Would you like to honor and serve America?
Do you want to prepare for your future while making new friends?
Then rise to the challenge of cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.
The CAP cadet program is comprised of five main elements:
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Leadership. CAP cadets learn the basic principles of leadership and they are given many formal and informal opportunities to lead. This training provides cadets with a life-long skill set that helps them to be successful students, employees, managers, and citizens! Cadets are able to develop their leadership skills through leadership roles and many local, state, and national activities!
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Aerospace. Many of our cadets come to the organization with a love of aviation and space exploration, but many others do not. However, all CAP cadets learn about the history and science of air and space and their importance to our society and our national security. Our cadets participate in monthly aerospace education classes, which involve activities ranging from learning how planes fly to building and launching model rockets. CAP cadets are also eligible for Orientation Flights, where experienced CAP pilots take them flying free of cost!
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Fitness. Current research has shown that our lifelong physical fitness habits are developed in large part during adolescence. CAP cadets participate in monthly group physical fitness activities and must pass a physical fitness test for each promotion. The focus of this aspect of the CAP cadet program is on team building, camaraderie, and developing healthy living habits.
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Character. The CAP cadet program strives to produce the best possible future leaders and citizens for America. Integral to this goal is helping cadets discuss ethical dilemmas in a controlled, classroom setting. Each month, all cadets participate in a Character Development discussion. Cadets also give and receive mentoring and feedback to help them grow as leaders and people.
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Activities - Cadet Program's activities element is designed for cadets to apply their leadership skills, explore aerospace careers and display their overall enthusiasm for the cadet ethic. Each squadron decides what activities it undertakes based on the interests of its leaders and members. All units should strive to be well-rounded and offer activities encompassing all three CAP missions.
The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
To become a cadet, you must be be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets usually meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.
“I am pushing myself to be a better person.”
- Cadet Kristin 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
Cadet FAQ's
How old do I have to be to join?
Youth members must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets joining a unit in their school may join under the age of 12 as long as they are in the sixth grade.
Are non U.S. Citizens allowed to join?
Aliens admitted for permanent residence are eligible. Other non-citizens who are legally admitted to the country must request a waiver of the citizenship requirement through the unit they are joining.
Can I join if I have a medical condition or disability?
Civil Air Patrol does not preclude membership due to medical conditions or disabilities and is committed to doing everything we reasonably can to help cadets succeed. Keep in mind that participation in certain activities may be limited for his or her safety depending on the cadet's condition, illness or disability. Read more about Cadets with Special Needs.
Do cadets need to maintain a certain GPA to participate in CAP?
School should always come first for the cadets. CAP expects cadets to maintain "satisfactory performance" at school, as defined by the cadet's parents. Because CAP emphasizes self-discipline, it's not uncommon for parents to see their son's or daughter's grades increase as a result of their participation in the Cadet Program.
Do cadets have to join the military?
No, you do not have to join the military, but many choose to do so. Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3) if they choose to enlist. The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP. But no matter what career you choose, the skills you learn in CAP will be invaluable.
How often do cadets meet?
To get the most out of the cadet program you should participate regularly. Like any other activity, you’ll get out of CAP only what you put into it. Our Squadron meets every week for 2 hours, and offer special activities on the weekends and during the summer.
Who leads and supervises the cadets?
CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously. The adult volunteers who interact with cadets (known as CAP senior members or cadet sponsors) have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI. All adult members also take a Cadet Protection course as part of their initial training. Visit this page for more information on cadet protection.
What uniforms do cadets wear?
New cadets need one uniform to get started. Eventually, the cadet will want to have both the camouflage utility uniform (ABU) and the Air Force-style blue uniform.
Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, cadets qualify for the Curry Blues Voucher, which covers some of the costs of the Air Force-style blue uniform. Therefore, we suggest you obtain ABUs first, and then use the Curry Blues Voucher to obtain your "blues."
Our Squadron strives to provide most of the items for the ABU free of charge to cadets. Your out of pocket costs for uniforms should be less about $50 for the ABU (we don't provide the boots) and the Curry Blues Voucher will cover $100 of the Blues uniform, leaving about $50 in out-of-pocket costs.
We do require uniform items provided by us to be returned upon your cadet leaving CAP.
Does CAP teach cadets to fly?
CAP doesn't provide primary flight training, but cadets have the opportunity to fly in a CAP plane in an Orientation Flight.
Does CAP offer any scholarships?
Yes, there are academic and flight scholarships available.
How do cadets earn rank in CAP?
Cadets advance at their own pace through self-study and group study. To progress, cadets must (1) participate actively; (2) pass a written leadership test; (3) pass a written aerospace test; (4) pass a physical fitness test; (5) participate in character development forums; and most of all (6) demonstrate they have the maturity to accept increased responsibility. (In some stages of the Cadet Program, these requirements differ slightly.)
Can parents be in CAP?
Absolutely! Some opportunities to share in the CAP experience are:
Cadet Sponsor Member -- Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on a cadet's family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as a Cadet Sponsor. This membership requires the same FBI background screening process and cadet protection training as the active adult membership. First year dues are just $30 and renewals are only $20. As a parent sponsor, you'll be able to help chaperone the kids, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. You will not be required to wear the Air Force-style uniform.
Senior Member -- If you are more interested in taking a leadership role in the Cadet Program, or want to participate in CAP's aerospace education and emergency services missions, you should join as a senior member. Talk with your child's squadron commander about joining as a senior member. You will need to submit and complete a membership application, fingerprint card and complete an orientation course. Annual membership dues vary by state.