Oshkosh, WI -   More than 30 students and staff attended a recent, weekend training program, Professional Cadet Training (PCT), at the Civil Air Patrol's Oshkosh Training Center, Whitman Regional Airport.

Students received training geared towards enhancing their experience in the Cadet Program.

Sponsored by the Fox Cities Composite Squadron, PCT comprised three separate training agendas: Cadet Leadership School for new members, Noncommissioned Officer School for emerging leaders, and Officer Training School for senior cadets.

2008 marked the training program's fifth year, but is the first time that all three schools were offered during a single weekend. At the Cadet Leadership School, students were instructed in drill & ceremonies, customs & courtesies, CAP history, and what to look forward to in the cadet program. At the same time, the school developed the cadets' teamwork skills and provided hands-on training in basic orienteering. All of which will be valuable in CAP and throughout their lives.

Students attending Noncommissioned Officer School received classroom and practical training in communication, leadership, counseling, instructional methods, and leading a unit in drill. For many, the weekend provided the first "hands-on" leadership experience, with all students having the opportunity to lead a flight and instruct a class to their peers.

Officer Training School (OTS), the most advanced level, was geared towards leadership, communication, scheduling, cadet staff development, and unit pride with development of critical thinking and leadership at the squadron level, or above, as its goals. Some discussions even looked at CAP at the national level.

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