The California Cadet Corps (CACC), originally called the California High School Cadets, is a component of the California Youth and Community Programs Task, Task Force Torch. The California Cadet Corps is a paramilitary youth organization in California open to students in the college, high school, middle school and elementary school grades.
The Cadet Corps motto is "Essayons," a word in the French language meaning "Let us try."
The California Cadet Corps (CACC) is a state-funded, school-based leadership and educational program founded in 1911. The program is administered by the California Military Department and codified in Military & Veterans Code §§ 500–520. It is under the Youth and Community Programs Task Force of the California National Guard. It operates as an elective program within participating schools and emphasizes structured, team-based learning environments designed to develop responsibility, discipline, and leadership skills.
The CACC's primary goal is not to send all of its cadets into military service. More of the organization's cadets have gone on to careers in fields such as science, medicine, education, and aerospace than have entered the military.
Historically, the Cadet Corps was established to prepare young men for potential service as officers in the United States military, influenced by similar youth military training programs observed in Europe prior to World War I. Over time, however, the program's purpose has expanded beyond military preparation. The modern Cadet Corps serves both male and female students and focuses on leadership development applicable to a wide range of postsecondary paths, including higher education, public service, the civilian workforce and still of course, the military.
Instruction is designed to support the development of interpersonal, professional, and communication skills, while promoting personal responsibility, teamwork, and resilience. Although the Cadet Corps incorporates military traditions and organizational structure, it is not a basic training program or a military recruitment initiative.
The CACC, originally named as, "California High School Cadets" until 1935, was founded on 5 April 1911 by Brigadier GeneralEdwin Alexander Forbes. At that time every California high school was required to have a California Cadet Corps unit if at least thirty-two students at the school were interested in the program.
The Corps was created by an act of the Legislature on 5 April 1911. The California High School Cadets program was designed to prepare young men for service in the California National Guard. In 1935, the Legislature changed the organization's name to the California Cadet Corps.
The program flourished during both of the World Wars and beyond, until the start of the Vietnam War. At that time there was criticism of the military and CACC's funding was cut by the state of California. The program was basically "dead" all through that time period. The CACC regained its funding in 1999. Since 1999 the Cadet Corps has begun a slow rise back up and as of 2007 there were 8,000 cadets in the state. As of now (2025) there are roughly 10,000 cadets in the corps. Roughly 100 active units across the state, spanning cities, the coast, and rural areas. Astonishingly also breaking corps history records of cadet turnout for their annual State Drill Competition and Summer Encampment.
Affiliation with Military Schools
Since its founding in 1911, the California Cadet Corps has been closely associated with military-style secondary education in California. Throughout much of the 20th century, most military schools operating in the state maintained an affiliation, or operated as an integrated institution, with the California Cadet Corps.
Historical records indicate that at least a dozen military schools—including private, religious, boarding, and preparatory institutions—were affiliated with the Cadet Corps at various points during the 20th century. These schools incorporated Cadet Corps training and organizational structure into their academic and leadership programs, reinforcing the organization's role as the primary state-sponsored military youth program in California.
Since its founding, Cadet Corps–affiliated schools have spanned a wide range of educational models, including public charter, private, religious, preparatory, and boarding military schools.
As of the early 21st century, the California Cadet Corps continues to maintain affiliations with military schools across the state. Currently, six military schools operate Cadet Corps units, reflecting the program's continued presence within California's military education tradition.
Known military schools associated or integrated with the California Cadet Corps include the following.
