Cadet Program

The goal of the ALERT Cadet Program is to encourage fathers to strengthen the relationships with their sons by winning and keeping their sons' hearts.

Many enter the responsibilities of fatherhood with the honest intention of being a good father. In reality, however, it is easy to become consumed by more pressing matters while children take a back seat to careers, other responsibilities, and even good activities.

What a blessing it would be to look back with no regrets on the time that you have had with your sons. The Cadet Program is a tool standing ready for you to use in growing with your sons toward spiritual maturity.

One of the greatest benefits of the Cadet Program is the opportunity for fathers to spend one-on-one time with their sons.

Getting started

Successful completion of the Basic Training Manual is a prerequisite for membership as an ALERT Cadet and participation in the Cadet-sponsored camps. Projects in the 40-page Basic Training Manual focus on the Cadet motto, "Strong to Overcome," and define the code of conduct of an ALERT Cadet: being swift to hear what is true, quick to honor, strong to obey, courageous to be truthful, diligent to be neat, and genuine in gratefulness.

The ALERT Cadet Covenant

By God’s grace,
I will be swift to hear what is true,
and give honor where honor is due.

I will learn what it means to obey
And be truthful in all that I say.

I will be neat in room and dress
And show to others true gratefulness.

The Basic Training fee enrolls the father and any number of sons aged eight and older. Additional sons may enroll at no charge upon reaching the age of eight.

Jump to the Join page to download the application for ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual.

Organizational Structure

The basic element of ALERT Cadets is the Family Group. It is made up of a father and his sons. Each father holds the rank of Guide and is accountable to his Squad leader. Sons, aged 13 and older, are 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 Squad leader and father assign cadets leadership responsibilities.

Upon receipt of the Basic Training Manual application, each Family Group is assigned to a Squad. A Family Group actually joins ALERT Cadets when the Father and one or more sons have completed their Basic Training Manual and applied for admission to ALERT Cadet headquarters.

A Squad is composed of three to five families in a geographical area. The Squad leader, who holds the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, must be actively enrolled in the Advanced Training Institute (ATI). The Squad leader is responsible to the Unit leader for Squad activities. Squads are designated by numbers (1,2,3, etc).

A Unit consists of up to eleven Squads. The Unit leader holds the rank of 1st Lieutenant and must be actively enrolled in ATI. The Unit leader is responsible for planning and conducting unit meetings, and coordinating, with his Squad leaders, service projects and adventure outings. Units are designated by letters (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, etc.)

Training Material

The ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual (BTM) is designed to teach skills and character related to the ALERT Cadet covenant. Projects focus on alertness, honor and respect for authority, obedience, truthfulness, orderliness, and gratefulness. Jump to the Join page to download the application for ALERT Cadet Basic Training Manual.

The Basic Training Manual is designed to be completed in four to six weeks. After completion of Basic Training, application is made to join ALERT Cadets.

Cadets then progress through a series of seven Handbooks (Novice, Pilgrim, Craftsman, Servant, Soldier, Truth Seeker, Life Giver) designed to take a Cadet from being a child to a man. Each Handbook consists of six Phases. Each Phase booklet includes Scripture memory, Scripture meditation, character training, life skills training, adventure outing projects, physical training, and opportunities for service to others.

A diligent and motivated Cadet should be able to complete each Phase in six to eight weeks and a complete Handbook in a year. Completion in six weeks, with appropriate character will earn a Cadet the Good Conduct ribbon. Fathers have discretion on the pace at which he and his son(s) progress through the materials, perhaps pausing to focus on specific character attributes.