Cadet Programs

  Over 25,000 young people in 1,000 hometown squadrons are enrolled in the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program, learning how to become our new generation of American leaders through their interest in aviation. Cadets, through Leadership Modules, Aerospace Education, Fitness, Character Development are honed to be America's next great leaders and aviators.

  Cadets have an opportunity for growth by participating in a variety of events such as emergency services academies, cadet leadership academy, and encampments to name a few. There is also an opportunity for promotion in grade and stature in their squadrons. and the Civil Air Patrol Great Opportunities Due to CAP’s association with the United States Air Force, Civil Air Patrol cadets have opportunities to participate in activities which many other young people only dream about. 

Membership Requirements

  Young men and women who are American citizens or aliens “lawfully admitted for permanent residency” in the United States and meeting certain other qualifications may become Civil Air Patrol cadets upon reaching 12 years of age. The maximum age to become a cadet member is 18. Persons who are 18 years of age and older may become senior (adult) members.

Programs and Activities

  Cadets take part in a number of programs and special activities that help develop their knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes about air and space operations. They learn Coordination, discipline, and teamwork through leadership study and activities and by taking part in military drill and courtesies Many aspects of aviation and aerospace education through the study of the formal text, classroom training during meetings, special activities, and cadet orientation flights. To become or remain physically fit through a physical training program and various activities To examine the facets and pressures of everyday life through regular moral leadership discussions and programs Emergency services response activities, including mission base, search and rescue, and disaster relief efforts. Cadets are assigned to squadrons staffed by senior members who guide and assist them through the program.

Cadet Activities

  Popular activities include the cadet orientation flight program, which may include flights aboard military airplanes in addition to Civil Air Patrol aircraft. Scholarships, which cover flight training through the solo qualification stage, are available to advanced cadets. Additional activities include cadet summer encampments at Camp Rapid in Rapid City SD and Camp Grafton in Devils Lake, ND, and a Cadet Officer School. There also are pararescue and survival training, and cadet competitions. 

  As cadets participate in aerospace education, emergency services, and cadet programs they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers, and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.