Join CAP
Interested in joining our Squadron? Learn more about the 4 categories of membership below! You can also Contact Us for more information about the program.
Join as a Cadet (12-18)
Cadets are young adults ages 12 - 21 (though to be a Cadet, you must join prior to your 19th birthday) who learn about leadership, aerospace & STEM, fitness, and character through hands-on, experiential learning. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of
achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. The mission of the CAP Cadet Program is to transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders.
Cadets join our squadron in batches throughout the year called Cohorts, consisting of an Open House, Great Start, and the Asheville Airman School. While costs to join CAP are significantly lower than other extracurricular activities, a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance.
Join as a Senior Member (18+)
Senior Members are adults 18+ who help out at the squadron with day-to-day operations like managing the finances or keeping inventory of equipment. In emergency services and operations, members may help with communications, transportation of goods, taking photos or helping distribute water and food. CAP has a robust aviation program, supporting our community, state, and nation in Disaster Relief and Search & Rescue operations. Senior Members help in all aspects of the cadet program, so it's a great opportunity if you want to be a positive influence in a young person's life.
Senior Members wear either a USAF-style or a the more casual CAP-style uniform, complete a background check, and can generally expect to spend $300 - $400 on membership dues and a uniform during their first year.
Join as a Cadet Sponsor Member (18+)
Cadet Sponsor Member (CSM) is a membership category allowing parents, grandparents, and guardians of current cadets to assist our Cadet Program. As a CSM, you'll be able to help chaperone the cadets, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members.
This category of membership does not wear a military-style uniform, but there are requirements for basic education and training before you can fully interact with the other cadets.
Join as an Aerospace Education Member (18+)
Aerospace Education Members (AEMs) are K-12 formal and informal educators at schools, youth organizations, museums, and libraries. AEMs do not belong to a local CAP squadron, do not wear uniforms, and do not attend squadron meetings. AEMs enjoy many free aerospace/STEM educational opportunities ranging from a variety of K-12 curriculum materials and STEM Kits to participating in a teacher orientation flight aboard one of our aircraft!
If you are looking for free aerospace/STEM lesson plans, activities, textbooks, products, and programs to use in any classroom or after-school or enrichment program, we hope CAP will have something to help you! Our products and programs can be used across disciplines and in both core and elective studies. Check out our Aerospace Curriculum Index HERE.
