North Caldwell Teen Earns General Mitchell Award with Civil Air Patrol

Jordan Behrle of the New Jersey Wing’s Curtiss-Wright Composite recently earned the rank of Cadet 2nd Lt., after earning the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award.

Behrle, a Civil Air Patrol member since fall of 2011, is a sophomore at West Essex High School in North Caldwell. According to a release, Behrle aspires to attend the Air Force Academy to pursue a career as a pilot, first for the U.S. Air Force and then for a major airline.

“I’ve gotten many opportunities to do many things that I like and to be with a lot of great cadets,” stated Behrle in a release, touting the CAP program.

According to a release, the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award honors the late Brigadier General Billy Mitchell, aviation pioneer, advocate, and staunch supporter of an independent Air Force for America. The award is earned after completing the first eight achievements of the cadet program. In addition, the cadet must pass an arduous 100 question examination testing leadership theory and aerospace topics.

Since its inception over 50 years ago, more than 42,000 cadets have earned the honor, stated a release.

Those cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are also eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force. They are also eligible for advanced credit in the Air Force ROTC program.

Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and CAP special activities.

Send Caldwell area news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com