California’s Military Academies

The Military and Veterans Code, Division 2, Part 2, Chapter 2, provides for military academies under the California Cadet Corps and voluntary organizations.

Section 530 states that, in any military academy, having not less than 80 students, uniformed, drilled, and instructed in strict accordance with the tactics of the regular United States Army, and in which the instruction is conducted in accordance with military principles, the military instructors or professors of military science and tactics of the academy regularly elected or appointed by the board of trustees or other lawful authority of the academy, may be commissioned in the California Cadet Corps with the rank of major or lower rank.

Section 531 authorizes the Adjutant General to enter into a cooperative agreement with the City of Oakland and a school district for the purpose of establishing an Oakland Military Institute. The program provides a structured, disciplined environment that is conducive to learning in a college preparatory environment. In addition to academic skills, pupils develop leadership, self-esteem, and a strong sense of community.

Section 532 allows the Adjutant General to enter into a cooperative agreement with the governing board of a school district or a county office of education for the purpose of establishing a military academy to be operated as a charter school. The program provides a structured, disciplined environment that is conducive to learning in a college preparatory environment.

In addition, the Adjutant General is required to conduct a civilian youth opportunities program, to be known as the “National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program,” which consists of at least a 22-week residential program and a 12-month post-residential mentoring period. The program is required to serve at-risk teens in areas of the state, including, but not limited to, the San Joaquin Valley, western Riverside County, and northern California, and is subject to three specified requirements.