YOUTH MEMBERS
The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program in which youth members fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape and push themselves to new limits. If you are dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program is for you.  To become a cadet, you must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old.  Cadets usually meet two hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, with opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies and other activities during the summer.

ADULT MEMBERS
Though Civil Air Patrol is known for its flying missions, Civil Air Patrol's adult members, known as Senior Members, do so much more than just fly.   Fewer than one-fifth of Civil Air Patrol's members are pilots or aircrew members.  Almost any career or background can be useful to and found in the ranks of the Civil Air Patrol adult membership.

Civil Air Patrol supports a variety of missions that require adults from all walks of life. In emergency services and operations, Civil Air Patrol needs not only aircrew members but also ground team members to aid in the rescue of survivors or to assess damage after a disaster.  Civil Air Patrol also needs communications personnel to relay critical messages when there is limited or no telephone support. Administrative staff, financial managers, logistics and supply personnel are needed to document missions and get personnel critical supplies and equipment in the field that they need to conduct missions.

CADET SPONSOR MEMBER
Just like any other youth organization, Civil Air Patrol also needs adults to support the cadet program.  Civil Air Patrol has over 23,000 cadets across the country that need mentors willing to help guide and support them.  Civil Air Patrol relies on a cadet's family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as a Cadet Sponsor. As a parent sponsor, you'll be able to help chaperone the kids, ride or drive in the Civil Air Patrol vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. You will not be required to wear the Air Force-style uniform.

AEROSPACE EDUCATION MEMBER
Civil Air Patrol needs adults for its aerospace education program.  Aviation and aerospace impact the lives of Americans every day.  Civil Air Patrol works to ensure that citizens know how valuable aviation and aerospace is in our world.  Join as an Aerospace Education Member of Civil Air Patrol and enjoy many free aerospace and STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) educational opportunities.

This unique membership category is designed for formal or informal educators involved in promoting aerospace/STEM education in classrooms, home schools, museums, libraries or other youth organizations. In addition to educating our own members, Civil Air Patrol’s adult leaders provide training and resources to teachers who reach out to students of all ages across the country.

Step 1. Contact the squadron.
Call or email the unit contact person and confirm the meeting date, time and location.  You can also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about membership eligibility. Keep in mind that the phone number or email posted is often the personal contact information for the Civil Air Patrol member. All of our members are volunteers and try to respond to membership inquiries as soon as possible, so please give them a few days to respond.  If you encounter a wrong number or incorrect email address or otherwise have difficulty contacting the local unit, please email us through the Contact page for assistance.

Step 2. Attend a meeting.
The best way to learn more about Civil Air Patrol is to attend a meeting.  You will have an opportunity to see how meetings are run and what types of activities are available.  You should visit all the squadrons that are convenient to you.  Each squadron has a different leadership, culture, and volunteer opportunities.

Step 3. Prepare a membership application.
The local Civil Air Patrol squadron will provide you with a membership application (and fingerprint card for adults), inform you of the cost of annual dues (membership dues vary by state) and whether they require any squadron dues.  To join as a senior member or youth, visit http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/how_to_join/.  Prospective cadets can also now apply directly online using the following link: https://www.capnhq.gov/CAP.MembershipSystem.Web/CadetOnlineApp.aspx. (For application purposes, the Region is MAR, the Wing is SC, and the squadron number is 090.)

Step 4. Submit your application.

After your application is processed and approved, your Civil Air Patrol begins.