Recruiting and Retention

The Recruiting Officer and The Team

The Squadron Recruiting Officer formulates plans and establishes policies, procedures and programs designed to assist CAP in attracting new members and retaining current members. They shall:

• Plan and conduct periodic membership drives to attract new members and to stimulate interest in current inactive members.
• Make presentations to outside groups, both youth and adult, to attract new members and to spread the word about CAP.
• Place posters and other recruiting materials in strategic locations advertising local meeting times and places.
• Stage display booths and provide recruiting coverage at local high schools, shopping centers, air shows and other public events.
• Personally contact individuals expressing an interest in CAP by telephone, written inquiry, etc., and follow up to ensure that all interested persons are fully informed on the CAP Program and local unit activities.

The Recruiting Officer should be familiar with all aspects of the Civil Air Patrol Program, particularly the CAP Constitution and Bylaws, CAPR 20-1 and CAPM 39-2.

The Squadron Recruiting Team

The Squadron Recruiting Officer needs to work with a wide variety of staff officers to be effective. He works with the Personnel Officer, Public Affairs Officer, Professional Development Officer, Deputy Commanders for Cadets and Seniors and of course the Squadron Commander.

These officers work together as a team to insure that the Squadron Recruiting and Retention Program accomplishes it's goals. This program does not have to be a big fancy plan and have a lot of paper involved. Actually the Program should simply be an agreement to work together and achieve our goal. To attract and keep the best possible members for America's Air Force Auxiliary.

Don't forget to get the Cadet Structure involved. Cadets are our best recruiters for the Cadet Program. Involve the Cadet Staff of your Squadron in the Recruiting and Retention efforts. Never underestimate; you’d would be surprised to see what they can accomplish if given a chance.