There are many ways to become affiliated with the military to make it part of your future. The Civil Air Patrol (C.A.P.) program is a great way to become affiliated with the military. The C.A.P. is a volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and its three missions are to develop its cadets, educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform life-saving, humanitarian missions.

Junior Kaylee Foster joined the Civil Air Patrol program when she was 15 and she has loved it ever since. Foster said, "The reason I joined C.A.P. was because the Air Force Reserves is what I would like to do as a career. C.A.P. teaches you the basic core values like integrity, respect, volunteer service, and excellence. They also guide you through basic and advanced drill movements, aerospace, and character development."

Foster also stated, "They teach you how to check a plane to make sure it's safe before flight, and they even teach you how to fly one. C.A.P. to me as an individual has really blessed me with the knowledge and camaraderie I feel between my fellow cadets and I."

The C.A.P. program also introduces a lot of the scenery and setting of the Military and Air Force in the procedures that they practice and teach. Foster said, “I’m trying to find a recruiter at the moment, but I really started wanting to join the Air Force at 14 years old."

For Foster, she must wait a year or so to officially join the Air Force. To join any branch of the Military, you must be at least 17 years old with parent consent and you can join without parent consent at 18 years old.

The Military and Air Force are great options to help protect and serve our country. There are also many high-paying jobs in the military. People should definitely consider these jobs as an option for a potential career. If you are interested in joining the military or want more information about it, go to https://www.usa.gov/join-military. If you want more information about Civil Air Patrol go to https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/cadets/parents.