Annual Training


All USAC training programs are designed to build upstanding Americans with physical and mental stamina, discipline and respect for authority. The curriculum provides instruction in: military history, traditions, customs and courtesies, military drill, leadership, infantry drill, rifle drill, rifle and pistol marksmanship, map and compass reading, wilderness and cold weather survival, rappelling and mountain climbing, first aid, swimming and water safety, as well as many other exciting subjects.

Resident schools are programs that Cadets and Officers attend away from their home station.  Most resident schools are held during Annual Training (AT). AT is a period each summer when U.S. Army Cadet Corps (USAC) units from across the nation train together at the National Cadet Training Center (NCTC) or another military installation.  Cadets must attend AT every summer!  Failure to attend AT two years in a row may result in dismissal from the USAC.  Other programs may be offered at other times:  during the summer before or after AT or during other school breaks.

Basic Cadet Training (BCT)

The initial training for all new recruits where they are introduced to the basics of military training and life. Training is physically and mentally demanding, with heavy emphasis on personal accountability and teamwork. Each recruit is assigned to a platoon of 18-25 recruits lead by a Cadet Troop Handler and trained by a qualified Drill Sergeant. Recruits learn military drill and ceremonies, run the obstacle course, rappel, participate in water survival, learn basic marksmanship and much more. Recruits must complete BCT to earn the title Cadet and wear the beret. BCT is also required for permanent promotion to Cadet Private First Class (E-3).

Basic Leader Course (BLC)

An intense three-week program for graduates of Basic Cadet Training. BLC provides advanced orientation in basic leadership, field training, marksmanship, self-defense and team-building activities. BLC is required for completion of Milestone 5 of the Cadet Program, the award of the Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) and promotion to Cadet Sergeant (E-5). Cadets must be E-3 or above to be eligible to attend this course.

Basic Cadet Training to Basic Leader Course Combined Course (BCT/LC)

A total of four weeks of training allowing highly-motivated recruits to complete both BCT and BLC in the same summer. Cadet transitioning from BCT to BLC will join the BLC Cadets on the eighth day of training. (The first week of BLC reemphasizes skills taught during BCT). BCT/LC should be reserved for Cadets who are at least 14 years old and possess sufficient maturity and motivation to participate in both a basic training environment, as well as a leadership environment. This course is highly recommended for Cadets who will be involved in the formation of new a unit.

Troop Handler Academy (THA)

For Cadet Noncommissioned Officers who desire to be selected to serve as Troop Handlers for recruits participating in Basic Cadet Training programs. THA is a week-long period of instruction emphasizing drill, basic customs and courtesies, uniforms, physical fitness, barracks procedures and training new recruits. Following the instructional period, THA attendees will staff Basic Cadet Training as Troop Handlers or assist at the Basic Leader Course, based on their qualification and success at THA, and the needs of the Corps. Cadets must be E-4 or above and have satisfactorily completed BLC to be eligible to attend this course. Note: (1) Cadets must achieve the USAC Advanced Physical Fitness Standard on the ACPFT in order to be selected as Recruit Troop Handlers. (2) THA partially, satisfies the requirements of CNCOC for completion of Milestone 7, but THA graduates will be tasked with completing a distributed learning version of the CNCOC curriculum within six months of completing THA, or they will be required to attend CNCOC the following summer in order to complete Milestone 7.

Cadet Noncommissioned Officer Course (CNCOC)

For Cadet Noncommissioned Officers, CNCOC emphasizes strategic leadership, staff planning, and coordinating activities at the unit and higher levels. CNCOC is a week-long period of instruction followed by a two week AT staffing period. Successful completion of CNCOC is required for Milestone 7 of the Cadet Program and eligibility for promotion to Cadet Sergeant First Class (C/E-7). Cadets must be E-4 and above and have satisfactorily completed BLC to be eligible to attend this course. Note: Cadets must achieve the USAC Advanced Physical Fitness Standard on the ACPFT in order to satisfactorily complete this course.

