Thank you for your interest in the American Cadet Alliance!
Tracing its history back to 1909, the American Cadet Alliance (ACA) is our country's oldest and longest-serving nationwide Cadet Corps. The ACA is a non-profit youth development program dedicated to instilling the values of HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT in young Americans.
THE CORPS OF CADETS
The ACA consists of three Cadet brigades, each closely paralleling the training and traditions of the service for which it is named. Hometown units may be an element of the Naval Brigade, Marine Brigade or Army Brigade; or, they may be a joint-service unit with members of all three brigades assigned. The Corps of Cadets includes:
The Naval Cadet Brigade holds the distinction of being the oldest and longest-serving Cadet organization in the United States. Its history is colorful and varied, providing seamanship and leadership training to young people, beginning in 1909. Thousands of former United States Naval Cadets have gone on to serve in the United States Navy, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. The U.S. Naval Cadet Corps is patterned after, and closely parallels the training and discipline of, the United States Navy and Coast Guard. Naval Cadets train in a variety of areas; including leadership, seamanship, naval aviation and naval construction.
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The Marine Cadet Brigade of the American Cadet Alliance is for those few young men and women who have what it takes to meet the challenge of being called "Marine Cadet." Thousands of former Marine Cadets have gone on to serve in the United States Marine Corps and other branches of the Armed Forces. The Marine Cadet Corps is patterned after, and closely parallels the training and discipline of the United States Marine Corps. Marine Cadets train in a variety of areas; including leadership, orienteering (map, compass and land navigation), rappelling and mountain climbing, water survival and naval aviation. |
The Army Cadet Brigade of
the American Cadet Alliance is for those young men and women who are
motivated to learn the values and traditions of the United States Army.
The U.S. Army Cadet Corps is closely patterned after the United States Army
and is the fastest-growing brigade in the American Cadet Alliance. Army
Cadets train in a variety of areas; including leadership, orienteering (map,
compass and land navigation), rappelling and mountain climbing, and land survival.
a. Have the approval of their parents / legal guardians.
b. Citizens of the United States (waivers may be granted).
c. Have attained their 12th birthday, or begun the 6th grade, but not yet reached their 18th birthday.
d. Pass a qualifying physical examination.
e. Crime-free and drug-free.
The adult leadership of the ACA is provided by a team of non-paid professionals who are members of the ACA Officer and Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps. All officers and NCOs may be either civilian or military personnel (active duty, reserve, retired or veterans) who, after meeting certain requirements, may be appointed as an Officer Candidate by ACA National Headquarters. All are volunteers, receiving no pay or benefits. Officers and NCOs wear distinctly modified military uniforms of their appropriate brigade. The minimum qualifications for officer and NCO appointments include:
a. Citizens of the United States (waivers may be granted).
b. Age 18, and normally not more than 62 years of age.
c. Physically qualified to carry out assigned duties.
d. Undergo a special law enforcement background investigation.
e. While no particular education or professional qualifications are required; applicants with a military background are highly desirous.
f. Free of felony conviction.
Membership in the ACA allows young people the opportunity to experience military life with no obligation to enlist in any branch of the Armed Forces. Should a Cadet decide to enlist in the military, his or her Cadet record may permit enlistment at an advanced pay grade. Cadets are authorized to wear distinctly modified military uniforms of their brigade.
Service as a member of the ACA Officers Corps or Non-Commissioned Officers Corps permits dedicated adult Americans the opportunity to have a direct impact on the development of young adults. Many members of the ACA Officers Corps or Non-Commissioned Officers Corps are military veterans or retirees who enjoy the opportunity to once again experience the camaraderie and spirit associated with the military lifestyle. Others are dedicated professionals, without a military background, who are committed to instilling the values of HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT in young people, while gaining a new understanding and appreciation of the men and women of our Armed Forces.
ACA Cadets hone their leadership skills through promotion in rank and advanced training. Each Cadet's accomplishments are rewarded by both promotions and awards. Naval Cadets begin as a Seaman Recruit and may be promoted through the coveted rate of Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer. Young men and women of the Marine and Army Brigades begin as a Private and may continue to develop their skills as they rise through the ranks to Cadet Sergeant Major.
Promotion to the senior Cadet grades of Naval Cadet Chief Petty Officer, Marine Cadet Gunnery Sergeant or Army Cadet Sergeant First Class, and above, requires a formalized promotion board, comprised of a balance of ACA and active duty, reserve or retired service members, which is tasked with the assessing the Cadet's qualifications for promotion. Just as with the United States Navy and Coast Guard, promotion to the rate of Cadet Chief Petty Officer includes a series of traditions, including the customary "Charge Book," CPO Initiation and the donning of "The Hat." ACA's realistic and challenging promotion criteria is very unique, resulting in our Cadet Chief Petty Officer promotions have been recognized by the National Chief Petty Officer's Association, the association of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard Chiefs of all ages and generations.
