Fitness Education Officer (FEO)

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official nonprofit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, serving communities nationwide through emergency services, aerospace education, and youth development. With over 58,000 members and 24,000 cadets, CAP conducts the majority of inland search and rescue missions in the continental United States and supports disaster relief, homeland security, and community outreach at the request of federal, state, and local agencies.

Group 3 units in the Tampa Bay area are committed to operational excellence, leadership development, and preparing the next generation for lives of service. Volunteers play a direct, meaningful role in shaping cadets into physically capable, disciplined, and confident young leaders.

Position Overview

The Fitness Education Officer (FEO) ensures the successful implementation of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Physical Fitness Program. This role blends instruction, mentorship, and leadership development to help cadets build lifelong habits of health, discipline, and physical readiness.

Fitness Education Officers do not need to be elite athletes. However, they should model an active, healthy lifestyle and be comfortable mentoring youth in a structured, values-based environment.

Key Responsibilities

Teach & Inspire Cadets

• Deliver engaging classroom instruction and lead fitness activities
• Educate cadets on physical fitness, nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits
• Expose cadets to a variety of sports, games, and exercise modalities

Manage the Cadet Fitness Program

• Ensure the unit provides at least one hour of fitness programming per month
• Coach and mentor Cadet NCOs, who lead most fitness activities
• Set standards, review lesson outlines, and ensure safe, age-appropriate execution
• Maintain overall responsibility for program quality and compliance

Mentor & Develop Cadets

• Help cadets set individualized fitness goals using the S.M.A.R.T. framework
• Encourage progress tracking and reflection
• Support cadets during leadership feedback sessions and promotion reviews
• Recognize achievement and encourage perseverance for those struggling

Conduct Fitness Assessments

• Administer the Cadet Physical Fitness Test (CPFT) quarterly or as required
• Instruct cadets on proper testing procedures
• Ensure accurate recording of results in CAP eServices

Lead Outreach & Community Engagement

• Encourage participation in local fitness events (runs, bike rides, service events)
• Support or organize group- or wing-level fitness initiatives (e.g., Cadet Olympics)
• Promote community service through fitness-focused volunteering

Required Qualifications

• Age 21 or older
• Willingness to become a Civil Air Patrol member and comply with all regulations
• Ability to pass a background check
• Strong communication and mentoring skills
• Enthusiasm for working with youth and serving the community

Preferred (but not required):

• Aerospace, military, education, coaching, or fitness background
• Public speaking or instructional experience

Training & References

Fitness Education Officers should be familiar with (training provided):

• CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program Management
• CAPP 60-50, Cadet Physical Fitness Program
• CAPP 1-10, Best Practices for Including Individuals with Special Needs
• CAPP 60-11, Cadet Programs Officer Handbook

Benefits of Volunteering

• Leadership development and professional training
• Formal recognition through CAP specialty tracks
• Mentoring from Wing, Region, and National-level leaders
• Networking at local, regional, and national conferences
• Optional participation in emergency services and aerospace education missions

Additional Opportunities

While the primary focus is fitness education, members may also participate—at their discretion—in Civil Air Patrol’s emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. A wide range of additional training and mission opportunities is available but not required.