Since you're reading this you've probably been accepted into the Starship Avalon Cadet program or are at the pre-application stage. We'll go over a few steps and tips to follow as well as explaining what you're expected to do during your training portion.

Probationary Cadets

Cadets who do not do well on their interview or are borderline on their interview might be given a probationary trial period.  If they do well they are given a Cadet 1st Year rank.  Otherwise they are washed out of the program.

Cadet Rankings/Squads

All cadets have a rank and are expected to follow it like its own mini-starship chain of command. Cadets are divided into squads based on their division, or mixed with another division if there are not enough cadets. All squads have a leader who is a 4th year Cadet. The leader appoints a 3rd year cadet to be their 2IC. The squad leader is responsible for ensuring his squad can roleplay, knows protocal, and are able to compete with other squads. Below is a list of a normal squad:

Squad System Cadet Rankings
	Cadet Squad Leader	Cadet Squad Leaders are the top graduates of a class invited to remain an extra year to train their classmates along with the other faculty
	Cadet Squad 2IC	Cadet Squad 2nd In Commands' are responsible for assisting the Cadet Squad Leader in their duties. They are a 3rd Year Cadet picked by the Leader
	3rd Year Cadet	Cadets are the basic recruits in Starship Avalon who are training to qualify as crew members
	2nd Year Cadet
	1st Year Cadet
	Probationary Cadet	Probationary Cadets are borderline candidates who are given a trial period of 1-3 weeks.  During the probationary period if the cadet is found to not be up to Starship Avalon standards they will be terminated, otherwise they are promoted to a 1st Year Cadet at the end of the trial period.

Squad Training

In order to be eligible for advancement through the cadet ranks and to have a chance at the Squad Competition Ribbon a squad must regularly perform training exercises such as physical training (jogging through the corridors), holodeck training, hands-on training, and on very rare occasions special away missions. These provide both an excellent training system and give the council observation of the cadets to choose which ones deserve promotion and possible even officer sponsorships later in their careers.

Squad Leadership

Squad Leaders are chosen based on their observed quality of roleplay, organization, dedication, attitude, and how often they are in Starship Avalon. The leaders are chosen by the Council In Charge (CIC) of Cadets.

Graduation

Graduation to crewman can occur from 3rd year or higher. If the cadet is deemed capable of commanding a squad and one is available they will be promoted to squad leader for a period of time. Squad Leaders are more likely to be promoted quicker through the command chain later in their careers. If there are no squads or the cadet is not deemed to be capable they will be graduated past 4th year directly to crewman recruit. When a Squad leader graduates they will receive a crewman apprentice rank.

Conclusion

The purpose of the cadet rank/squad system is to encourage RP between cadets and a competitive atmosphere that encourages learning and benefits those who show a work ethic.

Good luck in your careers.