Are there any restrictions to join?

• Adults must be at least 18 years of age to become a senior member. There is no maximum age limit to be a senior member, however.

Does my military service count?

• Any Regular and Reserve officers of the Armed Forces of the United States, active, retired, or honorably discharged are eligible to advance to a CAP grade rank equivalent to their rank in the Armed Forces (but not to exceed Lieutenant Colonel), in recognition of their military service and experience.

• Regular, reserve, and National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officers of the Armed Forces or Coast Guard of the US, in the grade of E-7 through E-9, active or retired may receive an advanced CAP grade in recognition of their military knowledge and experience.

• These promotions are neither automatic nor mandatory, but they are at the discretion of the promoting authority.

Why do I have to be fingerprinted?

• All active members must be screened and registered by the National Headquarters. This process requires the individual to complete an FD 258 fingerprint card used by the NHQ to request an FBI criminal record check to determine membership eligibility. Felon convictions or patterns of arrests and/or convictions including, but not limited to child abuse, DUI’s, dishonesty and violence maybe the basis of a rejection of membership among other felonies. Reports received from the FBI are maintained in strict confidence by the NHQ and will not be released.

• There are no waivers for the fingerprint card requirement, regardless of our current security clearance or recent criminal background check for another organization or company. 

Do members have to wear a uniform?

• Adult members may wear the USAF-style uniforms or one of the distinctive CA uniforms, but usually, some type of uniform that is required to participate in activities, missions, or events. They wear ABUS and BDUS or blues which are received through a voucher gained after a cadet's first promotion. 

Do CAP members have access to military bases?

• You will only have access to the base when participating in CAP events. If your unit meets on a military installation, you will coordinate with the unit to gain access to the base. You are allowed to shop at the BX only when you are permitted to. Authorized uniform items can be purchased at the Military Clothing store

How much does membership in CAP cost?

• Annual membership dues consist of 3 different parts: National Dues, Region Dues, and Wing Dues. Annual dues are based on the state in which you reside. You can check the membership dues page to find out the amount of dues for your designated region. Some local squadrons can charge unit dues in addition to the annual membership dues. Your local squadron can provide more information about any dues that need to be paid directly to the unit.

• Members are responsible for buying their uniforms and there will be additional fees for activities outside of regular meetings

Can I join CAP despite not being a pilot?

• Absolutely! There are many different volunteer opportunities in CAP. No matter what your area of expertise might be, there will always be a unit that needs your skills. To find out more, you can contact your local squadron.

Will CAP teach me to fly?

• CAP does not usually provide military flight training for members. However, that being said, CAP has a lot of members who are Certified Flight Instructors and who are often willing to provide training to members at reduced rates. Depending on your region, CAP members may also have access to military aero clubs and have flight instructors that might be much cheaper. There are several scholarships that help CAP cadets obtain a pilot’s license. Once your license has been obtained, you can fly with CAP CFIs in CAP aircraft to increase your ratings which can also be much cheaper than a commercial operation.

Are CAP members part of the military?

• CAP membership does not technically equate to a membership in the military. CAP as a whole however is a non-profit humanitarian organization that is the official auxiliary of the USAF.

How can Senior Members earn promotions?

• All promotions are at the discretion of the squadron commander and the standard way to promote is based upon your time in CAP, time in your current run, and the training you complete for your promotion. Other circumstances warrant a promotion of which your squadron commander can fill you in on. You must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to promote

Do I get paid to be a member?

• You do not get paid to be a Senior Member as you are a volunteer member of the Civil Air Patrol. All the work you do is for the benefit of your community and country

I’m not a US citizen. Can I still join CAP?

• Aliens who are admitted for permanent residence are eligible to become a senior member of CAP. Other non-citizens who are legally admitted to the country must sign a waiver of the citizenship requirement through the unit in which they are joining

What are the requirements to become a CAP pilot?

• To find out more about the requirements to become a CAP pilot go to the following website: CAP Pilot