The CO Cadet Academy is a paramilitary academy hosted and instructed by current COs to prepare individuals who are interested in becoming a CO employed by the Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division. This academy is intended to help prepare individuals as recruits for a future CO Training Academy.

• Cadets will follow a daily schedule similar to the structured routine of the CO Training Academy. The day will begin with physical training, chow, room inspections, then transition to indoor and outdoor lessons. The entire academy will be hosted and instructed by currently employed COs.
• Individuals should be able to physically walk and run on trails, swim (to their best ability) and participate in daily physical training, including sits ups and push ups.
• Cadets are required to participate in all activities, maintain a professional and paramilitary demeanor, engage in classroom lectures and complete hands-on training. If someone choses to not participate, they will be dismissed.

Participation in the CO Cadet Academy does not guarantee an individual will be selected for the CO Training Academy.

All applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:

• 18-21 years of age. 
• Must be a senior in high school, a high school graduate or enrolled in college, trade school, or military with a GPA of 2.5 or higher (most recent transcript and proof of current enrollment are required), and/or provide proof of employment.
• Interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or natural resources. 
• Have no felony or misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.
• Must be willing to lodge overnight at the RAM Center and participate in all activities, which will be directly supervised by conservation officers.
• Successfully complete and submit all of the required documents and forms.

The 2026 application process has closed. Please check back for future academies.

Step 1:

To be considered for the 2026 CO Cadet Academy, email the below items to DNR-LED-COCadet@Michigan.gov.

1. Application form.
2. Personal statement (may be completed using the linked form or submitted as a separate Word document).
3. Resume with three references.
4. Background check form.
5. Most recent transcript.
6. Proof of enrollment in high school, college, trade school or military, and/or proof of employment.

Step 2:

• Selected applicants will be notified of their acceptance via the email address provided on the applicant form. Individuals may be asked to conduct a virtual interview.
• These individuals will receive additional waivers and medical forms.
• Once the additional waivers and medical forms are completed and received, applicants will receive an email confirming their registration in the CO Cadet Academy.

The DNR reserves the right to close this posting prior to March 1 or extend the application deadline based on the number of qualified applicants.

The Michigan DNR Conservation Officer Cadet Academy is a free career exploration opportunity.

• All costs, including lodging, meals and activity supplies are covered by the DNR.
• Individuals are responsible for their own transportation to and from the RAM Center.

Cadets will receive a packing list prior to the academy.

• All water activities will be supervised by certified lifeguards.
• U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets will be provided for boating activities.