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The New York National Guard Corps of Cadets is a program that offers young adults from the ages of 10-17 an opportunity to remain drug- and crime-free through their involvement in a structured environment. This program, sponsored by National Guard units and the Counterdrug program, provides Cadets with leadership and life skills and drug avoidance strategies with a focus on integrity, self-discipline, responsibility and physical fitness. The Corps of Cadets program challenges its members with adventurous activities under the guidance of military personnel skilled in those events and in such areas as community service.
The program began in 1991 with Regiments in Jamaica and Buffalo and has since expanded to nearly two dozen communities, statewide. Click this link to locate the Corps of Cadets in your area and for the Regiment's e-mail address. The Cadet program is still growing. The Counterdrug program plans to establish Cadet units additional communities as rapidly as resources permit.
The Corps of Cadets is a three-phase program. Phase I is Entry Level Training (ELT). This phase teaches the meaning of being a Cadet. The Cadets learn the Cadet Creed, military customs and courtesies, how to march and proper wear of the uniform. Phase II reinforces and builds on the basic skills learned in ELT. During this phase cadets meet once a week in a local armory for drill and team building activities consisting of life skills, DDR, leadership and physical fitness. Phase III is an annual summer encampment, provided at no cost to the cadet's family. The encampment promotes drug abuse resistance, self-discipline, motivation, self-esteem, leadership and team building through a highly structured program of challenging activities. Throughout all phases of the program, cadets learn important life and leadership skills such as conflict resolution skills, community awareness and project assistance, respect and responsibilities, and an appreciation of diversity.
Trained and skilled volunteer members of the Air and Army National Guard, the Naval Militia and the State Guard serve as the cadre for the Corps of Cadets. The cadre devotes countless hours to the future of our communities through their involvement in this program. The Corps of Cadets program is a Drug Demand Reduction effort; NOT a recruiting program for the Guard.
