Cadet Page

Young people between the ages of 12 and 18 (21 with exceptions) may belong to the CAP Cadet Program. The Birchwood Civil Air Patrol has a very active cadet program. Training and activities include; general leadership, moral leadership, limited military training, aerospace education, search and rescue & training, rocketry, glider flying and potentially powered aircraft training. They participate in drill teams, color guard competitions and summer encampments. They meet, live and learn by CAP's CORE values: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect.

To learn more about CAP, our values, training opportunities, history, and various programs, go to the link at the bottom of the page!

While they are not obligated to join the military, cadets who enlist in the Air Force can enter at a level higher than other recruits (E-3) if they earned the Mitchell Award as a cadet. The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. About ten percent of Air Force Academy cadets are former CAP cadets. The Air Force Academy's Preparatory School sets aside at least one slot for CAP cadets annually. Click this link for the story of a former CAP cadet who became the first female pilot on the USAF Thunderbird team: Captain Nicole Malachowski

Cadets meet at the CAP hangar at the Birchwood airport. Day and time depends on the availability of the Cadet Commander. Currently they meet on Tuesday Evenings at 6:30pm.