Cadet Programs
Civil Air Patrol’s cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders through a curriculum that focuses on leadership, aerospace, fitness and character. As cadets participate in these four elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Many of the nation’s astronauts, pilots, engineers and scientists first explored their careers through CAP.
— Attracts over 25,000 members ages 12 through 20 for participation in its cadet programs.
— Educates youth in four main program areas: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character development.
— Enriches school curricula through after-school programs.
— Offers orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft, as well as flight training scholarships.
— Provides activities and competitions for cadets at the local, state, regional and national levels.
— Makes opportunities for community involvement available through color guard/drill team and emergency service missions.
— Challenges youth to be ambassadors for a drug-free lifestyle.
— Nurtures the skills of CAP cadets who make up about 10 percent of each of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s classes.
— Cadets who have earned the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award enlist in the Air Force, U.S. Army and U.S. Coast Guard at a higher pay grade.
— Participates in the International Air Cadet Exchange program.
— Awards college scholarships in several disciplines.
Please check out the welcome from our Deputy Commander for Cadets!
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Today's Cadets . . . Tomorrow's Aerospace Leaders
Briefing Documents |
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Cadet |
Cadet Program Overview |
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CAP Cadet Program - At a Glance* |
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Mission: Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders |
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Established: 1942 |
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Age to Join: 12 through 18 |
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Content Areas: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character |
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Total Cadets: 25,000 |
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Locations: 1,000 hometown squadrons |
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Time Commitment: Ideally, cadets participate in a 2-hour squadron meeting each week, plus one "Saturday" event monthly and one week-long encampment in summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority** |
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Costs: Annual dues of $25 - $60, depending upon location; some assistance is available with uniform costs and overnight activity fees; a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance |
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Military Obligation: None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets |
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Annual Flying Hours: 25,000 hrs in single-engine aircraft; 12,000 glider sorties |
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* All figures are approximations that will vary year-to-year |
