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Adults (Senior Members)

BECOME A CIVIL AIR PATROL SENIOR MEMBER

Are you interested in helping your community through developing the future leaders of America, providing assistance in a time of emergency, or fostering an appreciation of aerospace? Is so, then the Civil Air Patrol might be for you! Civil Air Patrol Senior Members come from all walks of life, ranging from members of the Armed Forces and Retirees to Pilots, Medical Professionals, Business Professionals, Architects, Clergy, Lawyers, Teachers, Mechanics, and everything in between. CAP draws from a diverse group of enthusiastic service minded professional volunteers who contribute their own unique skills and talents in a variety of fields to create a successful cohesive team - the civilian Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. We always welcome new members to join our team, so if you're ready for the commitment, we're ready to assist you!

Civil Air Patrol Members are in no way obligated to serve in any branch of the military. If you decide CAP membership is something you wish to pursue, here is how you can begin:

 

If you are interested in joining the Civil Air Patrol, please contact us.

 

STEP ONE

Are you eligible for Membership?

The following are the basic criteria that all potential CAP Senior Members must meet in order to join (CAP does not discriminate based on disability, gender, race, or religion):

  • Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
  • Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.
  • Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee.
  • Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership:
    • Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.
    • A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUI's, dishonesty and violence.
    • Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
    • Falsification of information on the membership application.
    • Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.
    • Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.

 

STEP TWO

Come learn about the Civil Air Patrol.

Meet with us at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. You will receive an e-mail with further location details. We will discuss the many opportunities and benefits that come with Civil Air Patrol membership, and outline items such as costs and training opportunities. We will also go over the different Senior Member categories you can join as, which are:

  • Active - A member who regularly attends meetings, performs a specific duty assignment, meets training requirements, and participates in the activities of his or her unit. An active member may wear the CAP uniform and compete for grade advancement.
  • Cadet Sponsor Member (CSM) - A membership category established to allow parents, grandparents and guardians of current CAP cadets to assist their unit’s cadet program by providing adult supervision, transportation, overnight chaperons, and any other CADET related tasks deemed necessary and proper by the unit commander. A cadet sponsor member is a financial supporter who maintains current membership through payment of annual dues, but only participates in a limited capacity.
  • Aerospace Education (AE) Membership - A special category of membership for members of the educational community and any reputable individual or organization that has a desire to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP, but who do not desire to participate in the active membership program. There are two subcategories of Aerospace Education membership: Student Aerospace Education Members and Organization Aerospace Education members. These members have a modified list of membership requirements as well.
  • Patron - A patron member is a financial supporter who maintains current membership through payment of annual membership dues and participates in a limited capacity. These members cannot be promoted or participate in many of CAP's missions.

If you decide that you want to continue, you can begin your training the next Monday night. You will not have to make a final decision on joining until your third week of attendance. During this time you will not be able to work directly with cadets until you complete Cadet Protection Policy Training after you join.

 

STEP THREE

Apply for Membership.

Complete your membership application, including FBI fingerprint card, and get the package signed by the Squadron Commander. After the FBI completes their background check and your membership is processed, you will officially be a part of the Civil Air Patrol. Welcome to the team!

 

STEP FOUR

Complete Level 1 Training.

This includes Cadet Protection Policy Training (CPPT) and the Orientation Course which will take place over your first eight Monday night meetings. This training is critical to your future success as a CAP Senior Member, and we have found that this mutual time investment produces the best results in the long run. After Level 1 is complete, you will then be able to fully participate as a Member.

 

STEP FIVE

Choose a Specialty Track.

You will meet with the Squadron Commander and, depending upon your interests, qualifications, and the squadron's needs, be enrolled in a specialty track. This is the course of Professional Development you will primarily participate in. Below is a list of specialty tracks available to Senior Members.

  • Administration
  • Aerospace Education
  • Cadet Programs
  • Chaplain
  • Command
  • Communications
  • Emergency Services
  • Finance
  • Flight Operations
  • Health Services
  • Historian
  • Information Technology
  • Inspector General
  • Legal
  • Logistics
  • Moral Leadership
  • Operations
  • Personnel
  • Plans and Programs
  • Professional Development
  • Public Affairs
  • Recruiting and Retention
  • Safety
  • Standardization-Evaluation 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

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