Top-level training helps Civil Air Patrol cadets hone leadership skills

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. – Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Officer School, one of the top professional development opportunities available to America’s youth, will be in session here next week.

Maxwell AFB is 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. 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 Civil Air Patrol. Only the top 15 percent of all CAP cadets are invited to attend.

This year, 121 cadets from 41 CAP wings, including Puerto Rico, are participating in the 10-day, executive-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 leadership skills. Throughout the week the cadets participate in a variety of lectures and supporting discussions to explore leadership topics. Participants practice what they learn through a series of comprehensive writing and speaking assignments that culminates with graduation ceremonies on Aug. 9. "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 learn how to work with others. When they leave COS, they are better prepared to be even better leaders, regardless of their profession or vocation."

Throughout its 70-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.

Activities like Cadet Officer School give CAP cadets the opportunity to improve their skills in a variety of areas, including search and rescue, flight and emergency services, science, leadership fundamentals, citizenship and military courtesies, and to explore aerospace technology and aviation careers. In 2011, more than 1,000 youth participated in CAP-sponsored summer activities.