Here is a breakdown of the requirements for each level of professional development in CAP.

Level I

• Completion of Level 1 & 6 months as a SM make you eligible for the rank of 2LT, and you Membership Award Ribbon.
• How to complete Level I Training
  • Complete CAP Orientation Course
  • Complete Cadet Protections Program Training.

Technical Rating

• The technical rating is the step in between Level I and Level II.
• Completion of this step & 1 year as 2 LT makes you eligible for 1LT.
• The technical rating consist of completion of a technical level in a CAP Specialty Track.
• For more information on how to complete a technical rating consult Paragraph 4-2 in CAPR 50-17.
• Completion of a technical rating in a chosen specialty track makes you eligible to receive the Leadership Award Ribbon
• Make sure to chose a Specialty Track which interest you.
• It might be a good idea to pick a track which corresponds with your current position, but is not required.

Level II

• Completion of Level II & 18 Months as 1LT makes you eligible for promotion to Captain.
• How to complete level II
  • Complete Level I Training
  • Attain a Technician rating in a CAP specialty track.
  • Complete AFIADL 00013 CAP Senior Officers Course
  • Completion of Squadron Leadership School.
• Completion of the Yeager Aerospace award makes you eligible to receive a special seal on your Level II Certificate of Proficiency, and authorizes you to wear the Yeager Aerospace Award Ribbon.
• Contact Lt Col. Roger Medlin or look in CAPR 280-2 for information on earning your Chuck Yeager Aerospace Education Award.

AFIADL 00013 & SLS

• To complete this course you must sign up through the AFIADL.
• http://www.maxwell.af.mil/au/cf/auregistrar/cfrr/AU23.pdf
• For further information on how to fill out this form please ask or refer to my previous email.

• SLS is a course which is usually given over 2 days and usually consists of 12hrs of training.
• These are given periodically throughout the year.
• Seniors learn the basic functions of a squadron and how to improve squadron operations.

LEVEL III

• Completion of Level III and 3 years as Captain makes you eligible for promotion to Major & to earn the Grover Loening Aerospace Award Ribbon
• How to complete Level III
  • Complete Level II
  • Must have 1 year experience in a Command or Staff position.
  • Attain a senior rating in any specialty track.
  • Attend 2 wing, region, or national conferences.
  • Complete the Corporate Learning Course (CLC)
• Once you have become senior rated in any specialty track you are eligible to wear a Bronze Star on your Leadership Award Ribbon.

CLC

• CLC should be held at least once a year in each wing and consist of 12 hrs of training.
• Seniors learn how wing operates in each of CAP's major mission elements.

Level IV

• Completion of Level IV & 4 years as Major makes you eligible for promotion to LT Col & to receive the Paul Garber Award.
• How to complete Level IV
  • Complete Level III
  • Attain a master rating in any specialty track
  • Complete one of the following: Prepare & deliver a CAP-relate presentation to a non-CAP group, Conduct a hands on unit aerospace education program, or an external aerospace education classroom program, or earn the Yeager Award.
  • Complete Region Staff College
  • Occupy a command or staff position for a total of 2 years
  • Serve as a staff member at a national, regional, or wing conference, or serve as a staff member at a SLS or CLC
• Completion of a master rating in a specialty track makes you eligible to wear a silver star on you Leadership Award Ribbon.

RSC

• Region Staff College prepares selected CAP officers to better execute the duties and responsibilities associated with CAP command and staff positions at squadron level and above.
• The region commander selects time and location for this training.

Level V

• This is the highest level of CAP career development and is for those officers performing duty as commander or staff officers.
• How to complete Level V
  • Complete Level IV
  • Perform in a command or staff position for a total of 3 years.
  • Conduct a Level I Orientation Course
  • Serve in a director capacity of a SLS CLC or UCC or
  • Serve as a staff member for a RSC or NSC
  • Attend National Staff College
• Successful completion of Level V qualifies you for the Wilson Award. This is the highest professional development award given to a CAP senior member, and a special ceremony in your honor.

Special Promotions

• CAPR-35-5 gives details for special promotions for Professionals such as Teachers, Lawyers, Doctors, A&P's, and Ground Instructors.
• The most common advance promotion is for pilots
• If you hold a private pilot certificate you are eligible for promotion to 2LT after completion of Level I
• If you hold an Instrument or Commercial Certificate you are eligible for promotion to 1LT after completion of Level I
• If you are a CFI you are eligible for promotion to Captain after completion of level I
• Please note that before further promotion you must complete the requirements for the Levels you initially skipped.

by Capt Joey Surles and 1st Lt Mike McCoury