California Cadet Corps Curriculum

CACC curriculum falls into four categories: Military Knowledge, Citizenship, Leadership, and Wellness.

Each curriculum strand offers three Sections: A (Self-Mastery), B (Followership), and C (Leadership). In a general way, this may be interpreted as curriculum for junior cadets, Cadet NCOs, and Cadet Officers or experienced cadets. However, in some topics all three sections are appropriate for all cadets.

We do not have a Grizzly Cadet curriculum, but hope to develop separate lessons for our growing elementary school cadets.

Most sections of curriculum consist of a Text, Slides, and Assessments, provided in PDF and PowerPoint. For text or assessment files in Word, please request them from . We're happy to provide you with them, so you can adjust your lessons as desired.

Commandants, using their CACC email address, may access the Assessment Answer Keys at CACC Curriculum Keys.

If you spot errors in any of the curriculum, or if the offered files don't open or download, please notify us at .

4 Year Leadership Education Progression - High School Program

Year 1 – Building Foundations

  • Focus: Learning to follow, building character, and developing reliability.
  • Leadership Skills: Cadets will focus on personal responsibility, teamwork, and discipline.
  • Hands-On Learning: Engage in basic Cadet activities such as Color Guard, parades, and leadership exercises. Participation in state events like Drill Academy and Bivouacs.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Cadet Sergeant or Cadet Staff Sergeant.

Year 2 – Stepping into Leadership

  • Focus: Taking on leadership roles such as Squad Leader or Platoon Sergeant.
  • Leadership Skills: Begin practicing leadership through small team management and planning.
  • Hands-On Learning: Increased involvement in logistical roles, such as Company XO or Assistant Battalion Staff, and participate in advanced leadership camps like NCO Academy.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Rank of Cadet First Sergeant & 2LT.

Year 3 – Expanding Leadership Responsibilities

  • Focus: Advanced leadership with larger responsibilities, possibly in Battalion or Brigade staff.
  • Leadership Skills: Manage more complex operations, mentoring younger cadets, and handling logistics or training.
  • Hands-On Learning: Take part in Officer Candidate School (OCS), survival training, and 10th Corps leadership roles.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Cadet Captain or Major status.

Year 4 – Command and Mentorship

  • Focus: Senior leadership roles such as Battalion Commander or Brigade Commander.
  • Leadership Skills: Command a unit, oversee operations, and mentor junior cadets. Develop decision-making and strategic leadership skills.
  • Hands-On Learning: Continue to serve in primary roles while taking part in advanced leadership opportunities like the 10th Corps Staff.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Cadet Colonel (C/COL).

2 Year Leadership Education Progression – Middle School Program

Year 1 – Learning to Lead Yourself

  • Focus: Personal growth, confidence-building, and learning to follow with purpose.
  • Leadership Skills: Cadets begin by mastering self-discipline, organization, and effective communication.
  • Hands-On Learning: Participate in uniform wear, drill basics, flag details, and community service projects. Begin exploring team-based tasks in class.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Cadet Corporal or Cadet Sergeant.
  • Key Milestones:
    • Earn first promotion and ribbon
    • Serve as element leader or squad assistant
    • Participate in a bivouac or state/local drill event

Year 2 – Leading with Purpose

  • Focus: Taking initiative, leading small teams, and building peer mentorship skills.
  • Leadership Skills: Introduction to small-unit leadership, time management, and setting a positive example for younger or newer cadets.
  • Hands-On Learning: Serve as Squad Leader, Company Guide, or junior Staff Assistant. Opportunities to assist in planning classroom activities or ceremonies.
  • Cadet Rank Goal: Cadet Staff Sergeant / Master Sergeant.
  • Key Milestones:
    • Lead a team in drill or classroom exercise
    • Earn leadership ribbon or commendation
    • Mentor a new Cadet or lead a flag detail rotation
    • Optional participation in NCO Academy or Junior Leadership Camp (if offered)
Military Knowledge
Citizenship
Leadership
Wellness