Space Operations Academy

Since 1994, Air Force Space Command (AFSPC) has sponsored two Civil Air Patrol (CAP) special activities, one at Patrick AFB in Florida and one at Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs to showcase AFSPC roles and missions for CAP cadets (age 15-21).  With the stand-up of the US Space Force, these courses continue under the new activity name, Space Force Operations Academy (SFOA).

The purpose of the Space Force Operations Academy is to expose cadets to potential government, military and civilian careers that support the Space Force operations. Likewise, cadets are exposed to ideals of leadership and service through aerospace education and training. Attendees are CAP cadets who are interested in aerospace or cyber careers and/or military service. 

Each of the courses has a different focus. Cadets that choose the Space Force Operations Academy at Colorado Springs will experience “behind the scenes” tours, briefings and expert guest speakers on the various operations and technology of US missions and roles in space. Cadets will get first-hand opportunities to meet the many talented men and women of the newly created Space Force.

In past years, cadets have visited military installations including the Air Force Academy, Buckley AFB, Moorman Space Education and Training Center, Peterson AFB, Lockheed Martin Corp, and Schriever AFB at which cadets are educated about satellites, defense, surveillance, reconnaissance, and information technology.  Participants are encouraged to interact and participate in discussions, ask meaningful questions, and share the training and education provided by expert career professionals.

Visits may include:
•    Peterson SFB (space surveillance, command and control)
•    Cheyenne Mountain SFS (joint operations, command and control)
•    Schriever SFB (satellite operations, missile defense)
•    Buckley SFB (missile warning)
•    US Air Force Academy (astronautical engineering, cadet life)
•    Lockheed Martin Corporation, Waterton, Colorado (spacelift and space engineering)

Contact for Activity: sweiss@cap.gov 

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

Participants:

Age 15 by activity start date
Completed encampment and recorded in eServices by time of application
Possess the Wright Brothers when you apply
Must be U.S. citizens to attend this event

Staff:

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members:

No additional requirements

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. In addition, accomplish the following:

Participants:

No additional application instructions

Staff: 

Cadets: N/A

Senior Members: In addition to applying in eServices, send resume to TBD.

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 preference numbers. If you can't see the course number on your device, try changing the zoom on the page.

• eServices Short Name: SPACE OPS ACAD

• Cadet Participant Course #: 215

• Staff Participant Course #: 216

• Activity Full Name: Space Force operations Academy

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.  

• Complete 80% of the activity requirements 

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

• Activity Director determines course objectives met

Activity Staff will provide transportation between Denver International Airport (DEN) or Colorado Springs Airport (COS) and the activity location.

Required Staff Training: TBD