(from CAPNHQ)
The General Carl A. Spaatz Award,
Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet award, has existed since 1964. The
award honors the late General Carl A. Spaatz, who became the first U.S.
Air Force Chief of Staff on September 26, 1947. General Spaatz
(pronounced "spots") was also
CAP's first National Board Chairman, a
position he held from May 26, 1948, to April 27, 1959.
The Civil Air Patrol, the
official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force, has a three-fold
mission: the cadet program; aerospace education; and search and rescue.
The cadet program provides opportunities for learning, maturing, and
accepting leadership to over 26,000 young Americans from 12 to 20 years
of age. With advice and assistance from the U.S. Air Force, the Air
Force Reserve, and the CAP senior members at the national, region, state
and local levels, cadets are exposed to a structured program of
aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness, and moral, and
ethical values.
As a cadet passes through this structured program, he or she
accomplishes a series of 16 achievements, each involving study and
performance in the five areas. Upon completion of each achievement, the
cadet earns increased cadet responsibility, decorations, awards,
eligibility for national and international special activities, and an
opportunity for both flight and academic scholarships.
The final cadet milestone award is the Spaatz Award which is earned
after completing the Eaker Award and then passing a rigorous four-part
examination. The exam consists of written exams in aerospace education
and leadership, a written essay, and a physical fitness test. The Spaatz
examination is very difficult and is earned by less than one percent of
all CAP cadets who enter the program.
The first cadet to earn this award was Douglas C. Roach, of the Michigan
Wing. Cadet Colonel Roach was presented his Spaatz Award on November 19,
1964. This Michigan cadet became an Air Force pilot and later flew as
lead pilot with the U.S. Air Force aerial team, the Thunderbirds.
As CAP's most prestigious cadet award. the General Carl A. Spaatz Award
is normally presented by an Air Force or CAP general officer, an elected
state or federal official, or a cabinet level official. Once cadets earn
the Spaatz Award they are promoted to the rank of Cadet Colonel. Those
cadets, who later enter CAP's Senior Member program, are eligible for
immediate promotion to CAP Captain at age 21.
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