Cadet Ranger Challenge (CRC)

An intense three-week program based on the U.S. Army Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP). This program is designed to introduce Cadets to High Adventure lifestyle and includes challenges of both personal trials and team environments. Successful completion of CRC is required in order to be eligible for Cadet Ranger School (CRS). To pass, excellent conditioning and motivation is required while maintaining the ability to work as part of a team. Note: Cadets must achieve the USAC Advanced Physical Fitness Standard on the ACPFT in order to remain with CRS after the first week.

Cadet Ranger School (CRS)

An intense three-week program focusing on the patrolling and field skills curriculum taught during U.S. Army Ranger School. Cadets attending this program must be highly motivated and in excellent physical shape when arriving. The first week of CRS is an evaluation period; those not allowed to continue will transfer to the field skills portion of BLC and continue with the TACMAP program after BLC concludes. Cadets must have satisfactorily completed CRC to be eligible to attend this course. Note: Cadets must achieve the USAC Advanced Physical Fitness Standard on the ACPFT in order to remain with CRS after the first week.

Military Police Academy (MPA)

An intense two-week program for graduates of Basic Cadet Training. MPA provides a basic orientation to law enforcement, including an orientation to forensics, cyber crime, narcotics and more. The MPA will be held in conjunction with Basic Police Cadet Training, where Police Cadets receive an initial orientation to life in law enforcement. Army Cadets attending MPA will receive the same training as Police Cadets, with an emphasis on military-oriented law enforcement careers. Cadets must be E-3 or above to be eligible to attend this course. Note: Cadets must achieve the USAC Advanced Physical Fitness Standard on the ACPFT in order to graduate from the MPA.

The Army Cadet Martial Arts Program (TACMAP)

A one-week advanced martial arts training program based on rigid military standards, along with other high-adventure recreational activities. TACMAP utilizes MCJKKD as its main training format, which includes a combination of Self Defense, Judo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, Boxing and Wrestling. Builds upon the training received during our other courses like BCT, BLC and the CRS programs. Eight hours a day total with four hours each for ground-work and stand-up fighting training.

Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase I

An intense program of instruction which provides Officer Candidates with an introduction to basic military subjects and leadership fundamentals, including training in military drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, inspections, leadership, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers. OCS Phase I is required for commissioning in the USAC Officers Corps. To graduate from OCS Phase I, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations, and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination. Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from OCS Phase I will result in ineligibility for OCS Phase II.

Officer Candidate School (OCS) Phase III

An intense program of instruction which provides graduates of OCS Phase I and OCS Phase II with an advanced introduction to military subjects and leadership, including leadership tools and techniques, troop leading procedures, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers. USAC specific training will include management procedures, training techniques and internal communications. OCS Phase III is required for commissioning in the USAC Officers Corps. To graduate from OCS Phase III, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination. Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from OCS Phase III will result in ineligibility for commissioning.

Direct Commission Course (DCC)

An intense program of instruction which provides Direct Commission Officers (typically those who previously held federal commissions, had previous service as a senior division ROTC Cadet/Midshipman or federal service academy Cadet/Midshipman, or who are being commissioned in the USAC due to professional qualifications, such as licensed attorneys, medical professionals and chaplains) with an introduction to basic and advanced military subjects and leadership fundamentals, including training in military drill and ceremonies, customs and courtesies, inspections, leadership, troop leading procedures, communication skills and standards of conduct for commissioned officers. USAC specific training will include USAC officer professional development system, new unit formation and management procedures, unit administration, training techniques and internal communications. DCC is required for commissioning in the USAC Officers Corps. To graduate from DCC, the candidate must pass personnel and room inspections, demonstrate proficiency in military drill and ceremonies, receive favorable peer and Cadre leadership evaluations, and pass the OCS Proficiency Examination. Failure to pass all criteria for graduation from DCC will result in ineligibility for commissioning.

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