Texas Wing Spaatz Information Page

Spaatz Exam Request Process:

1. Cadet candidate fills out CAPF 60-87 and emails to the Unit Commander

2. Unit Commander approves (or denies)

3. Unit Commander sends the form to Texas Wing: forms@txwg.cap.gov and cc's the DCP

4. Form is sent to the Wing Commander for approval

5. Once the Wing Commander approves, the form is sent to the DCP who will arrange for a proctor

6. The proctor will make arrangements with the cadet candidate, the unit commander and the second Senior Member (CPP) who is listed on the form regarding the date, time, and location. 

7. Take the Spaatz Exam....and pass!

 

About the Spaatz Award

Taken from the Spaatz Milestone Award Fact Sheet, published by CAP NHQ.

THE GENERAL CARL A. SPAATZ AWARD is Civil Air Patrol’s highest cadet honor. It is presented to cadets who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education. 

Cadets qualify for this prestigious award after devoting an average of four years to progress through sixteen achievements in the CAP Cadet Program. Along the way they develop self-discipline, a strong sense of personal responsibility, the ability to lead and persuade, and the foundation necessary for pursuing a career in aviation, space, or technology. 

The final step a cadet must complete to earn the Spaatz Award is a rigorous four-part exam consisting of a challenging physical fitness test, an essay exam testing their moral reasoning, a comprehensive written exam on leadership, and a comprehensive written exam on aerospace education. Upon passing the Spaatz Award exams, the cadet is promoted to the grade of cadet colonel. 

The Spaatz Award is named in honor of Carl “Tooey” Spaatz, the first Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. One of the giants in the history of airpower, in 1929 Spaatz, together with another pilot, set an important flight endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes in the early days of aviation. During World War II, he commanded the Allied air campaign against the Nazis. In the Pacific Theater, the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki took place under his command. After retiring from the Air Force, General Spaatz served as the first chairman of the Civil Air Patrol National Board. 

Spaatz Cadets are expected to serve as role models for junior cadets, and become leaders in their communities as they enter adulthood. The first recipient of the Spaatz Award, Michigan’s Douglas C. Roach, served as a pilot with the Air Force Thunderbirds.

Texas Wing Spaatz Association Members

Comprised of current and former Spaatz cadets, the Texas Wing Spaatz Association aims to provide an easy way for younger cadets to find experienced mentors.