How do I join Civil Air Patrol?

Individuals interested in joining must do so through one of CAP’s 1,500 local units such as Delta Composite Squadron and we are always looking for new members. Contact the Squadron Recruiting Officer, Maj. Brian Callahan, for information on how you can become a member.

How old must I be to join?

To become a CAP cadet, applicants must be 12 to 18 years old. To become a Senior Member, one must be at least 18 years old.

What else is necessary to become a member?

You must be a citizen of the United States of America or one of the following; an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions, or; any lawfully admitted noncitizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander’s designee. For the protection of our cadets, prospective adult members must undergo a routine fingerprint screening.

How much does membership cost?

Annual membership dues are broken down into three levels: national, wing/regional and squadron. National dues are $35 for seniors and $25 for cadets. Wing/region and squadron dues vary.

Will I become a member of the U.S. military?

When you join CAP, you may occasionally work alongside military members, but you are NOT a member of the military and will not incur any type of military obligation.

Do members have to wear a uniform?

Cadets must wear a uniform with special CAP insignia. The cadet membership application contains information on how to order one free uniform. As long as funds are available, the United States Air Force provides a basic blue uniform for the cadets at no charge. Call 335-953-1501 for more information. Senior members who meet the prescribed height/weight standard may wear the USAF-style blue uniform. All senior members may wear one of the distinctive CAP uniforms. Some members choose to serve without wearing a uniform, although one of the CAP uniforms is required in certain instances, such as flying in a CAP aircraft or working with cadets.

What will I get out of membership in CAP?

In addition to the valuable experience and training in areas such as leadership, communications, aviation and aerospace education – that will be an asset to you throughout your life – you will receive more tangible benefits such as the opportunity to participate in group life and health insurance, training, meetings and conferences, rental car discounts, discounts on aircraft lubricants and tax benefits.

I’m not a pilot. What can I do in CAP?

Whatever your talent or area of interest, there is a need for you. For a more information, contact Maj. Brian Callahan.

What criteria must a pilot meet to fly CAP aircraft?

To be eligible to fly CAP aircraft, you must possess a valid FAA private, commercial or airline pilot certificate, be an active CAP member at least 17 years of age and possess a valid and current medical certificate. You must have completed a flight check in the aircraft within the preceding 12 months and an annual written examination and an annual aircraft questionnaire for each aircraft authorized to fly. You must have 200 hours PIC and 50 hours PIC cross-country to serve as a mission pilot.

What is the difference between a senior squadron, cadet squadron, composite squadron and a flight?

A senior squadron is only open to senior (adult) members. A cadet squadron is primarily for cadet members, but must have at least three senior members. A composite squadron is made up of senior and cadet members. A flight is a smaller version of a squadron and may have its own charter or be part of a squadron. A group oversees and supports several squadrons in a given area. A wing is a state, commonwealth or district headquarters. There is a wing in each of the 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. CAP’s eight regions are made up of several wings or states.

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