CLASS

Cadre Leadership and Analytical Skills School - "CLASS"

CLASS is the advanced training squadron (ATS) of the Illinois Wing Summer Encampment.  Its members consist of cadets who have previously completed an encampment and are wanting to enhance their leadership and problem solving skills. 

The purpose of the CLASS is threefold:

1. To increase the leadership abilities of cadets and assist them in becoming outstanding encampment staff members and leaders in their home squadrons
2. To develop problem solving and analytical skills through hands on activities
3. To prepare the advanced cadets to assist trainee flights requiring additional assistance

Tasks for CLASS are to master fundamental skills of drill and ceremonies, uniform wear, customs and courtesies, military bearing, and billet preparation.  CLASS cadets will receive in-depth leadership training as the focus of their preparation. They will become masters of encampment tasks and be fully trained for an encampment staff position next year. Additionally, it is another opportunity for leadership development that will improve their squadron.  Cadets who successfully complete the CLASS curriculum in good standing are given preferred status for a staff position for the following year's encampment.

Planned activities include*:

• Cadets will rotate through element leader, flight sergeant, and flight commander positions during the week
• Time management and teamwork activities
• Leadership classes
• Daily inspections
• Barracks procedures instruction
• Supporting other trainee flights who need additional instruction and assistance
• Orientation flights in CAP and/or military aircraft 
• Overnight field exercise 
• Inter-squadron sports events, drill competitions, leadership classes, and, of course, the Encampment graduation parade all add up to a week of continuous and interesting activities.

*These activities are subject to change based on weather, facilities, and instructor availability.

REQUIREMENTS - Cadets applying for CLASS must meet the following criteria:

1. Must have joined CAP no later than December 11th, 2025
2. Must have successfully completed a CAP encampment (anywhere in CAP) by July 11, 2026
3. Must be a C/SrA or above when applying for ILWG Summer Encampment
4. Must be a C/SSgt or above when arriving at ILWG Summer Encampment  

NOTE: ANY CADETS WHO HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED FOR CLASS, BUT HAVE NOT ATTAINED THE RANK OF C/SSGT BY THE START OF ENCAMPMENT, WILL BE PLACED IN THE BASIC ENCAMPMENT. 

  

Admission to CLASS with be a selective process with a limited number of applicants invited to join CLASS.   

To apply for CLASS, use the following link:  CLASS Application

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR CLASS IS APRIL 1, 2026