Do I have to be a pilot to join?

Absolutely not. In fact, most CAP members are not pilots.

You don't even have to be a pilot to participate directly in CAP missions. After all, while the pilot is busy flying the aircraft, trained personnel are needed in supporting roles both in the plane and on the ground. There are also many other roles in CAP not directly related to flying, such as working with cadets, interacting with the public and the press and working as a ground team member.

How does rank/grade work?

Generally, there are 7 officer grades that apply to adult members within CAP. These grades are:

• 2nd Lieutenant
• 1st Lieutenant
• Captain
• Major
• Lieutenant Colonel
• Colonel
• Brigadier General
• Major General

 

 

 

 

Officers who join before the age of 21 hold "Flight Officer" status, until their 21st birthday. In addition, former military NCOs are welcome to wear their highest earned military grade if they prefer, in lieu of officer grade. 

Initially, you begin your career in CAP as an "officer without grade." Under certain circumstances you may actually be able to obtain a higher initial grade if you have a mission-related skill such as pilot. Professional experience as a doctor, nurse, lawyer, flight instructor, accountant, teacher, or member of the clergy may qualify you for a higher initial grade as well. However, before you can advance within CAP you must complete the Level 1 Orientation Course and Cadet Protection Program Training.

Advancement from one grade to the next is generally accomplished through a combination of minimum time in grade, completing course work, attending CAP events, serving as a staff member and becoming proficient within your chosen specialty track.

What are the requirements for adult membership?

To be eligible to join CAP as an officer, you must:

• Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
• Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (HQ CAP/DP).
  

 

Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one or more of the following may be the basis for rejection of or loss of membership.

• Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.
• A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.
• Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
• Falsification of information on the membership application.
• Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.
• Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.

What can I do as an officer in CAP?

As a new officer in our squadron, you will be encouraged to choose a specialty track. A specialty track is comparable to your "job" within the squadron. Choosing a specialty track that you are interested in is key to developing a sense of purpose within the squadron. Grade advancement within CAP is dependent on your ability to advance in your chosen specialty track.

There are more than twenty specialty tracks, dealing with things such as finance, personnel, information technology, flight operations and cadet programs, just to name a few. It is common for the number of officers in a squadron to be less than the number of staff positions. As such, each of us has the opportunity to wear more than one hat and excel in more than one specialty.

Will I get to fly?

Yes, but realistically you won't find yourself behind the controls of the squadron aircraft right away. Before you can operate a CAP aircraft you must, at a minimum, possess a valid FAA private pilot certificate and a have a current medical. You must also pass what is referred to as a Form 5 checkride. There are additional requirements for orientation pilots and mission pilots. CAP Regulation 60-1 "CAP Flight Management" spells out the minimum experience requirements for acting as a pilot in CAP.