Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA)

The Petty Officer Leadership Academy (POLA) is a hands-on leadership course designed to provide junior cadets with foundational leadership training and practical experience. This course prepares cadets to step into the role of Petty Officer by developing the character, confidence, and decision-making skills required of effective leaders.

Throughout the training, cadets will actively practice leadership in structured, real-world scenarios. They will learn how to manage and mentor multiple cadets in a variety of settings, take responsibility for assigned tasks, and operate effectively under pressure. Emphasis is placed on time management, accountability, and clear communication, while encouraging cadets to ask questions and seek guidance when faced with unfamiliar situations.

POLA focuses on cultivating the essential traits of a successful Petty Officer, including confidence, unselfishness, sound judgment, military bearing, fairness, courage, decisiveness, initiative, dependability, loyalty, integrity, enthusiasm, tact, endurance, and genuine concern for others.

By the end of the course, cadets will…