More than 50 Civil Air Patrol cadets from 27 wings devoted a week to academic experiences in mostly STEM-related fields — plus a few extra surprises — at the annual National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy,
The cadets, selected by CAP for the academy through a competitive process, took part in activities covering aerospace, engineering technology, physics and astronomy, data science, concrete and construction management, geosciences, biology, chemistry, data sciences and mechatronics. The activity was organized by Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Basic and Applied Sciences in Murfreesboro.
“This experience has been outstanding for everyone,” said the academy’s director, Col. Larry Trick. “Our cadets have been exposed to many great academic pursuits here at MTSU that will influence many futures.”
Surprises included experiences in the school’s high-tech MakerSpace, sessions with the Army and Air Force ROTC programs, a visit to a College of Media and Entertainment’s Recording Industry studio, and a leadership seminar led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, the university’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives.
Cadets also used MTSU’s aerospace flight simulators, drove “moon buggies” built by engineering technology students, operated ground-penetrating radar, and used an electronic marksmanship course under Army ROTC instructors’ watch.
“Many of these cadets are at a critical decision point on technical majors,” Trick said. “This instruction is critical — and the variety can be life- and career-changing.”
Cadet 2nd Lt. Gideon L. Perschke of the Georgia Wing’s Clarke County Composite Squadron, the academy’s cadet commander, agreed, saying the academy “gives the cadets as a chance to see what it’s like at a college.” Perschke called the “hands-on and interactive activities … some of the more interesting and valuable opportunities” for the participants.
MTSU and CAP have been partners in aerospace education for cadets since 2014, with the school hosting the academy since 2017. The two first partnered from 1948 to 1953, when CAP’s Middle Tennessee State College Squadron was organized by students taking flight training at the on-campus airport._____Lt. Col. Andrew OppmannNational Public Affairs Staff
