The diamonds are a capstone, not the whole point. What lasts is the judgment, resilience and service you build while earning them. Here is what recipients told us, organized by question and attributed by Spaatz number.
What motivated you to go for the Spaatz?
- A struggling squadron and the need for its remaining cadets to rise to new challenges made the goal serious. (Spaatz #1855)
- A challenge received on joining CAP, and the desire to complete the entire Cadet Program. (Spaatz #132)
- Meeting a wing commander who was a Spaatz recipient at encampment, and learning how few cadets earn the award. (Spaatz #1866)
- Finishing a cadet career with its highest honor, and joining a community of accomplished recipients. (Spaatz #1680)
- Proving wrong the people who doubted I could finish. (Spaatz #1700)
- Encouragement from respected members, and watching peers earn it, made it feel possible even when I nearly gave up. (Spaatz #1807)
How did you prepare for the exam?
- Study seriously and practice the physical requirements, knowing current materials may differ from older tests. (Spaatz #132)
- After an unsuccessful first attempt: intensive review and my own quick-reference study guides, with the last day saved for light review. (Spaatz #1855)
- Daily exercise and self-discipline got me past the fitness test. (Spaatz #1228)
- Repeated reading, frequent running and PT, outlines, flash cards, quizzing with peers, and advice from earlier examinees. (Spaatz #1807)
What was the hardest part?
- The mile run looked hardest at first, but the leadership exam became the real obstacle. (Spaatz #1045)
- The leadership questions lacked the obviously wrong choices of earlier tests. My first attempt showed me how much preparation it took. (Spaatz #1845)
- The leadership questions felt less direct than the essay and aerospace portions. (Spaatz #1780)
- The fitness test, especially the run. (Spaatz #1866)
- Leadership and the run. (Spaatz #1680)
- The essay required moral-leadership judgment, but strong writing experience and a familiar CAP topic helped. (Spaatz #523)
- I expected PT to be hardest. Aerospace and leadership needed similar preparation; the essay worried me less. (Spaatz #1807)
What advice do you have for new cadets?
- The long journey is only worth it if you become a better leader and person along the way. (Spaatz #1780)
- Find an accountability partner and an experienced senior member to help you keep a promotion schedule and plan a realistic CAP career. (Spaatz #1845)
- Take it one step at a time and learn the practical leadership that comes with each grade. The diamonds aren’t the real point. (Spaatz #1045)
- Persistence and taking advantage of CAP’s opportunities matter more than a perfectly smooth path. (Spaatz #132)
- Set goals, stay consistent, do the work yourself, and leave time for setbacks. A steady promotion rhythm keeps the door open. (Spaatz #523)
- What you get out of CAP depends on what you put into it. (Spaatz #1700)
Advice for C/Majors and C/Lt Cols
- If you’re close, keep going. Many people regret stopping; recipients rarely regret finishing. (Spaatz #1228)
- Study thoroughly, prepare the parts you control, and treat an unsuccessful attempt as experience, not a reason to quit. (Spaatz #1780)
- Reaching Phase IV means the hardest part is behind you, but finishing still takes dedicated time, effort and physical preparation. (Spaatz #523)
Final reflections
- Pursue the individual award for the right reasons, and keep your home squadron and team at the center of your leadership. (Spaatz #1855)
- Participation and continued service show readiness better than promotion paperwork alone. (Spaatz #1845)
- Don’t let a busy life become the reason you leave the program. (Spaatz #1228)
- The goal is lifelong leadership and service, not just becoming a cadet colonel or wearing diamonds. (Spaatz #1045)
- The road is long, but the skills and experiences are valuable and enjoyable. (Spaatz #1680)
- Practice past the point of barely passing, commit fully, and know that even an honest failure can be honorable. (Spaatz #1807)
Ask for support
Working toward the Spaatz and want advice from a recipient? Tell us what you’re working on (leadership, education, career, or the exam itself) and whether online or local support would help most. Email SecretaryTeam@Spaatz.Org. Our volunteers will look for a good connection; replies can take a few days.
Share your advice
Spaatzen, add your own answers to these questions by email: SecretaryTeam@Spaatz.Org. Include your Spaatz number.