Civil Air Patrol volunteers have dedicated their service to communities across America since World War II. The legacy of volunteer service has become a CAP core value, and continues to define the Civil Air Patrol mission today.
Professional Development
The purpose of the CAP Professional Development Program is to help ensure that CAP has an informed, active senior membership trained in leadership, management, and functional tasks. The CAP Senior Member Professional Development Program prepares members to serve the unit, their communities, and their nation. Governing Document (CAPR 50-17).
Each level has specific requirements. As you progress through the levels, you gain knowledge and learn leadership skills. Unlike the cadet program, completing a level does not automatically earn the member a grade promotion, however, each grade has a specific minimum level completion requirement.
| Levels | Award | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Level I - Orientation | Membership Ribbon | 1. Completion of Level I Orientation Course |
| Level II - Technical Training | Benjamin O. Davis Award | 1. Choose a Specialty Track 2. Complete the Officer Basic Course 3. Complete the Squadron Leadership School |
| Level III – Management | Grover Loening Award | 1. Become Senior Rated in a Specialty 2. Attend 2 major conferences (Wing/Region or National) 3. Complete the Corporate Learning Course 4. Complete the Brig Gen Charles E. Yeager Award |
| Level IV - Command and Staff | Paul E. Garber Award | 1. Become Master Rated in a Specialty 2. Serve on staff : a. Complete on the the following below - 1.Prepare and deliver a CAP-related presentation to a non-CAP group. 2. Conduct a hands-on unit aerospace education program, or an external aerospace education classroom program. b. Occupy a command or staff position for a total of 2 years of service to CAP. c. Serve as a staff member in a wing level course or conference, serve in a staff or command assignment for at least two years, among other requirements. 3. Complete the Region Staff College or Equivalent. |
| Level V - Executive | Gill Robb Wilson Award | 1. Serve on Staff for 3 years & serve on staff for a course. Leading and Managing. Serve on a staff in both of the following capacities: a. Perform in a command or staff position for a total of 3 years of service to CAP. b. Serve in a director or staff member capacity in a CAP approved course 2. Mentor a junior officer or NCO through the Technician Rating in a specialty track. 3. Complete National Staff College |
Upcoming Training:
Link to the Calendar for upcoming training
If interested, please complete a CAPF 17, obtain your unit Commander’s signature, and submit to Capt Darlene Cray at dcray@nhwg.cap.gov .
Changes to the CAP Professional Development Program in the era of COVID-19
As you may have heard, there are significant changes being made to the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development Program. Most of the changes to the new CAP Volunteer University will occur on 04 August 2020 with a short “grandfathering” period for those members who are transitioning from the “Legacy Program”.
If you are not familiar with the changes you can visit the Education and Training Page on the Civil Air Patrol website for more information: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/cap-university/education-and-training
Please watch your email for an invitation to virtual meetings about these changes!
Important Deadlines:
Level Specific Timelines – There is no plan at this time to offer waivers due to COVID-19
Level 1: Transition 04 August 2020. No grandfathering.
Level 2: Transition 04 August 2020.
If members have SLS and OBC completed, then they have 3 months to complete the legacy program.
If members do not have SLS and OBC completed, then they switch to the new program.
Level 3: Transition 04 August 2020.
If members have CLC completed, then they have 6 months to complete the legacy program.
If members do not have CLC completed, then they switch to the new program.
Level 4: Transition 04 August 2020.
If members have RSC completed, then they have 9 months to complete the legacy program.
If members do not have RSC completed, then they switch to the new program.
Level 5: Transition 04 August 2020.
If members have NSC completed, then they have 9 months to complete the legacy program.
If members do not have NSC completed, then they switch to the new program.
National Course Timelines
• Officer Basic Course
Currently, this course is offered online only and lasts approximately eight weeks. o The last OBC can start no later than the beginning of June 2020. o Students will need to complete the course no later than 31 July 2020.
• Corporate Learning Course
This course is currently offered onsite and online. o The last online CLC can begin in June 2020. o Online students will need to complete their course no later than 31 July 2020. o The last course will need to occur before 31 July 2020.
• Squadron Leadership School
This course is currently offered onsite and online. o The last online SLS can begin in July 2020. o Online students will need to complete the course no later than 31 July 2020. o The last SLS will need to be done by 31 July 2020.
• Region Staff College
Currently, this course is offered onsite/virtual only. o The last RSCs will need to be completed by 31 July 2020. NER Staff College is closed to registrations however other Region Staff Colleges have transitioned to a Virtual Platform and may still have openings.
• National Staff College The last NSC will be held in April 2020 and is closed to new registrations
Other important information:
If you are looking for a NH based course offered through Wing Headquarters, you will find them posted on the NH Wing Calendar (we must have a minimum of 6 members registered in order to hold the course)
As of 04 August, all of the above courses will transition to “Modules” which will be completed either online or in-residence, depending on content.
As of 04 August, Unit Commanders Course and Wing Commanders Course will transition to “Modules”.
Some of the Specialty Track Pamphlets are being reviewed for revision. Please stay on track in completing your checklists and submit them to your unit Professional Development Officer for required signatures and approvals.
Specialty Track Checklists must be submitted to the unit Professional Development Officer for verification prior to the approval in e-services.
If you are in need of a mentor to sign off on your Specialty Track checklist, please see your unit Professional Development Officer or Squadron Commander.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask your Squadron Professional Development Officer!