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College for Officer Training
Introduction
Within each geographic region around the world, The Salvation Army maintains schools and colleges for the purpose of training cadets to enter full-time ministry as Salvation Army officers. The College for Officer Training (CFOT), USA Western Territory, is one of four training schools/colleges in the United States.
The Cadets
The cadets (students) at CFOT are richly diverse in age, socioeconomic background, previous educational experiences, ethnicity, and culture and come to CFOT for the sole purpose of training and preparation for full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer.
One of the unique features of CFOT is that a married cadet must complete the training program along with his/her spouse, because it is policy that an officer in The Salvation Army can only be married to an officer.
Application/Admissions
Because CFOT is a wholly owned proprietary institution of The Salvation Army, some of the functions normally associated with a college are assumed by other departments at Territorial Headquarters (THQ). The Training Principal, Assistant Training Principal, and Director of Personnel serve on the Territorial Candidates Council and provide input into the process of accepting candidates for training. For more information on the application process, click here.
Enrollment
Enrollment at CFOT occurs once a year. The academic year begins in mid-August with cadets either beginning the two-year training program or continuing into their second year. Cadets move through the program in cohorts (sessions).
Residential Requirements
The training program at CFOT is typically fully residential (though exceptions are made in very rare circumstances). Cadets are required to sell their homes, furniture, and cars (as these are provided as part of an officer’s compensation) and live on campus, with their spouses and school-aged children. Cadets are provided with a fully furnished apartment which includes kitchen, laundry, living & bedrooms.
Quality child care is also an integral part of the residential training program. A specially designed Family Care Center provides these services, to the children of cadets and CFOT officer staff.
The Training Program
Successful completion of the two-year training program culminates commissioning and ordination as a Salvation Army officer and the awarding of an Associate of Arts degree in Ministries.
Full details of the training program and the degree requirements can be found in the College Catalog. Additionally, current and historic data can be found in the CFOT Fact Book.
Accreditation
CFOT is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), one of the seven regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE). It is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). As such, CFOT is authorized to award an Associate of Arts Degree in Ministries. For more information, visit the Accreditation page of the College website.