Although many of our readers and our staff are members of CAP and participants in its cadet program, CadetStuff was never intended to be CAP-specific. We really want our readers better informed about other cadet programs around the country and world. In the past, we've had articles about the UK's Air Training Corps from our ancestors across the sea in the UK, for example. We're pleased this month to present some intel about the American Cadet Alliance.

The American Cadet Alliance serves young men and women age 12-18 who are Naval Cadets, Marine Cadets and Army Cadets in hometown units nationwide. Much like a National Guardsman, the Cadets typically train one weekend each month, as well as two weeks during the summer. All Cadets must be crime-free, drug-free and doing well in school. The American Cadet Alliance is the 2004 recipient of the Secretary of Defense's Fulcrum Shield Award for Counterdrug Education excellence. (editors note: see detailed information about this below)

Much like their colleagues in the State Guard, the officers and adult Non Commissioned Officers of the American Cadet Alliance are non-paid professionals who dedicate their time and resources to instill positive values in America's youth. The State Guards across the United States, also known as a State Defense Force, are tasked with providing support to their National Guard units with manpower ranging from security forces to medical professionals. Truly the "Citizen-Soldier," these men and women serve without pay or compensation and subject themselves to state active duty at the direction of the Adjutant General, based on the needs of their community.

At a recent national conference in San Antonio, Texas the delegates of the State Guard Association of the United States (SGAUS) voted unanimously to endorse the American Cadet Alliance (ACA), during the SGAUS 28th Annual Conference on 7-10 October. A resolution was approved, which reads as follows:

In addition to the resolution above, a number of State Guard officials inquired about how to form a unit in their communities. Also, the State Guard Association approved two $300 Summer Training Grants for exceptional ACA Cadets.

The Department of Defense awarded the 4th annual Secretary of Defense Fulcrum Shield award to the American Cadet Alliance during opening ceremonies of the 14th annual "Red Ribbon Week" at the Pentagon on Monday. The award was created by the Office of the Deputy Assistant of Defense for Counternarcotics as a means of recognizing youth organizations affiliated with the military that have made recognizable strides in spreading the anti-drug message throughout their communities.

The American Cadet Alliance was recognized for working closely with National Guard Drug Demand Reduction programs where the Cadets served as "force multipliers" by providing anti-drug presentations to other young people. This helped to spread the anti-drug message, while instilling a greater sense of self-confidence in the Cadets. The American Cadet Alliance is credited with exposing more than 5,000 young people to the anti-drug message, while representing the men and women of our Armed Forces who keep America safe.

"We are honored to be selected for this prestigious award," said ACA's National Commandant Colonel C. R. Tornow, USMCC. "Our partnership with Drug Demand Reduction is an important aspect of our mission statement." The mission of the American Cadet Alliance is "To instill in young Americans, through a multi-faceted Cadet program which is physically and mentally challenging and rewarding, the importance of national pride, service to others and maintaining a drug-free and gang-free lifestyle." Tracing its history to April 10, 1909, the American Cadet Alliance is America's oldest nationwide Cadet Corps, serving young people ages 12-18 who are Naval Cadets, Marine Cadets and Army Cadets, training in hometown units nationwide.

The Fulcrum Shield award is named in honor of the five military personnel from Fort Bliss who were killed in an airplane crash in 1999 while on a counterdrug reconnaissance mission in Colombia.

Just to show that all cadets, the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force (that's CAP, in case you are living in a cave) can work and play together....

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY- Cadets of the American Cadet Alliance and the Civil Air Patrol honored America's heroes earlier this month during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. Shown (l. to r.) Cadet Chief Petty Officer (Diver) Joseph M. Land, Jr., 15, U.S. Naval Cadet Corps (Florida); Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Alexander J. Tullo, 19, Civil Air Patrol, (Pennsylvania); Cadet Sergeant Joshua T. Kowalczk, 15, U.S. Army Cadet Corps (Florida); Cadet Staff Sergeant Krysten A. Farley, 16, U.S. Marine Cadet Corps (Michigan), present a wreath to members of the 3d United States Infantry Regiment - the "Old Guard" - on behalf of thousands of Cadets nationwide. This was the first time a Joint Service Cadet Honor Guard comprising of a Naval Cadet, Marine Cadet and Army Cadet of the American Cadet Alliance and a Cadet representing the Air Force from the Civil Air Patrol conducted this time-honored ceremony. (Official ACA Photo by ENS Gerald Blum, USNCC).

Detailed information on the American Cadet Alliance can be found at www.militarycadets.org and www.AdventureBeginsHere.org .