Location
Nelson University
Hagee Communications Center
Waxahachie, Texas
Cadet Competition
Southwest Region Cadet Programs
2026 Southwest Region Cadet Competition
A regional challenge in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and cadet excellence.
About the Competition
What is Cadet Competition?
The Southwest Region Cadet Competition challenges cadets in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, teamwork, and professionalism through events inspired by the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
The competition highlights the challenges cadets experience at the squadron level while introducing new opportunities for growth, learning, character development, and leadership.
Cadet Competition showcases today’s cadets as tomorrow’s aerospace leaders while promoting individual excellence in leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character.
Event Information
Competition Details
Dates
July 24–26, 2026
Activity Director
Maj. Sarah Heitzmann
Core Competition Events
Region and wing competitions are encouraged to use core team events from the National Cadet Competition program guide. These events test cadet leadership, discipline, knowledge, fitness, and teamwork.
Indoor Posting
Outdoor Posting
Standard Drill
Team Leadership Problem
Written Exam
Uniform Inspection
Cadet Physical Fitness Test
Sportsmanship
Additional Event Possibilities
Depending on local capabilities and activity design, competitions may also include additional events that allow cadets to demonstrate communication, STEM, aerospace, and mission-related skills.
Public Speaking
Model Rocketry
Robotics
Panel Quiz
Obstacle Course
Direction Finding
Service Project
Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Eligibility Requirements
Cadets participating in the Southwest Region Cadet Competition must meet eligibility standards established by the Cadet Competition program.
Achievement 1 Required
Two Teams Per Wing
Maximum of Two Squadrons Per Team
Wing-Level Selection Process
Individual Eligibility
Participating cadets must have successfully completed Achievement 1 in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
Pre-Qualification
Wings appoint teams to participate in the Southwest Region-level competition. Each wing is authorized up to two team slots.
Multi-Squadron Teams
Teams may draw cadets from a maximum of two squadrons.
Advancement Through Competition
Every echelon is encouraged to host its own cadet competition program. The suggested best practice is for the teams placing first and second to advance to the next higher echelon’s competition, at the discretion of the sending commander.
Cadet Competition is designed to promote progressive leadership development and teamwork opportunities at every level of Civil Air Patrol.
Team Requirements
Teams will consist of six cadets, including one designated cadet commander.
Participating cadets must have completed Achievement 1 in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program.
Each wing within the Southwest Region may send up to two teams to compete.
Teams may include cadets from up to two squadrons.
Escort Requirements
Each team is required to have two approved senior member or cadet sponsor escorts.
At least one escort must be licensed to operate Civil Air Patrol vehicles.
Preparing for Competition
Teams should prepare across the full range of cadet life: drill and ceremonies, leadership problem solving, aerospace knowledge, physical fitness, uniform wear, communication, and teamwork.
Successful teams should focus not only on performance, but also on professionalism, resilience, accountability, and sportsmanship.
The best preparation begins at the squadron level through consistent training, mentorship, practice, and cadet-led teamwork.
Ready to Compete?
Register for Cadet Competition
Registration information is available through Civil Air Patrol Registration Zone.