FAQS

Cadet Activities

Orientation Flights

Through orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft, cadets develop a love of aviation at no cost to them. Paired with an experienced CAP volunteer pilot, cadets help preflight the aircraft, observe takeoff procedures and while aloft actually manipulate the controls and perform basic flight maneuvers. The program also enables cadets to learn about meteorology, navigation and aircraft instrumentation and technology. Cadets fly approximately 16,000 hours in powered aircraft and 7,000 sorties in gliders each year.

Flight Academies

Having experienced the wonder of flight, advanced cadets pursue formal flight training. During powered and glider flight academies, CAP provides cadets with reasonablypriced flight instruction in an age-appropriate learning environment. As evidenced by their camaraderie and teamwork, cadets help one another master the complexities and sobering responsibilities of flight during an unforgettable week of intense training. Each summer, approximately 200 cadets learn to fly at CAP flight academies.

Flight and College Scholarships

Aviation is prohibitively expensive for most youth. In partnership with charitable organizations and colleges, CAP helps cadets pursue flight training and/or post-secondary education through scholarships. Nearly $300,000 is available annually.

Civic Leadership Academy

Cadets study the federal government and explore public service careers during an unforgettable week in Washington, D.C. With a curriculum emphasizing persuasive leadership, cadets develop skills they will need to become consensus-builders in their communities. As a capstone activity, cadets visit Capitol Hill and help articulate CAP's worth to America.

Character Development Forums

Cadets explore contemporary ethical issues through the lens of their core values: integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. Facilitated by a CAP chaplain or other trained adult, cadets use character development forums to discern their own values on topics of interest to them, such as peer pressure, relating to parents, tolerance, dating and more. Character development forums are held locally each month, reaching all 27,000 cadets.

National Special Activities

There are a number of National Special Activities that cadets may participate in. Most have some pre-requisites to attending, including age and rank. Click on the activity below to learn more. National Special Activities must be applied for through the Squadron Commander prior to the cut-off date for that year.

Advanced Technologies Academy

Engineering Technologies - Neutral Buoyancy Lab (NBL)

National Emergency Services Academy

National Cadet Competition

International Air Cadet Exchange

Honor Guard Academy Year 1

Hawk Mountain Search & Rescue School

National Flight Academy - Southeast

National Blue Beret

MKS Aviation Business Academy

AF Civil Engineering Orientation

Membership

Q: How much does it cost to join CAP?

A: Tennessee cadet dues are $26.00

Q: What are the age requirements for joining CAP?

A: Youth aged 12-18 may join CAP as cadets and remain cadets until age 21. In special School Program squadrons, sixth graders may join, even if they are under age 12. Of course, adults of any age are welcome to join CAP, too.

Q: Are cadets obligated to join the military?

A: No, but many do. Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3) if they choose to enlist. The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP.

Q: What level of commitment is expected from cadets?

A: CAP expects cadets to participate actively, but of course CAP recognizes that cadets have school, family, and other obligations that take priority. Most squadrons meet weekly for about 2 1/2 hours, and offer special activities on the weekends and during the summer. If your son or daughter is unable to attend a CAP activity, please have them let their commander know in advance. Like any extra-curricular activity, cadets will get out of CAP only what they put into it.

Adult Supervision

Q: Who leads and supervises the cadets?

A: CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously. The adult volunteers who interact with cadets (known as CAP senior members) have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI. Also, as part of their leadership training, advanced cadets lead and mentor new cadets under the guidance of senior members. For more information, see our cadet protection policy.

School

Q: Do cadets need to maintain a certain grade point average to participate in CAP?

A: Of course, school comes first. CAP expects cadets to maintain "satisfactory performance" at school, as defined by the cadet's parents. Because CAP emphasizes self-discipline, it's not uncommon for parents to see their son's or daughter's grades increase as a result of their participation in the Cadet Program.

Uniforms

Q: Why do cadets wear uniforms?

A: CAP uses uniforms to promote teamwork and develop self-discipline. The uniform motivates cadets to set high standards for themselves and to live their core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Additionally, cadets practice military customs and courtesies as part of their leadership training.

Q: What uniforms do cadets wear?

A: The basic cadet uniform is the short-sleeve Air Force style blue uniform. Most cadets also choose to wear the optional BDU (camouflage) uniform.

Q: How do cadets obtain uniforms?

A: New cadets are eligible to receive the Air Force style blue uniform at no cost to them through the Cadet Uniform Program, upon joining (depending on the availability of Air Force funding). See your local squadron commander for details. BDUs and other uniform items may be available through your squadron's supply, and may be purchased through the clothing sales store on military installations.

Q: How do cadets obtain uniform insignia?

A: Vanguard is CAP's official supplier of uniform insignia.

Q: Where do the patches, insignia, etc. go on the uniform?

A: See the uniform mini-posters included in your son's or daughter's member kit.

Flying

Q: What's involved with cadet orientation flights?

A: Through orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, cadets experience flight first-hand. CAP's pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for each flight, and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Orientation flights are free to cadets. See the squadron commander for information about when the next opportunity to fly is scheduled.

Cadet Promotions

Q: How do cadets advance and earn promotions?

A: Cadets advance at their own pace through self-study and group study. To progress, cadets must (1) participate actively; (2) pass a written leadership test; (3) pass a written aerospace test; (4) pass a physical fitness test; (5) participate in character development forums; and most of all (6) demonstrate they have the maturity to accept increased responsibility. (In some stages of the Cadet Program, these requirements differ slightly.)

