1.   General Advancement Pre-Requisites  (Ref: CAPR 60-1, 5.2.3)
Be a current CAP cadet, as shown in eServices.
Possess a CAP uniform and wear it properly.
Be able to recite the Cadet Oath from memory.
Participate actively in unit meetings.
Have spent a minimum of 8 weeks (56 days) in Achievement 7, unless eligible for a JROTC accelerated promotion (see CAPR 60-1, 5.6.2.3).

2.   Leadership: 
Pass an online test on Learn to Lead, chapter 8, with a grade of 80% or higher, open-book. 
This test includes multiple-choice questions and a section testing performance in drill and ceremonies.
In addition, you must write a 300-500 word essay and present a 5 to 7 minute speech to the unit on one of the topics below. A senior member will evaluate the essay and speech using these critique forms.

• Explain why America’s aerospace power is vital to commerce, science or national security.

• Describe leadership mistakes you have made and explain what you learned from them.

• Explain the difference between followership and leadership.

3.   Aerospace:   
No requirement.

4.   Fitness: 
Have attained the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) in the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT), within the previous 180 days, under the “run plus 2 out of 3” rule. 

5.   Character:   
Participate in at least 1 character activity in the squadron.    

Fulfilling the promotion eligibility requirements above is only half the battle.  You also need to show that you have some leadership skills.  Look at the goals below and once in a while ask yourself how well you’re doing in those areas.

Attitude
Maintains a positive attitude and encourages good attitudes in others; does not flaunt rank or authority

Core Values
Displays commitment to Core Values; promotes team spirit, professionalism, and good sportsmanship as a team leader

Communication Skills
Proficient in informal public speaking (i.e., in giving directions to and training junior cadets)

Sense of Responsibility
Enforces standards; trustworthy in supervising a small team and leading them in fulfillment in a series of simple tasks; given a plan, is able to carry it out

Interpersonal Skills
Guides and coaches junior cadets; recognizes when junior cadets need help; leads by example; is not a “boss”

Critical Thinking
Not applicable

Delegation Skills
Not applicable

Support staff NCO, flight sergeant, first sergeant, or flight commander

Neil Armstrong was the first person to set foot upon the moon, proclaiming the immortal words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”  Prior to his service as an astronaut, Mr. Armstrong was a research pilot for NASA, flying more than 200 models of aircraft including jets, rockets, helicopters, and gliders. 

Heraldry of the Armstrong Achievement Ribbon