FAQs

You can join CAP as a cadet if you are at least 12 years old and before your 19th birthday. Cadets can stay in the program until they turn 21 as long as they have not entered active duty and are enrolled in a school. 

No, you do not have to join the military, but many choose to do so. Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3) if they choose to enlist. The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP. But no matter what career you choose, the skills you learn in CAP will be invaluable. 

To get the most out of the cadet program you should participate regularly. Like any other activity, you’ll get out of CAP only what you put into it. We meet weekly for about 2 1/2 hours although the further you get into the program, the more of your time you will need to give to Civil Air Patrol for things like studying for you next tests and promotions to additional job duties you take on as you progress in your Civil Air Patrol Cadet career. We also offer special activities on the weekends and larger activities throughout the year by other squadrons all the way up to state, nationally and internationally CAP organized schools and events.