The Wisconsin Army Cadets recruits youth ages 14 to 20 and that have completed the 8th grade. Those interested will need to complete a prescreening questionaire, interview, and a physical.

Requirements for joining.

The program is open to all qualifying young men and women ages 14 through 20 years of age and pass a screening interview. Parents can also get involved in either of two ways. Become a family group member and assist with unit needs as they arise or get involved as an Officer or an Instructor.

What we do.

Wisconsin Army Cadets - Fox Valley participate in numerous opportunities and experiences including: hands-on training, military science excursion, day long training events and more. From military science courses on night vision, the M-16 rifle, field training exercises, and helicopter orientation flights. The activities are exciting, adventurous and educational!

How the program works.

Cadets usually meet once a month for a "drill" meeting. Cadets wear the military ACU's at these drills. Drills are usually conducted for a whole day or weekend, and include instructional courses, physical training or sports, social activities, and much more. The Cadets are given leadership opportunities where much of the program is run by the Cadets.

The costs.

The cost to join the program includes the following; registration and enrollment fee, liability insurance, supplemental accident insurance, uniform, physical fitness uniform, program materials, meals, housing, transportation from armory to events, trainers. In the second year the program fee drops significantly if Cadets participate in the 2 required community events. Final costs are explained when you visit the program.

The Mission and the purpose.

To provide high quality, high adventure military training & career experiences to youth. Cadets will have the opportunity to build self-esteem, self confidence, mental and physical discipline, team spirit, and responsibility. Solid American values and morals are built as Cadets become more mature through the program. Cadets are given the opportunity for self-paced advancement throughout their time in the program.

The benefits.

Cadets benefit in many ways. Should they choose a military career they will have already built a solid foundation of knowledge and expertise. In addition, youth are presented with many opportunities for recognition as well as travel and training throughout the country.

Those that work with the youth.

The Wisconsin Army Cadets is for those young men and women who are motivated to learn the values and traditions of the United States Army and is closely patterned after the United States Army. This unit is commanded by a non-paid professional officer of the Wisconsin Army Cadets Officers' Corps. These non-paid professionals are carefully screened and commissioned through an approved process that includes criminal background checks, military screening, and required training.

The program and the U.S. Government.

The Cadets is an independent, Nationally Organized Youth Group (NOYG), closely patterned after the United States Army, but not controlled or funded by the United States government. The Cadets is a not for profit organization sponsored by the Wisconsin Army National Guard and Learning for Life. The United States Military provides support through several means and recognizes the program as a valuable partner in building America's youth.

The Department of Defenses has published directives and instructions that direct the Armed Forces to support, to the extent as may be possible, Nationally Organized Youth Groups. Each branch of the Armed Forces and the Coast Guard are guided by these policies, and in turn, each has issued regulations which provide local Commanders with guidance and the necessary authority to provide such support. This support varies from service-to-service, and may include: shipboard cruises, orientation flights, training aids and manuals, permissive no-cost orders for active military personnel participating in cadet activities, and in most cases, facility utilization for training. This guidance and authority is published in the following:

  • U.S. Navy in OPNAVINST 5760.5B
  • U.S. Marine Corps in SECNAVINST 5720.44A
  • U.S. Army in Army Regulations 360-61, 210-1, 28-19 and 725-1
  • U.S. Air Force in AF Regulation 190-1, Public Affairs
  • U.S. Coast Guard Public Affairs Manual, COMDTINST M5728.2A

Wisconsin Army Cadets is chartered by the Wisconsin Army National Guard, and Exploring/Learning For Life.