Civil Air Patrol - Gallup, New Mexico
Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron
Cadet Life
in the Civil Air Patrol
CAP Cadet Oath:
"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."
The Gallup Raptor Composite Squadron Cadet Program is designed to provide each cadet member between from age 12 until 21 with a positive and structured routine that will provide leadership training, technical education, and career skills that will develop them for success in college and the general workforce.
Our weekly meetings incorporate a mixture activities and training that is both challenging and enjoyable for youth of all ages. Cadets have the opportunity to demonstrate and be recognized for their accomplishments by earning rank and decorations. Although the grade structure closely resembles that of the United States Air Force, there are slight differences. Cadets earn their grades by successfully completing predetermined requirements that include physical fitness, aerospace education, moral leadership lessons, Civil Air Patrol History, Leadership Fundamentals, and Military Drill & Ceremony.
Though active participation in the cadet program is a great way to earn a great way to become familiar with some of the basic ways and methods of the military, it is in no way considered to be a commitment to the United States Air Force.
That said, many of our cadets have gone on to successful careers in the Air Force as both enlisted and officer members. We have even had a former cadet get accepted and graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of '08 and is now a pilot in the Air Force.
GallupCAP Cadets involved in Phyisical Training (PT).
In addition, Civil Air Patrol offers more than $200,000 in college scholarships each year and about 10 percent of each year's freshman class at the US Air Force Academy is comprised of former CAP cadets. Some of our cadets have gone on to attend the US Air Force Academy, as well as an Ivy League university, not to mention the many other public schools and universities throughout the United States.
In addition to weekly meetings, cadets have the opportunity to participate in additional activities ranging from aviation orientation flights and CAP encampment activities to search and rescue operations and flying CAP aircraft. Dozens of young people in and around the Gallup, NM area had their first orientation flights through our cadet program. Tens of thousands of cadets nationwide have attended CAP encampments throughout the United States. At a national encampment, CAP cadets gather from throughout the nation. They may learn techniques for search and rescue and disaster relief. They may sample possible career choices by studying with a university engineering or technology department. They may learn teamwork and leadership through competitions in problem-solving and physical endurance. CAP also offers Cadet Officer Schools, Civil Leadership Training, the National Cadet Competition and many other activities on both the local and national level.
Furthermore, cadets can enjoy overseas travel through the International Air Cadet Exchange, and CAP families can welcome foreign exchange students into their homes here in the states.
For non-CAP members, the CAP School Program fills the gap between elementary school DARE and high school ROTC. CAP members, including cadets, volunteer their time in public schools, teaching respect, manners and personal accountability in a drug-free environment.
Additional information about Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs may also be found on the CAP National Website.
Resources for Parents:
Resources for Cadets
- Cadet Program Library (All the information you could ever want. Most of these books are included in your new cadet package.
Now enrolling young men and women ages 12-18 for our Cadet Program!
