San Francisco Cadet Squadron 86, Civil Air Patrol

Our Story

San Francisco Cadet Squadron 86’s Cadet Program is a leadership course for youth ages 12 to 20 utilizing the traditions and values, and customs and courtesies, of the U.S. Air Force.

The Cadet Program emphasizes four primary elements: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, and Character. During the weekly meetings, cadets are engaged in lectures and discussions in the classroom, covering topics such as the art (and science) of leadership, good citizenship, effective communication skills, and aerospace education.

Cadets also partake in a variety of hands-on activities, including, but not limited to, drill and ceremonies, physical fitness programs, model rocketry, powered and unpowered orientation flights, and emergency services training. Cadets are also afforded the opportunity to participate in activities outside of the regular squadron meetings such as summer encampments, search-and-rescue training at Hawk Mountain Ranger School, and the International Air Cadet Exchange among others. Overall, the curriculum and training provided by the Cadet Program helps youth to develop both their personal and team leadership skills.

The senior staff at Squadron 86 serves as instructors and mentors to the cadets with the objective of seeing every cadet succeed in the Cadet Program—and in life.

In brief, through the Cadet Program, Squadron 86, and the Civil Air Patrol as a whole, seeks to transform its cadets into responsible citizens and leaders ready and willing to make positive contributions to their communities, be it that the local, national or global level.