The Civil Air Patrol cadet program is one of the most interesting and exciting programs that you could possibly find!!! You'll enjoy many adventures, experiences and just plain fun times, if you decide to join the CAP.
The CAP isn't for everybody. But if it is for you, it can be a life changing experience! But to get the maximum benefit from CAP, you have put forth some effort! To enjoy what the CAP has to offer, you need to want what we have to give.
Does sitting in the cockpit of a military aircraft while you talk with the pilot sound good to you? How about flying on a C-130, or taking tours of military installations? Would you like to take the controls of a Cessna aircraft while on an orientation flight, or even learn to fly it? If it sounds good, then you're in the right place! CAP Cadets do this sort of thing and more! It's not free, but you won't find a better bargain anywhere.
You can learn to lead others while learning to be in control of yourself at the same time. Cadets learn techniques and other "secrets" that help them to be better in school with less "sweat", to achieve things that they thought were impossible dreams and to prepare themselves for futures that they thought were way out of reach. Leadership training is challenging and fun... and it really feels good to suceed!
Don't fear the future; Take command of it!
You can help others who really need it too! CAP Cadets were among hundreds of others who worked at shelters and other relief sites following earthquakes, hurricanes and other disasters to bring real help to those whose lives were disrupted during the disaster. CAP also regularly works in air and ground Search and Rescue and provides other emergency services and Cadets can be trained to help in this effort. You WILL get dirty and tired, but you can really make a difference!!!
We hope that you'll visit with us. We will try to answer your questions and will let you know what would be expected of you if you decide to join. As a general rule, you WILL NOT be able to apply for membership during your first few meetings. Instead, we want you to come for 3-4 meetings so you are sure that joining the CAP is what you REALLY want to do. We want you to check us out and we want to check you out too. Your parents will also be invited to visit and talk with us casually, before your membership application can be accepted.
The CAP Cadet program is usually the most visible part of a CAP unit. The ages for the Cadet Program are 12-21. A young person can join as a cadet as long as they have not reached age 19. If they join before age 19 they may stay in the Cadet program until they are 21. Once a person turns 19, they are no longer eligible to join the Cadet program and must join as a Senior (adult) member. This is a CAP regulation and is not waiverable and no exceptions can be made.
The initial cost to join is about $30.00 per cadet. This money is paid to the CAP National HQ and is used to defray the cost of liability insurance, the initial issue of all the books cadets will need in the first few phases of the Cadet program and a free basic Air Force Blue Uniform (dependent on funding from the Air Force) which includes the blue short sleeve USAF shirt, dark blue USAF trousers, a flight cap and a belt.
Cadets are responsible to provide their own basic insignia package and shoes. However, this uniform is not routinely worn for most CAP activities. Instead, most members wear the camoflage BDU uniform with boots and this uniform is the responsibilty of each member to purchase. We can help in locating good suppliers for such items.
If all this sounds good to you, you may be wondering what it will be like to be a GallupCAP Cadet. First of all. The CAP Cadet program is regulated by CAP Regulations and therefore the process is basically the same for all cadets everywhere. But each CAP unit has their own way of doing things. The way things happen in one CAP unit may not happen the same way in another. But the Cadet Program is basically the same.
What will be expected of you? Well the short and easy answer is to PARTICIPATE! The more you put into your CAP experience, the more you get out of it. If you do not put any effort into being in the CAP and being a CAP Cadet, then do not be upset when nothing happens for you.
The CAP Cadet Program is not a boot camp (although there may be times where you think that it is). We are not here to "re-program" you. But we will give you the opportiunity to develop into a respectable and productive citizens and leaders. Leadership will be taught at all levels of the Cadet Program, But before you can lead, you must first learn how to follow. We will teach you all these things
Being a CAP Cadet is very much like being a member of a sports team. A lot of your time and effort will be expected. The first thing you will be expected to do is attend meetings and get uniforms. The second is attend as many CAP activities as possible and participate to your fullest extent. Simply showing up and warming a chair or standing around doing nothing will not get you much.
You will be expected to read and study. You will expected to participte in physical fitness activites based on your abilities. You will be expected to PROGRESS in the Cadet program. For Cadets that seem to have a hard time with studying, we will help you get better at it. If you are out of shape physically, we will help you there too!
But perhaps the most IMPORTANT concept to remember is YOU ARE A CAP CADET 24/7/365 AND EXPECTED TO ACT LIKE ONE! This means you must act with respect and dignity at all times! Even when out of uniform and not attending CAP activities. This includes school, home and anything else that you do! Criminal activity and "thug-like" behavior will not be tolerated!
You will also be expected to get the approved CAP uniforms. Some uniforms may be provided to you (based on funding) but you may have to buy some uniforms yourself. Expect to pay approx $100.00 for the uniforms. This "investment" in uniforms is worth it. As a result, the CAP, like any other military-type organizations, have very specific instructions on how the uniform is worn including grooming standards! We will teach you all that you need to know in this area. All Cadets will be expected to keep their hair within military standards. This does not mean you have to have a "high and tight" Marine Corps-type haircut, but you must have your hair off your collar, off your ears and not hanging in your eyes.
As a Cadet, you will also be expected to participate in military drill (marching). We are well versed in all drill movements and we will teach you this as well. There is also the opportunity to particiate in Color and Honor Guard activities as well as forming a Drill Team. Membership on these special teams will require extra time and effort to attend practices and go to performances. Just like any sports team, all team members are expected to attend all events.
Life as a GallupCAP Cadet will be challenging. There is no way to list here all the things that will be expected of you. If you have the motivation to do something special for yourself and your community, then we have a way for you to do things you have only dreamed about. The choice is yours! You can either take control of your future, or sit back and just let things happen to you.
