Eagle Scouting

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On a similar track, and being a former Civil Air Patrol cadet (now senior member), the pinnacle of the CAP cadet program is earning the General Carl A. Spaatz (pronounced 'spots') Award. Since the award was introduced in 1964, only slightly over 1600 cadets (less than 1/2 of 1% of all cadets)earned this prestigious award, which bestows the three-diamond grade of cadet colonel.

There are 16 achievements to pass and three 'milestone' awards before one can sit for the Spaatz exam.

The Wright Brothers Award completes Phase I and bestows the grade of cadet staff sergeant.

The Billy Mitchell Award completes Phase II and bestows the grade of cadet second lieutenant.

The Amelia Earhart Award completes Phase III and bestows the grade of cadet captain.

The Ira Eaker (pronounced 'acre') Award is awarded for completion of Phase IV (all 16 achievements of the cadet program) and bestows the grade of cadet lieutenant colonel.

Cadets test for the Spaatz by taking a comprehensive leadership and aerospace education test, along with an essay question and passing a physical fitness test. One can only attempt to pass the Spaatz exam three times; fail it three times and no award.

I earned the Mitchell and Earhart awards as a cadet, but topped out shy of completing the cadet program (there was no Eaker award then).