Scholarships

Q: Does CAP offer any scholarships?

A: Yes. See our scholarships page for details.

Additional Questions & Concerns

Q: I have more questions about CAP. Where can I find answers?

A: CAP's on-line Knowledgebase is a great source for more information about CAP programs. Of course, your son's or daughter's squadron commander will also be glad to answer your questions.

Overview of the Cadet Program

To fulfill its goal of developing young people into responsible citizens and aerospace leaders, the Cadet Program is organized around five program elements. As cadets participate in these five elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.

Leadership

CAP introduces cadets to Air Force perspectives on leadership through classroom instruction, mentoring and hands-on learning. First, cadets learn to follow, but as they progress, they learn how to lead small teams, manage projects, think independently and develop leadership skills they can use in adult life.

Aerospace Education

CAP inspires in youth a love of aviation, space and technology. Cadets study the fundamentals of aerospace science in the classroom, and experience flight first-hand in CAP aircraft. Summer activities allow cadets to explore aerospace career opportunities.

Physical Fitness

CAP encourages cadets to develop a lifelong habit of regular exercise. The Cadet Program promotes fitness through calisthenics, hiking, rappelling, volleyball, competitions and other activities.

Character Development

CAP challenges cadets to live the CAP core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect. Through character development forums, cadets discuss ethical issues relevant to teens. Chaplains often lead the discussions, but the forums are not religious meetings. CAP also encourages cadets to promote a drug free ethic in their schools and communities.

Activities

CAP offers weekend and summer activities that allow cadets to fly, learn to lead, explore aerospace careers, assist in CAP's emergency services missions and make friends. During the Cadet Program's activities element, cadets have fun while applying what they have learned.

Cadet Activities

Weekly Squadron Meetings

Most squadrons meet weekly for two and one-half hours. When dropping off and picking up your son or daughter, please make a special effort to be on time. While cadets are expected to participate actively in CAP, none of the meetings or events is mandatory. Of course, CAP believes that doing well in school is a cadet's first responsibility. If your son or daughter is unable to attend a weekly meeting or other activity, please let the squadron commander know in advance.

Weekend & Summer Activities

There are many weekend and summer activities available to cadets at the local, state and national levels. Some activities have special eligibility requirements. All cadets are encouraged to attend an encampment, where they can develop new leadership skills and explore aerospace careers. Most states host an annual summer encampment on a nearby military base. Encampments are overnight activities and typically are one week in duration.

Encampments

During weeklong encampments, which are usually conducted on Air Force bases, CAP exposes cadets to Air Force values and traditions. First-year cadets develop teamwork and self-confidence in what is for many their first experience away from home. Advanced cadets apply their leadership skills while serving in positions of responsibility; the cadet cadre imparts on junior cadets what is expected of them in the Air Force Auxiliary. Nearly 6,000 cadets participate annually at about 48 different locations. Trained adults supervise and mentor the cadets.

Cadet Officer School

Leadership education culminates at the academically rigorous Cadet Officer School, conducted at the Air Force's Air University. Noted scholars in the fields of leadership theory, ethics, national security and communications provide intensive instruction. Cadets learn through lectures, seminars and hands-on exercises. Approximately 100 cadets participate each summer, with scores more completing similar programs regionally or through distance learning.

Flying

CAP's volunteer pilots share their love of flying with cadets. Through orientation flights in powered aircraft and gliders, cadets experience flight first-hand. While aloft, cadets handle the controls during the noncritical stages of the flight. CAP's pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for each flight and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Cadets may also receive orientation flights in military aircraft. Orientation flights are free to cadets.

Preparing for Bright Futures

To help cadets plan for an exciting future, CAP offers college and flight scholarships on a competitive basis. While they are not obligated to join the military, cadets who enlist

in the Air Force can enter at a level higher than other recruits (E-3) if they earned the Mitchell Award as a cadet.

The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. About eight percent of Air Force Academy cadets are former CAP cadets. The Air Force Academy's Preparatory School sets aside at least one slot for CAP cadets annually.

Emergency Services & Humanitarian Missions

Cadets aid adult CAP volunteers in conducting search and rescue and humanitarian missions as qualified radio operators, ground team members and mission staff assistants. Cadets have been credited with locating downed aircraft, finding missing persons and saving lives.

International Air Cadet Exchange

Highachieving CAP cadets enlarge their understanding of distant cultures by serving as goodwill ambassadors and participating in aviation-related activities abroad. Hundreds more youth benefit by hosting international cadets visiting America. The exchange provides youth with an informed perspective on complex world issues, deepening their appreciation of America's role in the global aerospace community. As cadets enter adulthood, the exchange's benefits become valuable to their nation. Each summer, approximately 80 CAP cadets exchange with 80 international cadets from a dozen or more nations. The friendships they build last a lifetime.

Drug Demand Reduction

In partnership with the Air Force surgeon general, CAP helps curb the demand for drugs by reinforcing positive lifestyles. DDR funding, totaling $400,000 annually and augmented by CAP and volunteer resources, helps support cadet activities that promote a drug-free ethic. Moreover, DDR activities encourage cadets to motivate their peers to follow their lead.

Cadet Competition

Eager to show off their aerospace knowledge, physical fitness and precision on the drill field, cadet drill teams and color guards vie against one another in competitions at the state, regional and national levels. Rising to the occasion with good sportsmanship, cadets amaze spectators with their esprit de corps. The competitions are varied, but this activity is all about character. Each year, 168 cadets earn the right to compete for national honors, and about 1,000 more compete locally.