Commandant Rank Structure
Rank progression for adult CACC personnel
Adult commandants hold rank in the California Cadet Corps separately from cadets. Adult ranks mirror the U.S. Army insignia and follow a promotion path tied to training, time in grade, and unit responsibility.
Junior Enlisted
Non-Commissioned Officers
Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
Warrant Officers
Company Grade Officers
Field Grade Officers
Initial Appointment Criteria
From CR 1-4, Table 3-2. Read the full regulation
| Civilian Education | Military / Cadet Experience | Appointment shall not exceed |
|---|---|---|
| HS Diploma or GED | None | PFC |
| HS Diploma or GED | CACC/JROTC Cadet with 3+ years and highest rank less than C/1SG or between C/WO1 to C/1LT; JROTC/NDCC/CAP C/CPT and above | SPC (non-CACC experience) / CPL (CACC experience) |
| HS Diploma or GED | CACC Cadet with 3+ years and highest rank C/SGM, C/CSM, or C/CPT or higher | SGT |
| AA (or 60 semester / 90 quarter units of college) | None | SGT |
| HS Diploma or GED | BCTA and assignment as Commandant of Cadets | SGT |
| BA or higher | None | 2LT |
| Basic level professional certification | None | WO1 |
| Intermediate level professional certification | None | CW2 |
| Advanced or master level professional certification | None | CW3 |
| HS Diploma or GED | Prior service E1–E9 | Last rank held |
| As required by military appointment | Prior service W1–W5 or O1–O9 | Last rank held |
Credit for prior military experience is given in time-in-grade credits for promotion, not appointment rank.
Promotion Notes
Click any rank above for its specific promotion criteria. These general rules apply across CR 1-4 Table 5-1:
- Degrees must come from regionally accredited institutions; the GED is the only acceptable HS-diploma equivalent. Where a degree is required, conferral must be documented — units alone do not qualify.
- Time in grade begins at the effective date of appointment/promotion in the CACC.
- All Commandants of Cadets require the recommendation of their school board or administrative official and Brigade Advisor (para 5-5).
- Extra qualifications (Cadet Colonel in CACC, 3+ years military experience, instructor at 3 annual encampments, clear DSSS Basic Military Teaching Credential, or a Bachelor's with a clear teaching/administrator/PPS credential) may substitute up to 12 months of time in grade — one time only, for the first promotion after initial appointment.
- OCS credit: prior CACC service reaching C/MAJ or higher; a Federal or State Guard OCS program; 2+ years of college ROTC; or completion of the Commandant Leadership School.
- Promotion to CW5 and MAJ through COL requires a Bachelor's Degree (the only equivalent is an AA plus the professional-development requirements).
- ILE = clear Basic Drill Credential; MEMS Basic Badge + Emergency Training Ribbon; a professional certification; equivalent military PME; a graduate degree; 4 years as Brigade Advisor or HQ CACC staff officer; or 24 hours of HQ-provided professional development. Renews for each rank.
- WOCC equivalency: SME service at three annual encampments (grade SGT+) or 21 full days supporting CACC activities.
Non-classroom commandants promote under Table 5-2 of CR 1-4, which differs slightly — see the regulation for that track.