Historic Military schools
(No longer operating or no longer affiliated)
Current Military schools
(Currently operating and affiliated with the CACC)
The California Cadet Corps is referenced under sections 500 through 520.1 of the California Military and Veterans Code (CMVC). All colleges, community colleges and high schools may form companies of cadets on their campuses whenever at least 100 students voluntarily enroll in the program.[1] California boards of education, school principals and college presidents are required by law to cooperate with the adjutant general to implement California Cadet Corps programs.[2]
Organization
The California Cadet Corps (CACC) is a state-funded, school-based youth leadership development program administered by the California Military Department under the Youth and Community Programs Task Force of the California National Guard. The CACC operates in public, charter, and private school settings across California and emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal development through a structured elective curriculum. cacadets.org
State-Level Administration
Oversight of the CACC at the state level is provided by the Headquarters Staff, which is responsible for statewide policy, training standards, curriculum guidance, and statewide events. The Headquarters Staff coordinates program implementation, supports brigade administration, and serves as the primary liaison between the Cadet Corps and the California Military Department. Officers of the California Cadet Corps are commissioned under the authority of the Military Department, State of California, in accordance with state law. cacadets.org
Brigade and Regional Structure
The Cadet Corps is organized into regional administrative jurisdictions known as brigades, which oversee subordinate units within defined geographic areas. Brigades serve as the principal regional command and administrative level, providing operational oversight, coordination of training activities, and support for subordinate battalions and regiments. Brigades enable cadet leaders to exercise a higher level of command responsibility and facilitate combined activities across multiple units. CA Cadet Corps+1
Brigades
A brigade is a geographic grouping of two or more battalions or units within a region, functioning as an intermediate command structure between Headquarters and the local battalion level. Brigade commanders and brigade staff, typically selected from senior cadets within the organization, provide communications, planning, and leadership oversight for subordinate units throughout the school year. Adult mentors and advisors support brigade staff by ensuring subordinate units comply with program standards and serve as resources for training and promotions.
As of school year 2025–2026, the Cadet Corps includes 15 cadet training brigades in addition to the 10th Corps. The 10th Corps functions as a state-level training and leadership formation operating directly under the Headquarters Staff, acting as a statewide cadet staff organization that plans and executes statewide activities and provides oversight for regional brigade commanders.
A regiment is defined in Cadet Corps regulations as a grouping of two or more units within the same geographic region, established to improve local program administration and facilitate regional activities. Regiments operate below the brigade level and offer an additional organizational tier where needed to support command and control among closely situated units.
Battalions, Companies, and Platoons
Within each brigade or regiment, units are typically organized into battalions, which consist of one or more subordinate elements. Each battalion is responsible for day-to-day leadership development and instruction at the local school level and may be further divided into companies, which are commonly composed of two platoons. This hierarchical structure reflects a model adapted from military organization to support leadership opportunities while maintaining an educational environment.
Unit-Level Organization
Local California Cadet Corps units are established at participating public and private educational institutions in accordance with Cadet Corps regulations and operate as the fundamental organizational elements of the program. A unit is defined as a school-based organization composed of enrolled cadets, authorized instructors, and approved administrative support, formed for the purpose of conducting Cadet Corps instruction and activities.
Units are organized based on cadet enrollment and may be structured as platoons, companies, battalions, regiments, or brigades, consistent with prescribed tables of organization. Smaller units typically operate at the platoon or company level, while schools with sufficient enrollment and administrative capacity may be designated as battalions or regiments. In limited cases—most commonly at military school institutions—units may be authorized to operate at the brigade level.
Each unit is assigned a numerical designation and is administratively subordinate to a battalion, regiment, or brigade headquarters within its geographic area. Units are responsible for executing the Cadet Corps curriculum, maintaining accountability of personnel and equipment, and participating in required inspections, training events, and reporting procedures.
Unit programs are conducted through a combination of classroom instruction, leadership laboratories, drill and ceremonies, physical fitness training, and service activities, and may operate as elective courses during the school day or as co-curricular or extracurricular programs, subject to local educational authority approval.
Cadet leadership positions within the unit mirror standard military organizational roles and provide structured opportunities for command, staff experience, and leadership development. Adult instructors assigned to units serve as commandants or tactical officers and are responsible for supervision, training oversight, and compliance with Cadet Corps regulations.
Units serve as the primary venues through which cadets receive instruction, apply leadership principles, and participate in statewide Cadet Corps programs and activities.
