- What are the requirements for a CAP senior membership?
- What types of senior membership are available?
- What can I do in CAP?
- What can I do as a senior member in Squadron 192?
- Do I have to be a pilot to join?
- Will I get to fly?
- How does rank/grade work?
- Is CAP the military?
- Will I have to follow orders?
- Where can I find more information?
1. What are the requirements for a CAP senior membership?
The answer to this question is summarized from CAP Manual 39-2 "Civil Air Patrol Membership":
a. General. Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
b. Age. Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.
c. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (HQ CAP/DP).
d. Suitability. Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one or more of the following may be the basis for rejection of or loss of membership.
(1) Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.
(2) A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.
(3) Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
(4) Falsification of information on the membership application.
(5) Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.
(6) Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.
2. What types of senior membership are available?
Senior Member - Senior members pay dues and attend meetings regularly. They participate in a wide range of activities within CAP including:
- Search and Rescue
- Disaster Relief
- Working with cadets through the cadet program
- Support CAP communication network
- Fight the war on drugs
Aerospace Education - This type of membership is designed for educators interested in aerospace education. CAP provides a number of training materials to help an AE member present aerospace concepts to students in grades K-12.
Cadet Sponsor Member - This a membership category is for parents, grandparents or legal guardians who want to be more involved in their cadet's unit. A cadet sponsor member supports the unit through the payment of duties and assists the unit by providing supervision, acting as an overnight chaperone and helping with transportation.
Patron Member - A patron member participates in a limited capacity and supports CAP through the payment of dues.
3. What can I do in CAP?
An excellent introduction to the opportunities and benefits provided to CAP members is available at the CAP National web site.
4. What can I do as a senior member in Squadron 192?
As a new senior member in Squadron 192, or any CAP Squadron for that matter, you will be encouraged to choose a specialty track. A specialty track is comparable to your "job" within the squadron. Choosing a specialty track that you are interested in is key to developing a sense of purpose within the squadron. Grade advancement within CAP is dependent on your ability to advance in your chosen specialty track.
There are 22 specialty tracks that deal with things such as finance, personnel, flight operations and cadet programs to name a few. It is common for the number of senior members in a squadron to be less than the number of staff positions, and in fact this is the case here at Squadron 192. Each of us has the opportunity to wear more than one hat and excel in more than one specialty.
5. Do I have to be a pilot to join?
Absolutely not. Nationwide most CAP members are not pilots, they are aviation enthusiasts who wish to serve. Just over half the senior members at Squadron 192 are pilots.
You don't even have to be a pilot to participate directly in CAP missions. After all, while the pilot is busy flying the plane observers are still needed in supporting roles both in the plane and on the ground. There are also many other roles in CAP not directly related to flying an airplane, such as working with cadets, interacting with the public and the press and working as a ground team member. 6. Will I get to fly?
Yes, but realistically you won't find yourself behind the controls right away. Before you can operate a CAP aircraft you must, at a minimum, possess a valid FAA pilot certificate and a have a current medical. You must also pass what is referred to as a Form 5 checkride. This process is similar to a biennial flight review (BFR). CAP Regulation 60-1 "CAP Flight Management" spells out the minimum experience requirements for acting as a mission pilot.
7. How does rank/grade work?
There are 6 grades that apply to senior members within CAP. These grades are:
- 2nd
Lieutenant
- 1st Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- General
Initially you begin your career in CAP as a senior member, without grade. Under certain circumstances you may actually be able to obtain a higher grade if you have a mission-related skill such as pilot. Professional experience as a doctor, nurse, lawyer, flight instructor or member of the clergy may qualify you for a higher initial grade as well. However, before you can advance within CAP you must complete the Level 1 Orientation Course and Cadet Protection Program Training.
Advancement from one grade to the next is generally accomplished through a combination of minimum time in grade, completing course work, attending CAP events, serving as a staff member and becoming proficient within your chosen specialty track.
8. Is CAP the military?
No, while CAP is the official auxiliary to the U.S. Air Force and some CAP members are either current or former members of the military, CAP is a private, nonprofit, benevolent corporation chartered by Congress at Section 40301 of Title 36 of the U.S. Code. Section 8150 of Title 5 of the U.S. Code makes it clear that CAP members are not granted the status of military or veteran by nature of their CAP membership. CAP members are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
9. Will I have to follow orders?
As a member of an auxiliary of the US Air Force you are expected to follow the traditions, standards, customs and courtesies agreed to and accepted by the Air Force and CAP. By listening to and obeying the instructions of your superiors you carry on the professionalism that is inherent to CAP. As a part of the process of applying for membership in CAP you sign an application that states, in part, that you "agree to abide by the decisions of those in authority of Civil Air Patrol".
10. Where can I find more information?
You can find more information at the CAP National web site or by contacting us, we would be happy to speak with you.
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