Cadet Officer School

The goal of COS is to contribute to the growth of Cadet officers as mature leaders and responsible citizens. COS is an introduction to strategic perspectives in leadership, consistent with the Cadet Program’s leadership education goals for Phase IV of the Cadet Program. Moreover, behind this goal is the belief that leadership is a multi‐disciplinary subject requiring academic study and continual self‐assessment. Michelangelo’s statement, “Ancora imparo” or, “I am still learning” serves as the school motto and underlines our belief that leadership education is a lifelong process.

Cadet Officer School is patterned after the USAF Squadron Officer School. The course is divided between lecture, seminar, and hands-on training. Instructors, both Civil Air Patrol and military, guide cadets through the Air Force's approach to the psychology of leadership, problem solving, effective writing, speaking, and group dynamics.  In addition to classes and seminars, a wide variety of top military and industry leaders come as guest speakers. Topics include human relations, critical thinking, leadership and national security.

Contact for Activity: cadetofficerschool@gmail.com

Website for Activity: https://www.facebook.com/CAPCOS/

Cadet Participants:

Possess the Mitchell at the time of application
Completed Encampment and recorded in eServices by time of application
At least 16 by start of activity
Not 21 years old by end of activity
Have not previously attended COS

Staff:

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: 
Works well with cadets
Highly professional
Strong mentoring skills
Completed TLC (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced) preferred

1. Use the "Apply Online" link here or on the ncsas.com homepage to connect you to eServices' Registration and Payment System.  Applicants will need to complete the application to include uploading the following documents in PDF format to the supplemental tab of their eServices application.  All staff must apply via eServices, or they will not receive credit for the activity in their records. For staff applicants, you will be contacted to let you know whether or not you have not been selected. Applications will be accepted from 1 December onward.  To be considered for priority placement status, the completed application including supplemental documents must be submitted by 15 January.  Applications submitted after 15 January are accepted but are marked "late" and will be considered AFTER all applications submitted before the deadline. Priority timelines do not apply to staff applications.  

Participants: 

2. Fill out the COS Supplemental online form. Use the "Supplemental" tab to upload the confirmation page received after completing the online COS Supplemental form.  No applications will be considered fully submitted until both steps are completed.

Staff: 

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: In addition to applying online in eServices, upload a resume in the application.

Important Information:

Use the following course numbers to verify you are selecting the correct activity in the eServices "Preferences" tab of your application.  Activities appear alphabetically, but will have the course number next to them in the tab. You can download a sortable spreadsheet on the ncsas.com homepage for a complete listing of activity course numbers. If you can't see the course number on your device, try changing the zoom on the page.

• eServices Short Name: Cadet Officer School    

• Cadet Participant Course #: 204

• Staff Participant Course #: 205

• Activity Full Name: Cadet Officer School

Selectees, please use this page for further instructions. COS Student Page.  May not be turned on until participants are selected.

NHQ Financial Assistance: Go to the eServices CadetInvest Module and apply for Cadet Lift and Take-Off Program Cadet (TOP), to be considered for needs-based financial assistance or NCSA scholarships.  Also apply for flight scholarships. These programs are designed to offset costs associated with attending some NCSAs, as well as flight academies. They include payment of your activity fees and transportation to and from the activity. Go to the CadetInvest pages for more details. Deadline to apply for scholarships and financial assistance is 15 January. Being offered financial assistance is not a guarantee of acceptance into an activity. You must compete for and receive a slot at an activity. You will be notified if you are a recipient of financial aid/scholarship before you are required to accept or decline a slot at an activity.  

COS Specific Scholarships: Cadet Officer School and the Cadet Character and Leadership Foundation has a limited number of scholarships available for deserving cadets. Check back for more information in January 2024.

• Actively participate in 80% of the contact hours and not dismissed early for any reason

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

• Note: only successful graduation from Cadet Officer School (not just completion of activity) garners NCSA credit or award of a silver star on the milestone ribbon  

Cadet Travel Days: 15 July and 26 July 2024

Staff Travel and Required Training Days (dependent on position): 12-14 July // 26 or 27 July

Transportation Options: Select the one that is best fit to get you there on time and is cost effective for you.  All options below are acceptable.

1. Fly to Montgomery Airport (MGM) (COS Staff will pick up there)

2. Atlanta Airport (ATL) then use vetted commercial provider (Groome Transportation) to be dropped off directly at lodging

3. Self-Driving or drop-off at designated check-in location 

4. Greyhound bus to Montgomery, AL station (COS Staff will pick up there)