Cadets

Cadet membership in CAP is available to all young people who are at least 12 years old and U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Cadets who become members before their 19th birthday may retain their cadet status until they reach 21; however, active senior membership is optional for all cadets at age 18.

Our goal is to develop cadet members into responsible citizens and become future aerospace leaders. While we follow a military model that emphasizes Air Force traditions and values, Cadets have no obligation to enter the military. Learn more about the Cadet Program as a whole here.

Civil Air Patrol’s Cadet Program is organized around four elements, which allow for advancing through a series of achievements, earning honors, and increasing responsibilities along the way.

Leadership CAP introduces cadets to Air Force perspectives on leadership through classroom instruction, mentoring, and hands-on learning. First, cadets learn to follow, but as they progress, they learn how to lead small teams, manage projects, think independently, and develop leadership skills they can use in adult life.

Aerospace & STEM CAP inspires a love of aviation, space, and technology, including new frontiers in cyber defense. Cadets study the fundamentals of aerospace science in the classroom, and experience flight first-hand in CAP and military aircraft. At some summer activities, cadets explore STEM careers.

Fitness CAP encourages cadets to develop a lifelong habit of regular exercise. The program promotes fitness through calisthenics, hiking, rappelling, volleyball, competitions, and other activities.

Character CAP challenges cadets to live by our shared core values. During monthly character forums, CAP helps instill the virtues of ethical leadership in cadets through a facilitated learning environment These forums are led by Character Development Instructors using only National Headquarters-approved lesson plans.

Cadet Oath

The CAP Cadet Oath symbolizes how serious cadets are about becoming leaders. Cadets are expected to be able to recite the oath from memory.

I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation.

Civil Air Patrol also operates in accordance with a Cadet Protection Policy to keep youth safe from physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and hazing.

Cadet Membership Criteria

These are a few of the requirements to join CAP as a cadet:

• 12 years of age through 18 years of age;

• Enrolled in or graduated from school with a satisfactory academic achievement record;

• Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence (a lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the U.S. may have this waived by CAP’s National Headquarters);

• Have good moral character; and

• Attend three squadrons meetings as a trial period

Membership is on a year-to-year basis.

Steps to Join our Squadron

Our Squadron uses a Cohort Recruiting System, meaning Cadets join in several batches each year, rather than a 'trickle-in' method of joining as they find us.

► Come to an Open House

We hold Open Houses several times a year, usually in the Winter, Summer. Check our Calendar for the next Open House dates or Contact Us for more information on when the next Open House will be.

► Attend 3 Meetings

You are required to attend three regular Thursday-night meetings prior to applying for cadet membership. This is considered a trial period to make sure CAP is a good fit for you.

► Apply for Cadet Membership & Attend Great Start

After attending three meetings, you'll be invited to join our Squadron and attend Great Start, a day-long activity for brand new CAP Cadets. Check out some of what you'll learn below:

$50 Annual Dues. 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.