|
BECOMING A MEMBER
Who Can Join?
Initial membership as a CAP cadet is open to young men and women who are United States citizens or resident aliens who are twelve years old through eighteen years old who are enrolled in school and are unmarried. CAP cadets who become members of the active duty armed forces lose their eligibility to remain in the CAP cadet program and must transfer to senior member status. CAP cadets have the option to remain in the CAP cadet program until their twenty-first birthday.
Civil Air Patrol's senior program is designed for those who join after 18 years old or older. Adults mentor cadets, accept job assignments required for the operation of the squadron, and train in areas of interest. Seniors promote in grade upon the successful completion of the various performance and training requirements. |
 |
How Can I Join?
First attend a few meetings. Cadets are required to bring parents along so everything about the organization is understood. Additionally, there is no better parent-child opportunity! Wait until you are certain you are interested in the program and willing to work at all the requirements. To join we need a completed application and membership dues for the first year. The squadron commander will gladly provide instructions along with a copy of the application. |
|
|
What Happens Next?
Once your application has been approved, you will receive a Civil Air Patrol Membership ID Card in the mail. A short time later, cadets will receive a package containing books, manuals, and other paperwork. Until that time, there is information available on this site that will help you "hit the ground running".
A new cadet member begins as a Cadet Airman Basic and has the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences. Over time, cadets complete the requirements and achievements. Through the process of promotion, a cadet is recognized as capable of accepting increased responsibility and leadership.
How does it work for adults?
For adults, called "senior members", the unit staff will work with you to determine how your skills and interests can best serve the needs and goals of the unit, and ultimately you will select a position or "specialty track" in which you will serve. You will also have the opportunity to begin various training programs, including orientation to CAP, which will help you to become integrated into the CAP team. These classes include training in your specialty track, general emergency services, and mission specific training pertinent to your level of interest and skill set. |
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
REWARDS & RECOGNITION - As a CAP volunteer, your rewards are not monetary, but they are as tangible as money in the bank. Nothing compares to the sense of satisfaction that comes with a job well done, particularly if that job is saving lives or aiding communities. As a CAP member, you will be recognized as a vital member of a national team with a tremendous heritage of serving those in need--and doing it well. Advancement in Civil Air Patrol is clearly visible to your friends, family and business associates by the distinctive CAP uniforms with their military-style grade insignia, ribbons and badges. Some members choose to quietly serve and not wear a uniform.
TRAINING - Civil Air Patrol offers aerospace education and a wide variety of leadership and technical training opportunities for all CAP members, including Air Force correspondence courses. Special training is also conducted for those participating in search and rescue as mission pilots, observers or ground team members. Communications training is highly specialized and presents unique opportunities to network with other communicators from around the country. These new skills, and the self-confidence that goes with them, make you even more valuable in the workplace and in other community activities.
UNIFORMS - Civil Air Patrol members are easily recognized in the community since they wear a variety of distinctive uniforms. Since CAP is the official US Air Force auxiliary, members are also authorized to wear the Air Force uniform with distinguishing CAP badges and insignia. Wearing Air Force blue is a tremendous way to publicly demonstrate support and affiliation with this branch of our Armed Forces.
MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS - CAP members gather regularly at meetings and conventions around the country. There is also a national convention held in a different city every year. Air travel to and from the convention may be provided by the Air Force if available.
INTERNATIONAL CADET EXCHANGE PROGRAM (IACE) - Each year a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts travel to a variety of foreign countries as part of an aviation cadet exchange program to further a program of international goodwill and understanding.
CAP SUPPLY DEPOT - Civil Air Patrol operates a depot in Amarillo, Texas, which carries a large stock of aircraft parts and equipment at discount to members for their own aircraft. Communications equipment of all kinds is also available.
RENTAL CAR DISCOUNTS - The Hertz Corporation offers rental car discounts to CAP members for both business and pleasure travel. A special Hertz identification card is furnished to each member upon request. Rates and discounts may be obtained by calling Hertz at 1-800-654-3131.
CIVIL AIR PATROL VISA CREDIT CARD - The CAP affinity VISA card offers senior members and the parents of cadets an opportunity to apply for a credit card that actually supports CAP. Each time the card is used in a transaction, a donation is made by the bank to support CAP. The CAP emblem and the members grade are embossed on the front of this distinctive credit card.
CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIP - Civil Air Patrol members and their families are eligible to join the Maxwell-Gunter Credit Union (located at Maxwell AFB, AL). MAX offers a variety of services including:
VISA and MasterCard with no annual fee and lower interest
Interest-paying checking accounts
Low interest loans
Money Markets, CDs, and IRAs
For more information, call (334) 279-7550
TAX BENEFITS - As a Federally chartered non-profit organization, Civil Air Patrol is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. This entitles members to claim various expenses as charitable contributions. These include:
Membership dues
Expenses for uniforms and training materials
Out of pocket expenses while participating in CAP activities
Mileage on personal vehicles
Travel and living expenses while participating in CAP activities
|
