The California Military and Veterans Code (MVC Section 517) authorizes CACC units as part of all regular schools, for all children in the state.

Its primary goal was originally to prepare young men to be officers in the United States military, after Brigadier General Edwin A. Forbes saw that the Germans already had such programs before World War I.

The program's goal has since expanded not only to prepare young men and women for military service, but also for the business world, where communication and leadership skills are essential.

In accordance with Sections 509–512 of the California Military and Veterans Code, the CMD is responsible for providing uniforms and equipment, developing curriculum, and conducting state level competitions, activities, and awards programs for the cadets.

The CACC military science class can be taken as an elective, or for credit as a substitute for physical education—a decision each school or district makes based on the course of instruction provided, the instructors' credentials, and the alignment of the curriculum with state standards.

The name unorganized militia is confusing because of the dated language of the statute; it refers simply to the selective service pool of the state military in modern sense.