Civil Air Patrol

Irving CS

SWR-TX-133

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The United States Air Force Auxiliary

REQUIREMENT TO JOIN THE

CIVIL AIR PATROL

AS A CADET MEMBER

TO JOIN THE CADET PROGRAM

  • Be at least 12 years of age and not older than 18. Cadets who join before their 19th birthday may remain cadets until 21

  • Be a citizen of the United States or Legal Resident.

  • Be a law abiding citizen.

  • Must maintain a C average in school.

  • You must come to a meeting to get started.

WHAT CAN A CADET MEMBER DO IN CAP?

We try to inspire the Cadets to become leaders and responsible citizens through an interest in flying, aviation and leadership program. This mission has evolved into the CAP Cadet Program. For more information please visit our National website at www.cap.gov

Objectives of the Cadet Program:

The cadet component of the CAP is quite a bit different from the senior component. There is usually more discipline and a much greater sense of military bearing. Cadet squadrons usually have a set chain of command and a commander and staff who run the cadet portion of the squadron. Recruits are instructed, usually by their Cadet NCO's (non-commissioned officers), in drill and military customs and courtesies.

Leadership, The Civil Air Patrol has established a successful leadership training program. Cadets are encouraged to learn their assignments and achieve their objectives. Senior Cadets are expected to become familiar with their respective duties in the Staff Duty Analysis Program. Each cadet will go through on-the-job-training in each achievement.

Physical Fitness, Each cadet is expected to complete the appropriate conditioning program and maintain a physical fitness category as defined by the CAP Program.

Moral Leadership, One of the elements of the Civil Air Patrol is the Moral Leadership Program. It is designed to help the cadet understand and appreciate the moral issues of our time through discussion and debate. Civil Air Patrol has a network of Chaplains and Moral Leadership Officers. In addition, CAP may call on a variety of military and civilian chaplains to assist.

Aerospace Education, Aerospace Education Program is a combined self-study and group study program that is designed to make the cadet fully aware of the importance of aviation today and in the future. The cadet will learn about propulsion systems, meteorology, space operations, astronomy, aerodynamics, the social and economic impact of aerospace on society, and much more!

Emergency Services, Civil Air Patrol cadets may participate in the Emergency Services Program after they have completed the required training. Cadets perform various roles in the Emergency Services mission of CAP. Most units have ground teams, which are generally made up of cadets. Communications at mission base and during SAREXs (search and rescue exercises) are usually manned by cadets. Flight line operations are also run mostly by cadets. Once a cadet reaches 18, even more leadership roles in the ES mission open up, including mission aircrew positions, ground team leader, and all but a few top leadership positions. CAP is one of a few organizations where a cadet can not only learn about survival, disasters, and emergency services, but can then participate in and lead real-world operations as part of the Air Force team!

TRAINING EDUCTION - The opportunities for cadets abound in the C.A.P. Every summer there are dozens of different activities. These include Cadet Officer School (C.O.S.), Para-Rescueman Orientation Course (PJOC), International Air Cadet Exchange (I.A.C.E.), Encampments, and Air Education and Training Command (A.E.T.C) to name a few. Additionally, cadets are given training in ground team and related operations, communications, and disaster relief. Another training aspect of the cadet program is orientation flying. Many squadrons have their own plane and are able to take cadets up quite often. There are also opportunities to fly in larger military planes.

COMPETION - Every year a National Cadet Competition is held at CAP HQ, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. The NCC consists of seven events: standard drill (marching), innovative drill, mile run, volleyball, panel quiz (C.A.P. Jeopardy), and a 100 question written test. Each wing (state) sends a 16 man team to compete in it's Region's Cadet Competition. The winner of the region competition goes to national.

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