Officer and NCO Corps 

The leadership of the USAC at the company and battalion (unit) level is provided by a team of non-paid professionals who are members of the USAC Officer and NCO Corps.  USAC officers may be either civilian or military personnel (active duty, reserve, retired or veterans) who, after meeting certain requirements, may be appointed as Officer Candidates by HQ, USAC.  USAC NCOs are military personnel (active duty, reserve, retired or veterans) who desire to remain as NCOs or who do not qualify to become a commissioned officer.  All unit-level members are volunteers, receiving no pay or benefits.  Officers and NCOs are authorized to wear distinctly modified Army uniforms.  The minimum qualifications, for officer and NCO appointment include:

  • A citizen of the United States (waivers may be granted).

  • Age 21, and normally not more than 65 years of age.   The minimum age to become an officer candidate is 18.

  • Physically qualified to carry out all assigned duties.

  • Undergo a special law enforce­ment background investigation.

  • NCO applicants must have served as an E-4 or above on active duty, in the reserve or the National Guard, regardless of branch of service.

All USAC positions are filled by members of the USAC.  To participate in a leadership position within the USAC, one must become a member of the program.  This precludes a dual-society atmosphere whereby federally commissioned officers and USAC officers are held to dif­ferent standards, a condition considered to be unaccept­able by the USAC’s leadershiprd, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, and who wish to enroll in the USAC will be initially appointed based on the needs of the USAC.previously held, or who retired with, a federal commission in the Armed Forces, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps, and who wish to enroll in the USAC will be initially appointed based on the needs of the USAC.

While not commissioned members of the USAC Officers' Corps, there is provision for participation of active, reserve or retired enlisted members of the Armed Forces in the leadership and operation of USAC units.  Those applicants who serve in, or have retired from, the Armed Forces, may be appointed to a comparable grade (E-4 through E-9) in the USAC, permitting them to retain their enlisted status while working with USAC Cadets.  Appointment in an authorized State Guard, State Defense Force or State Militia may meet this qualification, depending on military experience, education and proficiency, as determined during the application process.