Funding
The California Cadet Corps is primarily supported by state funding through the California Military Department, with additional costs sometimes covered by participating schools and local education funding. The state appropriation provides for uniforms, curriculum materials, statewide activities, logistical support, and administrative staffing at the Headquarters level. cacadets.org
Historically, the state budget for the program has been described as increasing to support program expansion, including funding for uniforms, activities, supplies, curriculum development, and additional staff. cacadets.org
Participating schools may provide support for local costs not covered by state funding, including instructor compensation or district contributions under local education funding formulas. Legislative Analyst's Office. cacadets.org
All core program materials such as uniforms, curriculum, and participation in state events are provided without cost directly to students or schools beyond these instructor funding arrangements. cacadets.org
Military Staff and Instructors
Instructor Qualifications
Instructional personnel, referred to as commandants, are central to the operation of the California Cadet Corps. Commandants are responsible for classroom instruction, leadership development, unit administration, and student oversight. According to Cadet Corps regulations, instructors must hold a state-issued teaching credential and may obtain specialized credentials related to CACC instruction requirements. cacadets.org
Only instructors with proper appointment and the Designated Subjects Special Subjects Basic Military Drill Credential are authorized to conduct the CACC program, ensuring compliance with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements. cacadets.org
Training and Professional Development
CACC instructors participate in a professional development pathway designed to align with California teaching standards and military instructional practices. Initial requirements include the Pre-Appointment Course (PAC), which provides foundational knowledge of CACC purpose, structure, and policies. cacadets.org
Further professional development includes the Basic Commandant Training Academy (BCTA) and advanced courses that prepare educators and volunteers to effectively lead and support Cadet Corps programs. cacadets.org
Volunteer and Military Participation
Individuals from diverse backgrounds, including educators, veterans, and community volunteers, may serve in CACC instructional roles subject to approval by school and district policies. Members of the California National Guard or California State Guard may participate in Cadet Corps support roles; in cases where they serve under state active duty orders, compensation and pay are governed by applicable state systems based on the individual's official rank and status. cacadets.org
Cadet ranks and appointments
Enlisted, NCO, warrant officer and commissioned officer ranks of the CACC (Outdated)
Cadet Ranks
The California Cadet Corps (CACC) rank structure is modeled closely on that of the United States Army, with some modifications to rank names, insignia, and certain promotion procedures. The CACC uses special ranks for elementary-level cadets, while higher ranks mirror military conventions with a cadet-specific designation.
Cadet Rank Structure
Elementary Cadet Ranks
For students in grade 5 and below, the CACC uses a simplified rank system known as Grizzly ranks, numbered Grizzly 1 through Grizzly 4.
Enlisted Cadet Ranks
The enlisted ranks differ slightly from the Army
Junior Enlisted
Recruit (RCT): replaces Private (PVT1/E-1)
Cadet (CDT): replaces Private (PVT2/E-2)
Cadet First Class (CFC): replaces Private First Class (PFC/E-3)
Non-Commissioned Officer Ranks
Cadet NCO ranks use insignia similar to mirrored design to U.S. Army NCO ranks. Junior Non-commissioned Officer (NCO) ranks and above are denoted with a C/ prefix before the rank initials.
Junior NCO Ranks
Cadet Corporal (C/CPL): Two chevrons pointing upward.
Cadet Sergeant (C/SGT): Three chevrons pointing upward.
Cadet Staff Sergeant (C/SSG): Three chevrons above one rocker (straight or round bar) below.
Cadet Sergeant First Class (C/SFC): Three chevrons above two rockers.
Cadet Master Sergeant (C/MSG): Three chevrons above three rockers.
Cadet First Sergeant (C/1SG): Three chevrons above a diamond above three rockers. (Updated in 2016–2017 from a triangle to a diamond.)
Command Senior Enlisted Leaders
Cadet Sergeant Major (C/SGM): Three chevrons above three rockers with a star centered between them.
Cadet Command Sergeant Major (C/CSM): Three chevrons above three rockers with the Cadet Corps emblem or star in the center, serving as the senior enlisted leader of the corps.
Cadet Officer Ranks
Cadet officer ranks use insignia similar in design to U.S. Army officer ranks but with cadet-specific modifications:
Company Grade Officers
Cadet Second Lieutenant (C/2LT): Gold disc (“pip”) instead of a gold bar
Cadet First Lieutenant (C/1LT): Silver disc instead of a silver bar
Cadet Captain (C/CPT): Two silver discs connected instead of two silver bars
Field Grade Officers
Cadet Major (C/MAJ): Gold diamond replaces gold oak leaf
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel (C/LTC): Silver diamond replaces silver oak leaf
Cadet Colonel (C/COL): Two connected silver diamonds replace the silver eagle of a Colonel
Promotion and Testing
Cadets must pass examinations to advance in rank, typically achieving at least 80% on written exams to be eligible for promotion to certain positions (e.g., C/SGT, C/2LT, C/MAJ).
