Weeklong Academy One Of America’s Leading Civic Education
Activities
Outstanding Civil Air Patrol cadets from across America are
gaining a head start on their public service careers by
participating in one of the nation’s premier civic education
activities, the Civic Leadership Academy, from February 25 to March
3 in Washington, D.C. “The Civic Leadership Academy provides
24 of our cadets with the opportunity of a lifetime,” said
CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr. “They will leave
this activity with a well-rounded understanding of government
leadership, public service and the principles that guide our
nation. In turn, we expect them to apply those principles to their
lives and be thoughtful participants and leaders in America’s
future.”
A National Cadet Special Activity created by CAP in 2002, CLA
allows a select group of cadets to experience the executive,
judicial and legislative branches of government firsthand. It is an
academically intense, interactive study of U.S. government in
action, providing participants the opportunity to grow as citizens
and young leaders through lessons in persuasive leadership, federal
government, public service careers and American heritage.
In addition to a blend of field trips, lectures, seminars and
assigned readings from historic and current sources, the cadets
visit the U.S. Capitol, the Supreme Court; the State Department;
Arlington National Cemetery, laying a wreath at the Tomb of the
Unknown Soldier; the CIA; the Pentagon; the FBI Academy in
Quantico, VA; legislative offices; and the Smithsonian Air and
Space Museum, as well as the World War II, Korean War Veterans,
Vietnam Veterans, Women in Military Service and Lincoln memorials.
At each of these locations, they hear from VIPs who provide
insights designed to deepen their understanding of government in
action. Their CLA tasks culminate with a final project – a
presentation on their CLA experience to their peers in their home
squadrons and wings.
“The cadets are not just learning about government, but
are interacting with their government, learning the power of one
individual and a small group becoming agents for change,”
said Lt. Col. Bill Brockman, CLA’s activity director and
founding faculty member.
In recognition of the program’s outstanding academic
value, the National Association of Secondary School Principals has
again placed CLA on the National Advisory List of Contests and
Activities for 2011-2012.
As part of their visit, CLA cadets will participate in
CAP’s 2012 Legislative Day on March 1. They will assist their
region and wing commanders in briefing Capitol Hill legislators on
how CAP’s primary missions of emergency services, aerospace
education and cadet programs have benefited their communities. In
addition, they will seek support for legislation pending in both
houses of Congress to award a Congressional Gold Medal to CAP in
honor of members who served during World War II.