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Cadet Programs
The Coral Springs Cadet Squadron's primary focus is on the Cadet Program. The Cadet Program is based on the military
structure of the United States Air Force, similar to that of a JROTC program found at local high schools. When cadets
first enter the program they enter as a Cadet Airman Basic (C/AB). They will be given leadership and aerospace education
materials to study. In order to advance in grade, the cadet must take and pass examinations. The examinations
cover the material they studied in their leadership and aerospace materials as well as a Physical Fitness examination.
As the cadet progresses through the program the examinations and material gets tougher. The cadet program is divided
into four major phases. Phase I is the Learning Phase. This phase is designed for the new cadet to learn the basics
of how to wear the uniform properly, basic leadership traits, etc. Phase II, or the Leadership phase begins the cadet's
NCO career. Here their focus is on the direct leadership of some of the cadets in Phases I and II. They will be
responsible for the tactical implementation of the daily duties. The third phase, Phase III, is the Command Phase.
The beginning of the Phase III is marked by the cadet becomming an Officer. Here the cadet will be in a leadership position
overseeing all cadets in Phases I and II. Phase IV marks the beginning of the Executive phase. These cadets are
responsible for the implementation of strategic squadron goals that take months to develop and execute. They are also
highly sought after for leading events on a much larger scale outside of the squadron, usually at the Group and Wing levels. Through
this program, it is our goal to develop leadership skills, confidence, sound planning and decision making in young cadets
between the ages of 12-21.
Check out our Stripes to Diamonds Page for more information on the Cadet Program.
One of Civil Air Patrol's three major missions is Emergency Services. Last year alone, the Florida Wing flew almost
8,000 hours in Air Force Sanctioned Missions. Currently, CAP performs almost 80% of the Air Force's Inland Search and
Resue Missions. When the US was attacked on 11 September 2001, it was CAP who gave the first areal shots of Ground Zero
at the World Trade Center. Aircraft, and most large watercraft are equipped with an Emergency Beacon which activates
upon a crash or by other means. CAP is then called upon to locate and deactivate the distress beacon. Here,
at the Coral Springs Squadron, we train our cadets to be the ground crews that are called upon for such events. We also
instruct them in disaster relief for catastrophes such as our popular South Florida hurricanes. We train
so that when our community is in need. we will be there.
Aerospace Education
Currently CAP owns the world's largest fleet of single-engine
aircraft. The multitude of aircraft offer our cadets the opportunity to take Orientation Flights with experienced pilots.
This hands-on opportunity affords the cadets the ability to learn the mechanics of the aircraft as well as an opportunity
to see Coral Springs and surrounding communities with a bird's eye view. The cadets generally go on a two our flight
with one hour in the front seat and one hour in the back seat. CAP also participates
in model rocketry. Here, cadets are taught the basics of rocketry and the flight of rockets. The cadets are also taught the basics of aerospace including Spacecraft, Rockets, Environment, the history of flight
and how it has advanced throught the ages, the history of Air Power during the First World War and subsequent conflicts, Air
and Space Environment, and Aircraft Systems and Airports.
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