I Want to Join CAP But...

[CAPSmith]

This thread is designed for CAP Q&A in regards to eligibility for joining, how you would be affected by being in multiple organizations, etc. Feel free to ask questions, make comments, discuss CAP, etc.

So, here are a few FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between CAP and JROTC?
A: While there are many differences, the largest one is that JROTC is a school based program and CAP is a community based program. JROTC cadets take JROTC as a class and recieve school credit for their work. CAP cadets perform their CAP duties in addition to their full school course load.

CAP also offers cadets and senior members the ability to participate in Emergency Services like search and rescue, disaster relief, etc.

Q: How old do I have to be to join CAP?
A: CAP Membership is open for any 12 years old or greater.

To be a cadet, one must join between their 12th birthday and before their 19th birthday. If you are already a cadet prior to your 19th birthday, you may remain a cadet until you turn 21.

Senior membership is open to anyone 18+, provided that they can pass an FBI background check.

Q: I am in JROTC, how does that affect my status in CAP?
A: If you are currently enrolled in JROTC you may qualify for advanced promotion rate in the CAP cadet program. CAP cadets are required to have two months time in grade for each of their promotions. For example, if you have been actively enrolled in JROTC for at least two years you can qualify to cut that time in half until you reach the Billy Mitchell Award (Transition to Cadet Officer).

In addition to decreased promotion time, you are eligible to recieve CAP Encampment credit for completion of JROTC Summer Leadership School.

JROTC grade does not directly transfer to the CAP cadet program. All cadets must work from the bottom up.

Q: Do I need to be prior military or have military experience to join as a Senior Member?
A: No, most senior members do not have any military experience. Training and indoctrination (in the best sense of the word) is completed at the local unit and is designed for people of all experience levels.

That should get us started, but if anyone has any other questions, I'll try to incorporate them here.

[StormCrow]

Well,

That answers a lot of my questions...lol. Still to old...darn it...oh well...maybe in the next life.

Storm

[CAPSmith]

Now back to you Storm,

You want to join CAP but...

You think you're too old and don't know if you could make it.

Have you considered joining as a Senior Member? You would have the ability to work with cadets in an adult role. I notice that you are interested in faith based teachings, etc. CAP has roles/positions for both Chaplains and what we call "Moral Leadership Officers." The MLO spot may be a good place for you.

You might want to check out the "study guide" for CAP MLOs to get a better feel for what the program entails: http://level2.cap.gov/documents/u_082503085249.pdf

Also, there is reference materials/lesson plans:
http://level2.cap.gov/documents/P265_001V1.pdf
http://level2.cap.gov/documents/P265_001V2.pdf

As you progress in your religious studies you might qualify to become a CAP chaplain.

I have found CAP to be very rewarding and think that you might be able to find a spot that would appeal to what you are interested in. I should be able to answer any questions you have, if not, I know people who I can get answers from

[StormCrow]

hmmm...

I might just look into that...I miss the uniform and since I didn't complete my fourth year in JROTC I still got some stuff in the basement. Being a CAP senior member might just rectify that situation. Thanks, CAPSmith... I'm gonna look more in depth to that.

Storm

[MP_Girl]

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

[CAPSmith]

Originally Posted by MP_Girl

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

There is no issue as long as it doesn't hinder your ability or doesn't get in the way of performance of your duties. My wife and I both volunteer with CAP as Senior Members in the same unit, and it is actually quite common. At one point she was even my supervisor (well, not that she isn't normally ) but you know what I mean.

However, Senior Members are not allowed, under any circumstance to be in a relationship with a cadet. This even applies if the SM is 19 and the cadet is 19 (see rules above on ages).

Cadets can be dating each other too. Just keep it professional and don't let it get in the way of the squadron operations and it's fine. In many ways it makes it more fun and enjoyable.

[C/ZOOMIE]

Originally Posted by MP_Girl

Ah hah!

See, you do it every time my dear. You get into stuff I'm into, like Djiing. (MP_Girl smiles at Storm)


Actually, I do have a question. What is CAP's regulations in regards to Senior Members being with other Senior Members. As you know, J and I are engaged to be married, but I've been looking at CAP for a while now. I actually contacted the person in charge of the unit close by. So if you could answer my question in regards to the above, just so I know what the regs state. Thank you in advance.

Adding to what Maj Smith said: also as long as there is no public affection shown......

[TruBlu]

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

[C/ZOOMIE]

Originally Posted by TruBlu

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

Heres our website. It should answer all your questions:

http://gocivilairpatrol.com/html/index.htm

[CAPSmith]

Originally Posted by TruBlu

Man, I'm glad you posted this. I really hadn't the faintest idea about CAP, and now I have a little more to chew on. But my question is, what is it that you DO in CAP? Like is every cadet supposed to be an aviator and all that? I just don't know much about it that's all...

Civil Air Patrol has three missions; Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services.

The Cadet program is a community based leadership development program. Cadets progress though a system of achievements modeled after the USAF grade structure. Cadets begin at C/AB and can work their way to becoming a C/Col.

During their progression, cadets are exposed to varying leadership positions like C/Flight Sergeant, C/Flight Commander, etc which increase in skill required and responsibility.

Activities vary from parades, color guard, honor guard, drill teams, air shows, community events, model rocketry, orientation flights (both powered and glider), hiking, bivouacs, search and rescue training, many of our National Cadet Special Activities (www.cap.gov/ncsa), encampments, military balls, conferences, etc.

A typical squadron meeting usually consists of a 2.5 hour meeting broken up into instructional blocks. Normally squadrons do a uniform inspection, some D&C time, and a variance of one of the activities above.

Weekend activities also come into play and vary greatly depending on local offerings and what your squadron is interested in.

My suggestion would be to find your local unit at www.gocivilairpatrol.com and go see what it is about in your area. That way, you'll get a feel for the local environment and see if it is something you'd be interested in.

You asked if all the cadets were expected to be aviators, simple answer - no. However, CAP offers all cadets 5 powered flights and 5 glider flight free of charge during their time as a cadet. We also have flight academies where you can earn your solo rating, if you're so inclined, and offer many flight scholarships.

The program isn't about making cadets into a specific job role or interest, it is about developing better leaders and citizens. All skills that you can take with you later on in life.