Recently promoted Cadet Chief Boatswain's Mate (Diver) Jameson Keller, USNCC, received these words of encouragement from retired Chief Petty Officer Dewey L. Holt, the President of the National Chief Petty Officer's Association:
"Congratulations on your appointment as Chief Petty Officer. Your family, your shipmates and officers should be very proud. We are proud to offer you membership in the National Chief Petty Officers Association... We are very interested in your career, both college and the Navy... Until we meet, Fair Winds and Following Seas. Hail to the Chiefs."
Cadets and members of the ACA Officers Corps or Non-Commissioned Officers Corps have the opportunity to attend one of three nationally-organized training programs:
Recruit Training: This is the initial training for all new Cadets. Normally up to two weeks aboard an active duty military installation where Cadets are introduced to the basics of military life. Recruits attend "Boot Camp" where they will learn the meaning of teamwork, self-discipline and personal pride. Upon graduation from Recruit Training, the young man or woman is called "Naval Cadet," "Marine Cadet" or "Army Cadet" for the very first time, and is allowed the privilege of wearing the dress uniform. This isn't your typical "summer camp," and not everyone will make it through. Those who do, know that they have accomplished something to be proud of!
Advanced Training: For graduates of Recruit Training, this program is also up to two weeks aboard an active duty military installation where Cadets are introduced to advanced military skills. Advanced Training Cadets participate in field training, survival exercises and other team-buiding activities.
Non-Commissioned Officer Leadership Development Academy (NCOLDA): An intense 7-day program for Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers which emphasizes leadership, personal excellence and teamwork at the unit level. Only the most qualified Cadets are accepted to NCOLDA, as this is a required course of instruction for those Cadet NCOs who are tasked with teaching and leading the Cadets participating in Recruit and Advanced Training programs.
The above programs are made available through the volunteer spirit of the members of the ACA Officers Corps or Non-Commissioned Officers Corps. Each program depends on a staff of ACA Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers to provide the leadership, management and administrative support necessary for such a large-scale training program.
Originally founded as a youth development program dedicated to the youth of the northeastern United States, the ACA began a nationwide expansion in the mid-1990s. Believing in quality over quantity, the program has slowly developed across our country, and continues to grow at a rate of approximately four new units each year.
Today, there are units in several states throughout the country and Puerto Rico. Our goal is to provide the ACA program to young American's all across America.
If you live in one of the states where there are one or more operational units, please write to ITC@militarycadets.org and let us know your zip code and what major city is nearby. We'll put you in contact with the Recruiting Officer of the unit nearest you.
Recognizing that there are young men and women, as well as dedicated adults, throughout the country who would like to be a part of ACA, we have established the Individual Training Company (ITC), an element of ACA National Headquarters. As a member of the ITC, Cadets and officers are entitled to a variety of privileges:
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Enrollment in the Corps of Cadets in either the Naval, Marine, or Army Cadet Brigade.
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Issuance of an ACA Identification Card entitling the member to participate in ACA activities.
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Enrollment in extension courses which permit the member to learn from the ACA curriculum without actively attending weekly or monthly drills. (Members of the ITC MUST attend the Corps' Recruit Training (RT) and Advanced Training (AT) summer programs in order to augment the ACA curriculum and remain a member of the ITC).
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Upon completion of recruit training, ITC members receive, and are eligible to wear, the dress uniform appropriate to their brigade. They are then eligible to participate in further advanced training.
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Receive the Corps' quarterly e-mail newsletter, The Anchor, to keep advised of ACA activities.
If you are located in a state which does not have an ACA unit, as shown above, please email ITC@militarycadets.org for more information on affiliating with the ITC.
We are actively seeking qualified adults to assist in the expansion of our great program. Our goal is to establish ACA units throughout the country; however, that goal is entirely dependent upon the dedication and initiative of dedicated Americans across the country who have a desire to instill the virtues of HONOR, COURAGE and COMMITMENT in young people.
ACA units can be formed, and continue to drill, aboard military installations, reserve centers and National Guard Armories, as well as at schools and community centers. To develop a unit, a team of dedicated adults need only identify the need within their own community and then follow the detailed information that can be found in the ACA Formation Brochure at:
Again, thank you for your interest in the American Cadet Alliance. If you feel that YOU have what it takes to become one of us, please feel free to email me directly at ITC@militarycadets.org and I will assist you in contacting the unit nearest you, or take you through the steps to enroll in the Individual Training Company.
STEVEN E. BRENGARD