Promotions to staff NCO and officer ranks (C/SSG and higher) involve a promotion board consisting of three adult personnel, often with prior military or Cadet Corps experience.
Cadets are evaluated on:
Uniform preparation and presentation
Knowledge of Cadet Corps regulations
Leadership principles and philosophy (for officer candidates)
Attainment and Distinction
Less than 10% of cadets historically achieve the rank of Cadet Colonel.
The rank system emphasizes leadership development, responsibility, and knowledge of both military tradition and Cadet Corps organization.
Appointments
There are many jobs that cadets can hold in the Corps. The lowest level of leadership is the squad leader. They are usually in charge of 4-14 cadets, depending on the size the unit allows. After that would be the platoon sergeant (PSG). They are in charge of the welfare of their cadets, as well as running day to day platoon operations. PSGs are also in charge of teaching their new platoon leaders (usually newly commissioned lieutenants) how platoons work, and to be a liaison between the platoon leader, the first sergeant, and the squad leaders. Platoon leaders are the first level of officer leadership. Usually lieutenants, but commonly NCOs if the unit strength is low. Platoon leaders are responsible for leading the platoon and supervising the squad leaders and platoon sergeant. After that positions are as follows:
Company first sergeant
The company first sergeant (C/1SG) is an assistant to the company commander and is in charge of all of the PSGs. They are usually selected from the highest-ranking noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and are generally the oldest and most experienced NCO in the company.
Company commander and executive officer
The company commander (CO) is the highest-ranking officer in the company, usually a C/CPT. He/she is in charge of leading the company and training the executive officer (XO) to take his place the following year. The CO is generally a senior in high school. The executive officer is a junior in high school that is training to be the CO the next year. He/she is in charge of running day-to-day operations and to make sure all of the leaders under his/her command are communicating.
Battalion sergeant major
The battalion sergeant major (C/SGM) essentially has the duties of the first sergeant, but at a higher level. He/she is in charge of managing all of the first sergeants in the battalion, as well as being an aide and advisor to the battalion CO. He/she also take charge of the battalion's drill teams, flag details, the leader (US flag bearer) of the color guards of the battalion, and anything that have to do with military drills and ceremonies. The sergeant major position is a disciplining leadership position, they enforce military courtesy and customs, they ensuring that company commanders and company first sergeant know their duties, they are the direct communicator between the brigade command sergeant major and the battalion, they command battalion's inspection [Note that the AGI (Annual General Inspection) is commanded by the state HQs Command Staff, and is not in the power of the battalion sergeant major], they are in charge of training officers, and they work with the BNXO (battalion executive officer) to collaborate on command and staff work.
Battalion commanding officer and executive officer
The battalion commanding officer is usually a C/LTC, and has the same responsibilities of a company commander, but like a C/SGM, it is on a greater level. The battalion CO is responsible for leading his company commanders and training the battalion XO. The battalion XO (authorized C/MAJ) is in charge of running day-to-day operations and to make sure all of the leaders under his/her command are communicating.
Brigade command sergeant major
A brigade command sergeant major mostly had the same duty as a battalion sergeant major, but at the brigade level. They are the key player for training and enforce military drills and courtesy throughout the brigade. A brigade sergeant major is usually a cadet sergeant major or cadet command sergeant major, authorized for rank up to cadet command sergeant major (C/CSM)
Brigade commander
Brigade commanders, always the highest-ranking and the best cadet commissioned officers of the brigade, coordinate and communicate with all the battalions, battalion command and staffs, and the command and staffs in the brigade, to help create, plan, and executes events. They also communicates the order of the HQs (10th brigade/10th Corps) to the rest of the brigade, and assist in publishing orders to the HQ. The maximum authorized rank is C/COL (cadet colonel).
S-Shops
S-shops ARE the cadets on staff for a company, battalion, brigade, and Headquarters (10th Brigade/10th Corps) responsible for the welfare of cadets. There are six S-Shops. The first is the S-1, this person is accountability and administration, the purpose of an S-1 is to handle information (like promotion papers)
Opposition
The California Cadet Corps is explicitly opposed in Los Angeles Unified School District by the Coalition Against Militarism in Our Schools, which in their mission statement writes that they are "...working to eliminate the Junior Reserves Officer Training Corp in our High Schools and the California Cadets in our Middle Schools, along with the school community.[3]
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