Department of North Carolina


The purpose of the North Carolina American Legion Student Trooper Program is to create an association between our young people and the men and women who are responsible for enforcing the laws of our State. The American Legion believes that our young people have a strong sense of patriotism and a high regard for Law and Order.

It is our belief that the young men and women who participate in the Student Trooper Program will develop favorable attitudes toward Law Enforcement and will articulate those attitudes throughout their communities and among their peers.

The week long American Legion Student Trooper Program is conducted at the North Carolina Highway Patrol Training Center in Raleigh, North Carolina,

and is a cooperative sponsorship of The NC American Legion and The NC Highway Patrol.



Cadets participate in morning physical training, close order drill, and disciplined conduct throughout the day under the watchful eyes of counselors and instructors.

Cadets participate in a wide variety of instructional sessions. They learn the use of police skills, including drug detection, firearms safety, and precision driving, just to name a few. There are also tours in Raleigh, NC of the Capitol, Legislative Building, Governor's Mansion, and the Highway Patrol Headquarters and Communications Center. Instructors from the NC Highway Patrol other phases of Law Enforcement and related subjects are integrated into the week's program.


Cadets visit capital building

Cadets must have successfully completed their junior year of high school and of good moral character. Cadets must be sponsored by an American Legion post.

All correspondence relating to this program should be addressed to Student Trooper Program; The American Legion Department of North Carolina; PO Box 26657; Raleigh, NC 27611 or call 919-832-7506.
Only fifty-five students who have successfully completed their junior or senior year can be accommodated at the training center, so be sure to get applications in early. The fee will be $200.00 per student this year and must be submitted through a local American Legion post. Applications may be obtained by calling Department Headquarters or using the order form also enclosed with the mailing.

Applications and medical forms can be obtained by writing, calling or e-mailing department headquarters, or by downloading and printing the forms below.  Again, cadets must be sponsored by an American Legion post.