The 215 specialty track phases are constructed so every phase contains similar key ingredients; however, the knowledge, quality of performance, and sphere of responsibility expands.  In each phase, the 215 specialty track candidate learns information and participates in activities/duties/programs in CAP's aerospace education program.

Phase I -- The Technician Rating deals primarily with implementing aerospace education activities and duties involving cadets, seniors, Aerospace Education Members (AEMs), community and schools in the local environment.

Phase II -- The Senior Rating deals primarily with implementing aerospace education activities/duties and accepting a leadership role by holding an AE staff position, developing materials/activities, and promoting aerospace education programs for the local community.   It prepares AEOs for positions from the squadron to the wing level.

Phase III -- The Master Rating deals primarily with implementing aerospace education activities and duties, and accepting a leadership role and providing aerospace education policy recommendations to the commander and developing programs which enhance CAP aerospace education in many communities.

Special Promotion Benefits for AE Officers

Want a good reason to become an Aerospace Education officer?  If you are serving in an aerospace education position at any level of CAP unit, your commander may recommend you for a professional appointment promotion!  Upon successful completion of Level I and Cadet Protection Program training, the unit commander may initiate a CAP Form 2 on qualified aerospace education officers, recommending an appointment to an appropriate grade, as outlined below:

(1) First Lieutenant.  A professional educator who is a graduate of a recognized college or university and is certified by the state department of education or a university professor (full, associate or assistant) or other faculty member.

(2) Captain.  A professional educator who has served as a teacher, counselor, school administrator, college or university professor (full, associate or assistant) or other faculty member for a minimum of five years.  The professional education service requirement is reduced from five years to three years for members with an earned masters degree.

(3) Major.  A professional educator with an earned doctorate degree who has served as a teacher, counselor, school administrator, college or university professor (full, associate or assistant) or other faculty member, for a minimum of five years and has served one year time-in-grade as a captain may be appointed to the grade of major.