By Bruce Kipp
Cadet Major Nicole Schneider of Sioux Falls, and member of the Civil Air Patrol’s Sioux Falls Composite Squadron, has been selected to attend CAP’s prestigious National Cadet Officers School this summer. She will join 120 cadet colleagues from 36 states at CAP’s National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama to attend the 10-day, college-level course.
Participation in the National Cadet Officer School is a popular choice for CAP cadets because of the rigorous academic curriculum and caliber of instruction offered by Air Force and CAP officers. Only the top 15 percent of all CAP cadets are accepted to attend.
Wing Commander Colonel John Seten said, “Cadet Major Schneider’s selection to attend the National Cadet Officers School shows that South Dakota Wing has some of the finest cadets in all of CAP.”
The National Cadet Officers School is an academically challenging program designed to develop cadets’ broader understanding of leadership as a discipline. Throughout the week the cadets participate in a variety of lectures and supporting discussions to explore leadership topics. Through the rigorous curriculum and activities they enhance their ability to work with others. When they leave they are better prepared to serve as leaders in their units, schools and communities.
“At the National Cadet Officer School we are building our nation’s leaders of tomorrow,” said Lt. Col. Joe Winter, the activity’s director. “Our cadets gain confidence and experience as they develop their skills.
The South Dakota Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, with squadrons in Sioux Falls, Brookings, Rapid City, Pierre, Custer and Spearfish has approximately 300 members, six light aircraft and 17 multi-purpose vehicles. These assets are available to federal, state and county governments, emergency responders and law enforcement agencies to perform search and rescue, homeland security, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and counter-drug missions. For more information visit the wing’s website at http://sdcap.us and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SDWingCAP. For general information on CAP visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com or www.capvolunteernow.com.