Prospective Cadets

    The Civil Air Patrol and our Cadet Program is especially designed for America's youth.  Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, is a nonprofit aviation-oriented, volunteer civilian organization.  Our volunteers have three main purposes -- Emergency Services, Aerospace Education and the Cadet Program.

    If you have an interest in aviation or the military, or if you just want to sharpen your leadership skills and associate with other young people providing humanitarian service to your community, you will find these opportunities in the Civil Air Patrol.  Many cadets make friends for life through Civil Air Patrol's numerous youth activities.  Civil Air Patrol cadets also enjoy identification with the Air Force and are authorized to wear the Air Force uniform with distinctive Civil Air Patrol insignia and devices.  In some cases, free uniforms are provided (depending on availability). But in all cases, cadets are authorized to purchase uniform items from the Army Air Force Exchange Service at the same prices as active duty military members.

Cadet Eligibility

     Young men and women who are U.S. citizens or aliens "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" may become Civil Air Patrol cadets.  To join, a new cadet must be at least 12 years old and in the sixth grade.  The maximum age for entering the Cadet Program is 18.  Those who enter before age 18 may elect to remain a cadet until age 21 or become an Officer (senior member) at age 18.  Becoming a Civil Air Patrol cadet does not obligate you to join any of the United States Armed Forces.

Training

    The Cadet Program helps develop thousands of young men and women to become leaders of the future.  Training includes, but is not limited to flying, military drill and ceremonies, aerospace education, wilderness survival skills, rescue and first aid, radio communications, as well as the study of navigation, weather, and aviation.  Hundreds of Civil Air Patrol cadets each year are given orientation flights in many different types of military aircraft.  They also have the opportunity for orientation flights aboard Civil Air Patrol search aircraft and gliders.  Also, cadets may compete for flying and academic scholarships as they advance in the program.  Membership dues vary from state to state so check with your local Civil Air Patrol unit.

Activities

    In addition to the training program, Civil Air Patrol cadets are eligible to attend exciting local, national and international activities each year.  Some of these events include U.S. Air Force pilot and space program familiarization training, summer encampments on military installations across the nation, competition for Civil Air Patrol scholarships, participation in Civil Air Patrol's National Cadet Competition, assistance in community events and more.

For Additional Information

    Since this is a private organization conducted by volunteers, programs and activities will vary from unit to unit, depending on the interest and involvement of the citizens in your community.  For more information, please visit the National Headquarters of The Civil Air Patrol at: www.cap.gov.

Basic Grades

Cadet Airman Basic
C/AB
Addressed as: Cadet

No Ribbon

Cadet Airman
C/Amn
Addressed as: Airman

Curry Achievement

Cadet Airman First Class
C/A1C
Addressed as: Airman

Arnold Achievement

Cadet Senior Airman
C/SrA
Addressed as: Airman

Feik Achievement

Cadet Staff Sergeant
C/SSgt
Addressed as: Sergeant

Wright Brothers Achievement

Non-Commissioned Officer
NCO Grades

Cadet Technical Sergeant
C/TSgt
Addressed as: Sergeant

Rickenbacker Achievement

Cadet Master Sergeant
C/MSgt
Addressed as: Sergeant

Lindbergh Achievement

Cadet Senior Master Sergeant
C/SMSgt
Addressed as: Sergeant

Doolittle Achievement

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant
C/CMSgt
Addressed as: Chief

Goddard Achievement

No Increase in Grade

Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Sustained
C/CMSgt
 Addressed as: Chief

Armstrong Achievement

Officer Grades

Cadet Second Lieutenant
C/2Lt
Addressed as: Lieutenant

Mitchell Award

Cadet First Lieutenant
C/1Lt
Addressed as: Lieutenant

No Ribbon

Cadet Captain
C/Capt
Addressed as: Captain

Earhart Award

Cadet Major
C/Maj
Addressed as: Major

No Ribbon

Cadet Lieutenant Colonel
C/LtCol
Addressed as: Colonel

Eaker Award

Cadet Colonel
C/Col
Addressed as: Colonel

Spaatz Award