Civil Air Patrol

CAP Vision Statement

“Civil Air Patrol, America's Air Force auxiliary, building the nation's finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.”

Cadet Membership is open to young people 12-18 years old. A cadet can remain in the program until age 21. The cadet program provides opportunities to develop leadership skills using the member’s interest in aviation. Cadets progress through a 16-step program of aviation and aerospace activities at the local, regional and national levels. CAP national activities focus on a variety of aviation, aerospace, search and rescue, and pararescue courses. CAP cadets can compete for scholarships to help further their education. CAP is proud to report that 10 percent of Air Force Academy appointees are former CAP cadets. In addition, both West Point and Annapolis admit many CAP cadets each year.

Five elements comprise the overall Cadet Program: leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development, and activities. As cadets participate in the five program elements and complete progression requirements, they advance through a series of sixteen achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.

Leadership Cadets develop leadership skills through classroom education and hands-on training. Older, ranking cadets plan and conduct a significant portion of their own program, under the guidance of adult CAP volunteers. The program emphasizes Air Force perspectives on leadership.
Aerospace Education Cadets develop a love for aviation by studying air and space in the classroom and experiencing the wonder of flight in the cockpit of CAP aircraft. The curriculum teaches cadets both the scientific principles that enable flight, as well as the history and importance of air and space technology.
Physical Fitness Cadets are encouraged to develop a lifelong habit of exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through activities such as hiking, obstacle courses, volleyball competitions, and other activities. To progress in the Cadet Program, cadets must pass physical fitness tests.
Character Development Cadets participate in character development forums, where they apply CAP's Core Values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect to ethical issues affecting teens. Additionally, through the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) program, cadets and their adult leaders promote a drug-free ethic, and encourage others to follow their lead.
Activities Cadets make new friends through weekend and summer cadet activities that reinforce the four program elements described above. National Cadet Special Activities are conducted each summer to introduce cadets to career opportunities in aerospace industry and the Air Force.

Senior Membership is open to adults 18 years old or older. To prepare CAP adult members for CAP’s special missions, extensive training and education in more than 20 different fields is provided. Technical training is offered to members in related areas, such as flight operations, emergency services and communications. Additional training in management and executive leadership is available as members progress through the CAP ranks. If you are currently an Active Duty Reservist, you can earn points toward retirement in the CAPRAP program.

Many CAP members are not pilots - whatever your talent or area of interest, there is a squadron or unit that needs you. To be eligible to fly a corporate aircraft, a pilot must possess a valid FAA private, commercial or airline pilot certificate; plus a valid and current medical certificate.