CADET CANDOR: Region Cadet Leadership School

The Middle East Region Cadet Leadership School has been a great learning experience. I had a lot of fun while learning at the same time!

An average day there was waking up at 4:30 a.m. to get ready for P.T. (physical training). We did P.T. for about an hour. Then we would go back to the hotel, bathe, and get into our service dress uniform to go to chow hall. Most mornings we also did reveille. We were all taught how to put up and bring the flag down properly. From eight in the morning until four sergeants from the Air Force would teach us about leadership, diversity, how to give speeches, etc. We also did a team building exercise and had to work in groups of four to make a comic strip to present to the class.

Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Shivani Patel (right) practices folding the U.S. flag at the Middle East Region Cadet Leadership School in North Carolina this month. Photo courtesy CAP

All of the classes were very informative. We had to work as a team. For example, some cadets did not know how to iron, so we helped them out with that. During P.T., we motivated others while running because some were faster than others. By the end, we were functioning well as a team.

I took a lot of things away from Region Cadet Leadership School. I learned how to be a leader, about the “Code of Conduct” and proper respect for the flag. Our teachers were great leaders and really connected with us. Maj. Soave was also great! One day, he asked me if I would lead P.T., and I said yes. We talked about the plan for P.T. I came up with the exercises we were going to do and the number of repetitions.

The most important information that I learned was how to give a speech. I am a shy person, especially when it comes to public speaking. In fact, public speaking is the number one fear of people. We had to give an oral presentation on a topic that was assigned to us. My topic was navigation systems, but I narrowed it down to the history of the GPS. When I gave my speech I was very nervous.

My biggest accomplishment was that I had to get over my fear of speaking in public. I didn’t speak just once, but about three times. I got more comfortable with my audience and got better.


By Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Shivani Patel
Fairfax Composite Squadron


EDITOR’S NOTE — The Middle East Region Cadet Leadership School (RCLS) provided training to increase knowledge, skills, and attitudes as they pertain to leadership and management. To be eligible to attend, cadets must be serving in, or preparing to enter, cadet leadership positions within their squadron. National Headquarters considers the Region Cadet Leadership School to be an important step towards a cadet's progression in Civil Air Patrol. RCLS can serve as a substitute for Cadet Officer School, which is a requirement for the Eaker Award.

This year’s school was held at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., July 5-10. National Capital Wing was represented by four cadets from Fairfax Composite Squadron: Cadet Maj. David Harris, Cadet Chief Master Sgt. Shivani Patel, Cadet Master Sgt. Michael Poussard and Cadet Airman Nick Pallante. Harris was recognized as the “Distinguished Cadet” and Poussard with the “Best Oral Presentation,” which were two of only four awards given.