To become a U.S. Army cadet, you must have approval from your parent or guardian, be a U.S. citizen and be between the ages of 12 and 18, though the USCA will, on occasion, take 11-year-olds. Potential cadets must meet specific physical requirements, be unmarried and full-time students and attend Unit Training Assemblies and Annual Training each summer. Under no circumstances will the USCA take anyone who is being forced to join, either through their parent's insistence or a court order. Cadet candidates have to want to be in the program.
To become a cadet, your physician must fill out a USCA Form 23 or a Report of Medical History and Examination. Cadet candidates must be in such physical condition that -- with a little training -- they could meet the requirements to join the U.S. military. The USCA will not accept those who are clinically obese and those on psychiatric medications or other conditions that may -- under physical stress -- lead to the permanent harm or death of a cadet.
Resident schools feature programs where cadets and officers receive special training. Recruits attend these schools during Annual Training. The three most important schools -- and those required to complete the cadet program -- are Basic Cadet Training (BCT), which lasts 16 days; Basic Leader Course (BLC), which lasts 21 days; and Troop Handlers' Academy (THA), which lasts nine days. BCT is equivalent to the U.S. military's "Boot Camp" or Basic Training. Cadets run obstacle courses, and learn rappelling, water safety and military customs. BLC focuses on leadership and team-building. THA is designed for cadets who have proven themselves to be leaders are taught how to train other BCT cadets.
The National Cadet Training Center (NCTC) is located in Millersburg, Kentucky. The campus consists of six buildings, which house dormitories; a large dining facility; gymnasium; the Cadet Club, which features a pool and gaming floor; and state-of-the-art classrooms. During Annual Training cadets receive training in military history, leadership, infantry drill, rifle and pistol marksmanship, map and compass reading, wilderness and cold weather survival, rappelling and mountain climbing, first aid, swimming and water safety.