Qualifications to Become a Cadet

The USAC offers equal opportunity to all American youth to participate regardless of race, color, religion, creed or gender. USAC membership criteria, in part, requires that all prospective Cadets meet the following minimum standards:

• Approval of their parents / legal guardians.
• Citizens of the United States (waivers may be granted).
• Attained their 12th birthday, or have started the 6th grade, but not yet reached their 18th birthday. (The absolute minimum age to enroll is 11, regardless of school grade).
• Unmarried and a full-time student (which includes home-schooled students and those who are enrolled in a work study program) in good academic standing and of good moral character.
• Prepared to attend regularly scheduled Unit Training Assemblies, as well as Annual Training each summer.
• Pass a qualifying physical examination upon enrollment and prior to Annual Training each summer.

The USAC is a career-exploration program, providing young people with a very realistic view of Army life. Statistically, 65% of those Cadets who stay in USAC 18+ months have gone into the Armed Forces. 

Most importantly, a young person must want to become a Cadet. Under no circumstances will USAC accept a recruit who is court-ordered into the program, or forced by their parents to participate.

Physical Requirements

All USAC officers, NCOs and Cadets must undergo and pass a qualifying medical examination. A civilian or military medical practitioner may conduct this examination.

The results of the examination for Cadets/recruits will be recorded on USAC Form 23, Report of Medical History and Examination for Cadets, and for adults on USAC Form 88, Report of Medical Examination, and USAC Form 93, Report of Medical History, which are available on the USAC Resources website. No other forms may be used.
Specifically, a “doctor’s note” is not acceptable.

Physical qualifications for Cadets are based on standards established for enlistment in the Armed Forces. A Cadet must be in such physical condition that, with normal development, he or she should be qualified for enlistment in the Armed Forces. Applicants with chronic ailments such as diabetes or asthma or with physical disabilities, which would prohibit enlistment in the Armed Forces, cannot be enrolled in the USAC, unless they receive a physical waiver. In questionable cases, a determination is made by the Director of Health Services at HQ, USAC.

It should be noted that many young people are simply not physically capable of fully participating in the physically and mentally stressful environment offered by USAC training programs. Especially, those who are clinically obese, taking psychotropic (mindaltering) medications or who have a medical condition which could cause them harm by participating in such a strenuous environment simply are not to be enrolled. To do so could put the young person’s mental or physical well-being at risk, which runs completely counter to the USAC’s mission. In extreme cases, participation in the USAC could cause lasting physical harm, or even death. Simply put, it is better to disappoint a young person for a few days, than to bury them forever. Do not take any risks in the physical screening of prospective Cadets. If there are any questions regarding the physical qualification of an applicant, contact the Director of Health Services prior to enrollment.

Physical examinations of USAC officer or NCO applicants should be conducted to ensure that they are physically able to participate in USAC activities. It is not intended that they meet physical qualifications for enlistment or commissioning in the Armed Forces. As a result, although USAC Forms 88 and 93 are very comprehensive, allowing for a very detailed physical examination, the depth of the examination is determined by the medical professional conducting the examination. For example, blood work, eye examinations, pelvic examinations, etc., are not required for USAC purposes. The only criteria for enrollment is that the medical professional certify by way of an official signature that the applicant is qualified to participate in the program.

Officers and NCO applicants' medical forms are forwarded to DCS, G1 at HQ, USAC with their application for appointment. Copies should be retained in the individual's 201 file. Individuals on active or reserve duty in the Armed Forces may submit copies of their latest physical examination in lieu of taking another physical. Cadet medical forms are retained in the individual's 201 file.