (quizzes and end of course tests)

• Flight-line interaction including flight and mission briefs

• Shadowing student pilots

• Hands-on training with USAF instructors/students

• Simulated flight training

• Flights in USAF T-1 Aircraft

• Visits to other facilities

• Interaction with various career fields

Simulator and flight training is dependent on availability. SUPTFC staff teaches academics, but some classes are taught by AF personnel. 

Prerequisites:

1. 15 years old at start of activity

2. Completed Encampment

Cost

Typically $485

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

 

Air Force Pararescue and Survival Orientation Courses 

This activity promotes teamwork, physical fitness and builds character.  For 7 training days, cadets are introduced to some of the skills and requirements of Pararescuemen (PJs), Combat Rescue Officers (CROs), and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialists. During PJOC, cadets gain experience and training in land navigation, survival techniques, rock climbing, rappelling and other skills used in combat rescue operations.

PJOC is an introduction to the mission of the Guardian Angel Weapon System (GA), a non-aircraft, equipment-based weapon system of the United States Air Force. GA is organized into nine specific capabilities for personnel recovery: Prepare, Mission Plan, Insert, Movement, Actions on Objective, Medically Treat, Extract, Reintegrate, and Adapt. For more details on GA please visit: Guardian Angel Factsheet. 

Prerequisites:

1. Age 15 by activity start date

2. You must have encampment credit when you apply

3. Excellent physical condition

Cost

Typically $450

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

And Many More at ncsas.com

Including:

1. AF Honor Guard Academy

2. AF Civil Engineering Academy

Emergency Services

National Emergency Services Academy

This activity promotes teamwork, physical fitness and builds character.  For 7 training days, cadets are introduced to some of the skills and requirements of Pararescuemen (PJs), Combat Rescue Officers (CROs), and Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialists. During PJOC, cadets gain experience and training in land navigation, survival techniques, rock climbing, rappelling and other skills used in combat rescue operations.

PJOC is an introduction to the mission of the Guardian Angel Weapon System (GA), a non-aircraft, equipment-based weapon system of the United States Air Force. GA is organized into nine specific capabilities for personnel recovery: Prepare, Mission Plan, Insert, Movement, Actions on Objective, Medically Treat, Extract, Reintegrate, and Adapt. For more details on GA please visit: Guardian Angel Factsheet. 

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Encampment

2. Online courses required for the ES Qualification your are interested in

Cost

Typically $160-$200

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the Montana Wing. Talk to your local commander for more information. Additionally there are scholarships The NESA Alumni Association scholarship and the NESA Kitchen Staff scholarship

Visit nesa.cap.gov

Search and Rescue Academies

Desert Scorpion is a week long course to develop future emergency services leaders in communicators, incident command staff and field operators to conduct operations any place or time. It is set up as an extended training exercise to include an A5 mission and flight operations. It is an introduction to basic and intermediate emergency services operations. Students learn how to establish a remote incident command post (ICP) and sustain operations; perform the duties of ICP staff and become qualified in MRO and MSA; conduct land navigation/map and chart reading; operate HF and VHF communications systems; use WMIRS to include entering sorties and resource tracking. All ICP specialties are available during the course.

Desert Scorpion also provides practical leadership education and development by providing real world problem solving scenarios. As no mission goes as planned, students face challenges found in all mission types. Students gain leadership experience in leading small teams in tasks aimed at achieving specific goals.

Prerequisites:

1. Complete Encampment

2. Online courses required for the ES Qualification your are interested in

Cost

Typically $200

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the Montana Wing. Talk to your local commander for more information.

Cadet Programs

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

ARE YOU READY FOR A CHALLENGE?
Each summer, hundreds of cadets from eighteen nations come together to broaden their understanding of aviation and foreign cultures through the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE).

Civil Air Patrol has been the United States representative to the Exchange for more than 70 years. CAP cadets selected for the Exchange have a reputation as being the best of the best; possessing great integrity and leadership ability; a keen interest in aviation and foreign culture; and the desire to share their experiences with their fellow cadets, family, and community.

Selection to the International Air Cadet Exchange makes a cadet one of CAP’s, and America’s ambassadors to the world. Would you care to take up the challenge?

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME?
The International Air Cadet Exchange is a life-shaping experience. You will meet people from around the world who share the Exchange’s goal of promoting goodwill and fellowship through the common interest of aviation. You will receive special access to factories, airports, engineering laboratories, and government agencies; learning about how your host country contributes to the aviation community.

One day you may find yourself in the latest fighter simulator, the next day meeting high government officials at an official banquet, and hiking through pristine wilderness on yet another day. You will be joined not only by your fellow CAP cadets assigned to the country, but also by aviation cadets from a variety of countries representing five continents.

Prerequisites:

1. Possess the Earhart at the time of application

2. At least 17 years old by start of activity

3. Not 21 years old by 30 July 2020

4. Have not previously attended IACE

5. Hold, or be eligible to apply for a US Passport

6. Be able to undertake all of the activities of a cadet ambassador 

Cost

Typically $1000

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Civic Leadership Academy

The goal of Civic Leadership Academy is to foster cadet officers’ civic growth by increasing their: (1) leadership skills; (2) sense of civic responsibility; and (3) overall interest in the democratic process.

If you’re interested in politics and careers in public service, CAP’s Civic Leadership Academy, an exciting 1-week program in Washington, DC, is for you.  Cadets participate in behind-the scenes tours and briefings at the Capitol, Supreme Court, State Department, Pentagon, CIA, Arlington National Cemetery, and more. This is not your average field trip to Washington. CLA is an academically-focused activity that includes seminars, readings, and group projects. The week culminates with Legislative Day, when cadets meet with their elected leaders on Capitol Hill.

Prerequisites:

1. Possess the Mitchell at the time of application

2. Minimum age of 16 by start of activity

3. Be in Physical Fitness category I. 

Cost

Typically $75

How to apply

Cadets apply for national activities through the "Payment & registration System" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

Financial Assistance

Eligible cadets may apply for financial assistance through the "LIFT Program". Cadet apply for financial assistance through the "cadet invest" application in eServices.

Menu>Cadet Programs>Payment & Registration System

And Many More at ncsas.com

Including:

1. Cadet Officer School

2. Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer School

3. Region Cadet Leadership School

4. National Cadet Competition

5. Engineering Technologies Academy