NOTE TO PARENTS:

Thank you for checking out Civil Air Patrol!  Here are a few FAQ’s to help you decide if Civil Air Patrol is a good fit for your child.

Membership

Q: How much does it cost to join CAP? 
A: Annual Cadet Dues are $33

Q: What are the age requirements for joining CAP?
A: Youth aged 12-18 may join CAP as cadets and remain cadets until age 21. Of course, adults of any age are welcome to join CAP, too.

Q: Are cadets obligated to join the military?
A: No, but many do. 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.

Q: What level of commitment is expected from cadets?
A: CAP expects cadets to participate actively, but of course CAP recognizes that cadets have school, family, and other obligations that take priority. Our squadron meets weekly for 3 hours, and offer special activities on the weekends and during the summer. If your son or daughter is unable to attend a CAP activity, please have them let their commander know in advance. Like any extra-curricular activity, cadets will get out of CAP only what they put into it.

Adult Supervision

Q: Who leads and supervises the cadets?
A: CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously. The adult volunteers who interact with cadets (known as CAP senior members) have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI.

School

Q: Do cadets need to maintain a certain grade point average to participate in CAP?
A: Of course, school comes first. 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.

Uniforms

Q: Why do cadets wear uniforms?
A: CAP uses uniforms to promote teamwork and develop self-discipline. The uniform motivates cadets to set high standards for themselves and to live their core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Additionally, cadets practice military customs and courtesies as part of their leadership training.

Q: What uniforms do cadets wear?
A: The basic cadet uniform is the short-sleeve Air Force style blue uniform. Most cadets also choose to wear the optional BDU (camouflage) uniform.

Q: How do cadets obtain uniforms?
A: New cadets are eligible to receive the Air Force style blue uniform at no cost to them through the Cadet Uniform Program http://level2.cap.gov/index.cfm?nodeID=5354 , upon joining (depending on the availability of Air Force funding). See your local squadron commander for details. BDUs and other uniform items may be available through your squadron's supply, and may be purchased through the clothing sales store on military installations.

Flying

Q: What's involved with cadet orientation flights?
A: Through orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, cadets experience flight first-hand. CAP's pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for each flight, and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Orientation flights are free to cadets. See the squadron commander for information about when the next opportunity to fly is scheduled.

Cadet Promotions

Q: How do cadets advance and earn promotions?
A: 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.)

Scholarships

Q: Does CAP offer any scholarships?
A: Yes. Check with the squadron commander.