Note: At Region Staff College last summer, we were required to write a speech on a CAP topic. This article is adapted from the speech I wrote for that assignment.

It goes without saying that cadets and seniors are different. Beyond the obvious "adolescent vs. adult" age difference, we each have our own program, and the two programs each have their own unique requirements. For example, cadets have a physical fitness requirement in their program, and seniors do not. The seniors have training requirements such as specialty tracks and training weekends such as SLS, which the cadets do not.

But despite these differences, we're all CAP members. Civil Air Patrol literally would not be the organization it is today without both types of members. Our cadets depend on seniors for their very program. They need things like support, supervision, and leadership. But at the same time, seniors need to learn that they can rely on the cadets to accomplish the unit's and the organization's goals.

Almost one-half of our members are cadets. Nationally, cadets make up about 40% of the membership. In Nebraska Wing, it's actually a little higher, at 47%. With cadets as such a large proportion of our organization, virtually anything you do in CAP can affect them in some way. You should understand that as a senior member, you work with cadets whether you realize it or not! Consider this example: You are a senior member mission pilot. No cadets work with you on this job, and you don't directly supervise any. Yet, you still are working with cadets. The ground teams you work with will, with some few exceptions, have cadet members. If you call the ground team (or even sometimes mission base) on the radio, there is a good chance the voice answering you will be a cadet. Cadets may be working the flight line at the mission base. Put simply, you just can't avoid our cadets!

To better understand our cadets, let's start with a basic concept. Consider a definition of the word "Cadet." Back in my cadet days, one of our seniors (whom I happen to respect a great deal) gave us this definition: "A cadet is a leader in training." This definition always stuck with me, and today it shapes how I view our cadets. I think it best describes what we're trying to do with the cadet program. We're building tomorrow's leaders! As a senior in CAP, you should also see our cadets in this light. With this understanding, dealing with our cadets will make more sense to you, and in the long run will be easier.

Let's take a look at some things all seniors need to know about cadets and the cadet program:

Understand that cadets have their own chain of command. This chain of command works both up and down (or at least it should!). If you deal with cadets in any official capacity, you should use their chain of command wherever possible and practical. Proper adherence to the chain of command is part of the leadership training our cadets receive. Your proper use of their system sets a good example for the cadets, and reinforces their training.

Be aware that our cadets have their own rank structure. This can be helpful to you because generally you can use a cadet's rank as an indicator of the level of experience they have in CAP. In most cases, rank also can indicate a cadet's general maturity level as well. Obviously, there can and will be wide variations (so use caution), but overall the cadet's rank can be a good general indicator of what you can expect from them. Get to know their rank insignia, and more importantly, learn and understand the differences between Cadet Airmen, Cadet NCOs, and Cadet Officers.

Remember that cadets have different levels of experience in CAP. Some are just starting out and don't know much, others may have been around CAP longer than you! They are also at different levels of progress in the CAP program. A Cadet Officer is going to know a lot more about leadership (and should be able to apply more of that knowledge) than a Cadet Airman will. Keep this in mind in your dealings with cadets.

Also keep in mind that not all cadets are created equal! This is something many senior members don't properly consider. Many seniors think that all cadets are the same, and therefore interchangeable. This is simply not true. Remember that cadets in CAP range in age between 12 and 20 years old. Think of yourself at that age and consider how different you were as a 12 year-old. Consider how much you changed between that age and age 20. When you were 20, you probably would not have appreciated being treated as a 12 year-old. Our cadets don't either! Understand that the cadets you deal with will have widely varying maturity levels.

So, now that we have some basic knowledge and things to consider about our cadets, let's take a look at some things that you need to do when working with them:

First, you simply need to accept cadets as part of our organization. Remember that Cadet Programs is one of the three main missions of CAP. Our cadets need to belong in CAP, but even more importantly they need to feel like they belong. Studies have shown that belonging to a group is an essential element in adolescent development. To many of our cadets, the CAP cadet program is this important group in their lives. You as a senior can do a lot to help them feel like they belong here.

When working with cadets, show them appropriate respect. Understand that you are senior, and don't abdicate that position to them, but always treat them as young adults (instead of children), and show them the same courtesies and respect that you would any subordinate in your workplace.

Hand-in-hand with this, you need to expect appropriate respect back from the cadets. Along with the chain of command, military-style customs and courtesies is an important part of the cadet's leadership training. Again, your actions here set the example. It is not unreasonable or "mean" to expect appropriate customs and courtesies from the cadets. This includes such things as saluting, expecting them to address you as "sir" or "ma'am," or by your CAP rank. You do more harm than good by being a "nice guy" and not expecting proper respect from the cadets. Failing to insist on proper courtesies from a cadet sets a bad example. Cadets come to believe that seniors don't care about customs and courtesies, and soon they stop practicing what they've learned in leadership training. Another side effect of being "too easy" when it comes to expecting proper respect from the cadets is that some of them will not take you seriously as an officer or as a leader. This can lead to bigger problems later on.

It is a simple fact that cadets are an integral part of our organization. If you accept this fact, and understand better your role in dealing with cadets, the whole organization will benefit.