The very first step in becoming an ALERT Cadet is to complete the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual. The 40 page ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual is completed at home by both the father and son(s) and can take as little as 28 days to complete. Successful completion of the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual is a prerequisite for membership as an ALERT Cadet.

Download the application for the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual here.
Download the 28 Day completion plan for the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual here.

Projects in the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual focus on the Cadet motto, “Strong to Overcome,” and define the code of conduct of an ALERT Cadet: a young man who is swift to hear what is true, quick to honor, strong to obey, courageous to be truthful, diligent to be neat, and genuine in gratefulness.

There is a fee of $35 per family for the ALERT Cadet Basic Training materials.

Additional sons in the same family may enroll at age eight with no additional charge.

Organizational Structure

The basic element of the ALERT Cadet program is the family group, which is made up of a father and his sons. Sons, aged 13 and older, can be designated as members of the Leadership Training Corps (LTC) and given additional responsibilities.

Fathers serve as the leadership (officers) in the ALERT Cadet structure. The unit leader and father assign cadets leadership responsibilities.

Upon receipt of the ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual application, each family group is assigned to a unit. A family group actually joins the ALERT Cadet program when the father and one or more sons have completed their ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual and have applied for membership.

A unit is composed of three to five families in a geographical area. The unit leader, who holds the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, must sign and adhere to a statement of Christian faith.

Many units divide into smaller squads, each under a father who serves as a squad leader, for accountability. Units are designated by letters (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.) and squads are designated by numbers.