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.

FMI: www.gocivilairpatrol.com