Minnesota Leadership Academy

Minnesota Leadership Academy (MLA) is a weekend leadership activity held during Minnesota's MEA weekend.  Over the weekend, students of MLA's three "schools" practice leadership skills, learn teamwork and followership, and (importantly) have fun!  Schools are split by cadet rank and experience, from Airman Training School (ATS), where new cadets that haven't yet been to Encampment can learn, to Non-Commissioned Officer School (NCOS), where cadet NCOs can learn team management and drill of the flight.  For senior NCOs and cadet officers, Basic Cadet Officer Course (BCOC) provides an intense curricula of executive training, where students can learn the skills it takes to run larger groups and plan events.

Cost and Refunds

The cost for this activity for all cadet students and cadet cadre is TBD.  This covers all meals, materials, and lodging. 

Limited Need-Based Scholarships Available

Through a generous donation from the American Legion Security Forces, a limited number of full scholarships are available to cadet students with financial need. 

Please contact MNWG Director of Cadet Programs Lt Col Albright at mary.albright@gmail.com if you have financial need and would like to be considered for this scholarship opportunity. 

Due the complex nature of this activity, no refunds are available after Sept 20.
Refund requests received prior to Sept 18 will be submitted for consideration to Wing DCP LtCol Albright. 
Refund requests that are approved are subject to a $50 administrative fee.

Airman Training School

Airman Training School, or ATS, is for new CAP cadets.  Generally students are between C/AB (not yet promoted) and C/SrA (the third promotion) in the cadet program who have not attended Encampment.  No prior CAP experience is required, and at ATS, you'll learn what it means to be a cadet, all while getting to know fellow airmen from around the state!  You don't even need a uniform.  You'll learn basic drill, starting from scratch, and by the end of the weekend you'll be familiar with CAP's customs and courtesies.  Besides doing cool exclusive activities at Camp Ripley normally only available to military members, you'll also become familiar with all the other cool opportunities Civil Air Patrol has to offer cadets (and you'll have great resources to help you understand how to take advantage of those too!).

A further bonus is that students who attend ATS will graduate the weekend having completed most, if not all, the requirements for their next promotion.

This course is open to any CAP cadet who has not completed an encampment.  There is no minimum grade.  ABUs are preferred but not required.

Registration is not yet open

Non-Commissioned Officer School

Non-commissioned officers, or NCOs are also known as sergeants.  These are the backbone of any military organization, and the same is true in CAP.  If you've graduated Encampment and you're at least a C/SrA, you're eligible to apply for Non-Commissioned Officer School, or NCOS for short.  Attending NCOS will give you the knowledge and hands-on experience to lead and teach flight drill, prepare and present professional speeches, manage subordinate cadets, and lead by example.  

The ideal candidate will be at least a C/SrA, have encampment credit, and is prepared to take the next steps towards becoming a better leader. 

 

Registration is not yet open

Basic Cadet Officer Course

Cadet officers (or soon-to-be) are eligible to apply for Basic Cadet Officer Course.  This is a wing-wide activity held in Minnesota with the purpose of teaching new officers the skills needed to be a successful indirect leader and mentor.  By the end of the weekend, you'll have completed an intensive training course and will have experience planning, executing plans, and leading at a larger scale.  You'll leave the weekend knowing the principles of officership, the responsibility of command, how to mentor and develop younger cadets, and having had an introduction to upper level management.

The ideal candidate will be at least a C/CMSgt and be ready for a collegiate academic environment.  Blues and ABUs are required.

 

Registration is not yet open

Cadet Graduation

Parents, Family, and Friends are invited to the Graduation Ceremony on Sunday time is TBD.  It will be located at The Chapel (Bldg 10-98)