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Future Cadets

The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.

To become a cadet, you must be be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets usually meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.

“I am pushing myself to be a better person.” Cadet Kristin Miller

“I made my first solo flight at a CAP encampment.” Astronaut Eric Boe

“I’ve learned discipline – something not stressed enough in today’s society.” Cadet Theresa Paredes

Step 1

Decide you want to become a leader, serve, and challenge yourself along the way. If so, you're in the right place!

Step 2

Contact the squadron and arrange to visit a meeting with your parents.

Step 3

Attend at least three weekly meetings.

Step 4

Complete the Membership Application

We will give you a membership application or provide you with the information on how to apply online.

Download the Cadet Membership Application

Annual membership dues vary by state.

Click here for the membership dues table.

Step 5

Submit your application through one of the following ways:

Online

Ask our Squadron Commander, Lt Col Sundman if you are eligible to apply online. Only new cadets can join online. Former members have to submit a paper application.

When you join online, your form of payment is charged immediately. However, the membership is in a pending status until the prospective cadet's proof of identity is verified.

Once the proof of identity has been confirmed, the commander can approve the application and the cadet will be an active member. For a list of acceptable documents used for the proof of identity, please see Attachment 2 in CAP Regulation 39-2 CAP Membership.

Fax

Fax applications to 334-953-7771.

Include credit card information to process the application. The required information includes:

Type of Card - Visa, MasterCard or Discover
Card Number
Expiration Date
3 Digit Security Code on the Back of the Card
Name on Card

Mail

Dues can be paid by check made payable to Civil Air Patrol or by money orders.

Mail your completed application and dues payment to:

Civil Air Patrol/DP
105 S. Hansell St.
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112

Expedited Mail

FedEx and UPS are both delivered directly to the National Headquarters building.

Priority/Certified Mail from the United States Postal Service may be delayed several days while it is routed through the Air Force base mail system.

When your application is received by Member Services at National Headquarters, it is date stamped and processed in order by the date it arrived. The cadet will receive an automated welcome email when the membership is processed.