New Cadet Competition Format (2015–present) The current Civil Air Patrol National Cadet Competition (NCC) program (2015–Present) has been redesigned into a new format combining both drill team and color guard aspects into one competition. Core Events include: Inspection, Written Exam, Physical Fitness, Team Leadership Problem(s), Standard Color Guard Drill, Standard Element Drill, Indoor Posting of the Colors, and Outdoor Posting of the Colors.
The new curriculum's mission statement states: "The CAP National Cadet Competition program showcases the full range of challenges in cadet life experienced at the squadron level, and new areas of learning that are important to America." As a result, the competition has added several new elective competitive components to reflect the CAP Cadet Program, such as: rocketry, public speaking (extemporaneous, impromptu), geocaching, robotics, community service project, Jeopardy, Panel Quiz, Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAS), and Obstacle courses. Elective Components differ from year to year and are chosen at the discretion of the Activity Director.
Qualification
All 52 wings and 8 regions host a Cadet Competition each year in order to decide which team will ultimately represent their wings and regions respectively. Specifically, the winning team and runner up for each wing represent their respective wing at the region competition. At the region competition the winner and runner up receive a slot to represent their region at National Cadet Competition. NCC continues to be the most prestigious and elite competition Civil Air Patrol has to offer.
Team composition and eligibility
Eligibility
The NCC program is open to all cadet and composite squadrons. There are no special age or cadet grade requirements.
Team composition
Teams consist of six cadets, with one cadet serving as Team Commander. There are no alternates. The cadet must also have two escorts, with one eligible to drive a CAP vehicle.
Multi-squadron teams: Teams may draw cadets from a maximum of two squadrons.
Competitive events (2015–present) CAPP 60–75 - To fulfill its mission and vision, the NCC program consists of six core performance events for teams and numerous elective events for individuals and small groups. The elective events are randomized each year by the NCC Director for variety, resource, and availability purposes.
Awards
Trophy
The USAF Chief of Staff Outstanding Cadet Team Championship Trophy is presented to the most outstanding overall team, based on performance in both the core and the elective events. The Air Force Chief of Staff, General David C. Jones, USAF approved of this award and authorized it in the name of all Air Force Chiefs of Staff on 26 April 1978. Hence, the trophy has been nicknamed "Jonesy." The trophy displays every winning team named by region since its creation.
The trophy is at display at National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol, in Maxwell Air Force Base.
NCC Ribbon
Until further notice, participation at NCC garners the "green" National Color Guard Competition Ribbon, IAW CAPR 39-3, § 20-c.
The National Color Guard Competition Ribbon is awarded for participation in the National Color Guard Competition. Senior members who earned this ribbon as a cadet may continue to wear the ribbon.
The basic ribbon will be worn by cadets who are the winner of the wing competition and/or cadets selected to represent the wing at a region competition. A bronze star will be affixed for the winners of the region competition, and a silver star will be worn by the sweepstakes winner of the national competition. Repetitive awards may be recognized by wearing additional stars in the appropriate competition level. The ribbon may also be awarded to a maximum of three senior members per team, who were responsible for escorting, chaperoning and training their respective teams at the wing, region and national level competitions.
Rarity of Star Device(s)
96 Cadets will earn the Bronze Star Device (Region Champions) on the NCC Ribbon Annually. Only 6 cadets earn the Silver Star (National Champions) Device on the NCC Ribbon Annually. Statistically, less than .0003% in the entire CAP Cadet Corps. Making it one of the rarest and most prestigious devices in the Civil Air Patrol.
NCSA Ribbon
Cadet and Senior Members who serve as Logistical Staff, and Judges for the entirety of the NCC Activity earn the National Cadet Special Activity Ribbon.
Pamphlet
The National Cadet Competition will utilize CAPP 60–75.
Winners (2015–present)
(NCC) National Cadet Competition facts, records, and statistics (1974–present)