CIVIL AIR PATROL

U.S. AIR FORCE AUXILIARY

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BECOMING A CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET

Would you like to serve your country and community? Do you want to prepare for your future while making new friends? Are you interested in aerospace? Do you have what it takes to rise to the challenges of cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol?

For nearly 60 years, CAP has provided America's youth with exciting and challenging opportunities through the Cadet Program. Tens of thousands of young people have participated in hands-on activities at the local, state, national and international level.

To become a cadet, you must be between the ages of 12 to 18. Cadets meet 2 ½ hours per week. As a cadet you have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies and participate with the international exchange program during the summer. Cadets also fly, learn to lead, perform search and rescue, maintain physical fitness, and push themselves to new limits.

If you have a desire to seek a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you. About 10% of the cadets attending the U.S. Air Force Academy are former Civil Air Patrol cadets. There is no military obligation when joining Civil Air Patrol as a cadet

Becoming a Civil Air Patrol cadet could be the next step in your life.

“I am pushing myself to be a better person.” -- Cadet Kristen Miller

“I made my first solo flight at a CAP encampment.” – Astronaut Eric Boe

“I’ve learned discipline – something not stressed enough in today’s society.” – Cadet Theresa Paredes

Applicants must complete the CAPF 15 Application for Cadet Membership in CAP and return it to the squadron. The application has to be endorsed by the squadron commander or authorized designee. An important note on the CAPF 15 is that if any box is checked “Yes” on the medical history information section you will need to get a physician to review and sign the form. If all boxes are "No" then the physician signature is not required. Once the form is completed and all required signatures have been obtained, the form is sent to the address on the bottom of page one of the form along with the membership dues. Cadet membership is $35.00 per year. Cadet members can expect their membership card within 2-3 weeks, books within six weeks and dress uniform within eight weeks.

CADET OATH -
"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community. State and nation."

BECOMING A CIVIL AIR PATROL OFFICER

CAP officers (adult members) do much more than fly aircraft. In fact less than a fifth of all CAP members are pilots or aircrew members. CAP adult members come from all walks of life. Some are doctors, nurses, paramedics, or other medical professionals. Mechanics, cooks, teachers, police officers, clergy, parents, etc. Just about any career or background can be useful to and are found in the ranks of the CAP officers membership).

In emergency services and operations, our ground team members (CAP officers and cadets) aid in the rescue of survivors or assess damage after a disaster. CAP communication personnel relay critical messages when there is limited or no telephone support. CAP has a need for administrative staff, financial managers, and logistics and supply personnel to document missions and ensure personnel are provided critical supplies and equipment in the field that they need to conduct missions.

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give." --Winston Churchill

As a Civil Air Patrol Officer, you'll experience a path with limitless potential by being a volunteer. From your first day as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, you'll have the opportunity to grow personally by giving back to your community and professionally through our Professional Development programs. The skills you bring and the skills you learn in Civil Air Patrol will be the medium for success within and out of CAP.

CAP has a need also for mentors with the CAP Cadet Program. The CAP cadet program provides young children and young adults, between the ages of 12 and 18, a well rounded program of leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and moral and ethical decision making. Many former cadets have gone into the military, government jobs, or private sector employment where they have become famous public figures, prominent business people and community leaders, all who have contributed their success to the time they spent in Civil Air Patrol.

“We are prone to judge success by the index of our salaries or the size of our automobiles, rather than by the quality of our service relationship to humanity.” --Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Volunteering is a path that few consider, and fewer still have the courage to walk. This path leads many to a place where being extraordinary is not required but compassionate for others is. In order to be part of, and be a leader of, one of the finest all volunteer organization, you must take this path. A path that will take you through intense training programs in Search and Rescue, Cadet mentoring and Professional Development.

Every new adult member and at each promotion will recite the Oath of Office:
Having been accepted as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and comply with the Constitution, Bylaws and regulations of the Civil Air Patrol; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter and will obey the orders of the officers appointed over me according to regulations, so help me God.

To be eligible for the Adult Program you must be a citizen of the United States (or registered alien lawfully admitted for permanent residency), 18 years of age or older (no maximum age limit) or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty. Annual dues; are National/Wing dues - $55 per year paid to National headquarters and Squadron dues - $20 per year paid to the Squadron. For the protection of our cadets, prospective members must undergo a fingerprint screening and FBI background check.

If you are ready to serve your community, learn about aerospace and have some fun, find out more about joining. Complete the online information request form INFORMATION REQUEST. Or contact our squadron recruiter SM Angela Maldonado @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (734)283-8578.