Civil Air Patrol cadets return to MTSU for national technology academy

Middle Tennessee State University chemistry professor Sing Chong, in foreground, explains equipment he utilizes in his research conducted in the Science Building to a group of Civil Air Patrol cadets from across the country participating in a national-level science and engineering academy hosted by the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences on the campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The youths are part of the U.S. Air Force volunteer civilian auxiliary’s National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, also known as E-Tech, which the university has hosted since 2017. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University reprised this week its roles as host and organizer of Civil Air Patrol’s annual National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, which attracted youth to campus from 25 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico — and as far away as Hawaii.

More than 50 members of CAP, the U.S. Air Force’s volunteer civilian auxiliary, arrived on Sunday, July 7, for a week of academic experiences in mostly STEM-related fields, organized by the College of Basic and Applied Sciences – plus a few extra surprises.

The cadets, selected by CAP for the academy through a competitive process, are taking part in activities covering aerospace, engineering technology, physics and astronomy, data science, concrete and construction management, geosciences, biology, chemistry, data sciences and mechatronics.

“This experience has been outstanding for everyone,” said the academy’s director, CAP Col. Larry Trick of Erie, Pennsylvania. “Our cadets have been exposed to many great academic pursuits here at MTSU that will influence many futures.”

Two Civil Air Patrol cadets use the instrument panels in a Middle Tennessee State University flight simulator at the Aerospace Department's Flight Operations Center on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro, Tenn., to fly the plane Monday, July 8, during their weeklong camp hosted by the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences. From all across the nation, the cadets will visit a number of departments, including data science, chemistry, concrete, engineering technology and more during the week. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt) — Two Civil Air Patrol cadets use the instrument panels in a Middle Tennessee State University flight simulator at the Aerospace Department’s Flight Operations Center on Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro, Tenn., to fly the plane Monday, July 8, during their weeklong camp hosted by the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences. From all across the nation, the cadets will visit a number of departments, including data science, chemistry, concrete, engineering technology and more during the week. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives — Keith M. Huber

Surprises included experiences in the high-tech MakerSpace in the James E. Walker Library; sessions with MTSU’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs; a visit to a College of Media and Entertainment’s Recording Industry studio; and a leadership seminar led by retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, the university’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives.

Cadets also used MTSU’s aerospace flight simulators, drove “moon buggies” built by MTSU’s Engineering Technology students, worked ground-penetrating radar and used an electronic marksmanship course under the watch of Army ROTC instructors.

“Many of these cadets are at a critical decision point on technical majors,” Trick said. “This instruction is critical – and the variety can be life and career changing.”

A group of Civil Air Patrol cadets from across the country learn about the maintenance being performed on airplane engines Monday, July 8, at Middle Tennessee State University’s Flight Operations Center just off Memorial Boulevard in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The youths are part of the U.S. Air Force volunteer civilian auxiliary’s National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy, also known as E-Tech, which the university has hosted since 2017. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Cadet 2nd Lt. Gideon L. Perschke of Watkinsville, Georgia, agreed, saying the academy “gives the cadets as a chance to see what it’s like at a college.”

To that point, the 40 academy students, plus Perschke, four other cadet staff members and eight adult CAP officers, are staying on campus, living in one of MTSU’s residence halls and taking their meals in McCallie’s, the university’s main dining hall.

Perschke, 19, the academy’s cadet commander, said the “hands-on and interactive activities are some of the more interesting and valuable opportunities” for the youth.

Dr. Mark Byrnes, university provost — Dr. Mark Byrnes

Provost Mark Byrnes, MTSU’s chief academic officer, who welcomed Trick and the CAP cadets on their first full day, credited faculty and staff for striking the right balance between classroom work and creative activities.

“The academy allows us each year to showcase not only the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, but also many other academic and enrichment opportunities we offer at MTSU,” Byrnes said.

Civil Air Patrol, founded in 1941 just before the start of America’s involvement in World War II, has more than 60,000 volunteer members. Congress chartered the organization to support the Air Force and it is best known for its aerial search-and-rescue missions; cadet program for youths 12 through 18; and commitment to aerospace education.

MTSU and CAP have been partners in aerospace education for cadets since 2014 and has hosted the academy since 2017. The two entities first partnered from 1948 to 1953, when CAP’s Middle Tennessee State College Squadron was organized by students taking flight training at the on-campus airport.

— Andrew Oppmann (andrew.oppmann@mtsu.edu)