As parents of cadets ourselves, we know firsthand what this program is like—so buckle up! Civil Air Patrol is an incredible opportunity, but it can also be demanding depending on your cadet’s goals. Cadets are expected to be self-motivated and learn to navigate the program independently, which helps them grow into strong leaders. Cadet staff are there to guide them while also developing their own leadership skills. As a parent, your role is to be supportive—helping your cadet stay on track, encouraging them to use their chain of command, work through promotions, participate in emergency services training, orientation flights, encampments, NCSAs, and other squadron and wing activities. You know your child best, so we’ve gathered these resources to help you support them while encouraging the independence that makes the cadet program so valuable.