You’re standing there on the drill pad, and suddenly, your mind goes blank. It happens to the best Civil Air Patrol cadets. You’ve spent weeks learning the difference between a "flank" and a "column," but when the Check Pilot looks at you, the pressure hits differently. The CAP Achievement 2 drill test, also known as the "Arnold Achievement" for those aiming for that shiny C/A1C stripe, isn't just a hurdle. It’s a rite of passage. Honestly, most cadets fail or struggle not because they don't know the movements, but because they lose their bearing under the spotlight.
If you want that promotion, you have to prove you can lead as well as follow. This isn’t the Achievement 1 test where you’re just learning to stand straight. Now, you’re moving. You're part of an element.
What is Actually on the CAP Achievement 2 Drill Test?
The Arnold Achievement requires a mastery of the basics from the CAP Drill and Ceremonies Manual (CAPP 60-33). While many cadets think it’s just about "Left Face" or "Present Arms," Achievement 2 introduces the complexity of marching. You have to handle the transition from a standstill to a 24-inch step without looking like a penguin.
Let's look at the specific requirements. You’ll be tested on the Position of Attention, Parade Rest, and the various Facing Movements. But the real meat of the test—the part that trips people up—is the marching. You need to nail the Forward March, Halt, and Right/Left Flanks. Flanking is usually where the wheels come off. Cadets often forget which foot to pivot on. Pro tip: you always pivot on the foot opposite the direction you are turning during a flank. If you hear "Right Flank," your left foot hits the ground, and you push off to the right.
The Bearing Problem
You can have the crispest "About Face" in the Wing, but if you're giggling or looking at your boots, you’re done. Bearing is worth just as much as technical skill. The testing officer is looking for that "military image." It sounds kinda old-school, but it’s about discipline. Keep your head up. Eyes caged forward. If a bug lands on your nose, you let it sit there. That’s the level of focus we’re talking about here.
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Common Mistakes That Sink Your Score
I’ve seen cadets who can recite the Cadet Oath in their sleep absolutely crumble when asked to perform a To the Rear, March. It’s a 180-degree turn that requires balance. Most people try to do it too fast. They spin, lose their center of gravity, and stumble out of the formation.
Another huge one? Arm swing.
In CAP, your arms should swing 6 inches to the front and 3 inches to the rear. It’s not a massive, aggressive swing like you're in a parade in a movie. It’s controlled. You’d be surprised how many cadets get dinged for "Excessive Arm Swing" because they’re trying too hard to look "military." Keep it natural.
The "Left-Foot" Curse
Every command starts on a specific foot. Almost every preparatory command for marching is given as the left foot hits the deck. If your evaluator calls "Forward, MARCH" and you lead with your right foot, you’ve already lost points. It’s basic, sure. But in the heat of the moment, when you're nervous about the CAP Achievement 2 drill test, your brain does weird things. Practice starting your march from a dead stop a hundred times until your left leg moves automatically.
How to Prepare Without Going Crazy
Don’t just read the manual. CAPP 60-33 is great for technical specs, but it’s dry. You need muscle memory.
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- Record yourself. Put your phone on a fence post and film yourself doing a full drill sequence. You’ll notice things you didn't feel—like your hands not being cupped or your thumbs not being along the seams of your trousers. It’s cringey to watch yourself, but it’s the fastest way to fix errors.
- The Kitchen Drill. You don’t need a parade deck to practice. Practice your "Facing Movements" while you’re waiting for the microwave. Seriously. If you can do a perfect "Right Face" on a slippery kitchen floor, you can do it anywhere.
- Teach someone else. If you have a younger sibling or a friend, try to teach them the movements. If you can’t explain the mechanics of an "About Face" (the "ball of the foot" vs. "heel" placement), you don't actually know it well enough yet.
Understanding the Scorecard
The CAP Form 60-90 series is your best friend. This is the actual rubric the senior members or higher-ranking cadets use to grade you. For Achievement 2, they aren't looking for perfection, but they are looking for satisfactory execution. You can't have "major" errors in more than a couple of categories. If you fail to execute a command entirely, or if you consistently start on the wrong foot, you’re looking at a retake.
Why the Arnold Achievement Matters
General Henry "Happen" Arnold was a pioneer. He didn't get to where he was by being sloppy. This achievement is named after him for a reason. By the time you reach Achievement 2, you’re transitioning from being a "newbie" to a cadet who understands the culture of the Civil Air Patrol.
Drill is about more than just walking in circles. It’s about unit cohesion. When you and your fellow cadets hit a "To the Rear" in perfect unison, it feels incredible. It builds a sense of belonging that you just don't get from sitting in a classroom. The test is just the formal recognition that you’ve put in the work to be a part of that machine.
Dealing with Testing Anxiety
It’s normal to be nervous. Talk to your Flight Sergeant before the test. Ask them to run you through a "mock" test. Usually, they’re happy to help because your success makes the whole flight look better. If you mess up a command, don't make a face. Don't roll your eyes. Just recover, return to the position of attention, and wait for the next command. Your ability to recover from a mistake is often more impressive to an evaluator than a robotic, perfect performance.
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Final Steps for Success
Get your uniform ready the night before. A sharp uniform boosts your confidence. If your boots are mirrors and your creases are sharp, the evaluator already wants to pass you before you even move. It’s a psychological trick, but it works every single time.
Check your ribbons. Ensure your Curry Award is level and centered. If you look like a leader, you’ll start to act like one. When you approach the testing officer, do it with "snap." A crisp salute and a loud, clear "Sir/Ma'am, Cadet [Your Name] requests to take the drill test for Achievement 2" sets the tone.
- Download CAPP 60-33 and focus specifically on Chapter 3.
- Find a mirror and check your "Hand Salute." Is your palm showing? It shouldn't be.
- Visualize the sequence. Close your eyes and walk through the commands in your head.
- Verify your knowledge of the "Position of Honor" and other customs and courtesies, as they often get asked during the oral portion or the drill break.
Success in the CAP Achievement 2 drill test is purely a matter of repetition. Stop thinking of it as a "test" and start thinking of it as a demonstration of the skills you already use every Tuesday night. Once you nail this, you’re one step closer to the Wright Brothers Award, and that’s where things get really interesting.