Cadet Programs

The Cadet Program mission of Civil Air Patrol is the future of the organization. More importantly, the real purpose of the Cadet Program is to inspire our youth to become leaders in their communities.  Cadet membership is open to U.S. citizens and persons lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States, its territories and possessions. Candidates for the Cadet Program must be 12 to 18 years of age.

Cadets progress through the program by participating in activities and through study. Physical fitness, leadership laboratory, moral leadership and aerospace education comprise the curriculum of the Cadet Program.  As the cadets pass their achievements, they earn rank, awards and/or certificates.

Cadets participate in encampments giving them a taste of Basic Training life in the Armed Forces. They also receive orientation flights provided by CAP pilots, provide assistance to local air shows  with parking and flight line duties, serve in a color guard, and march in parades.

CAP offers the young adult a wide variety of national level activities to attend.  They can participate in Search and Rescue Operations, learn to fly powered aircraft or sailplanes, and more. Because the United States Air Force recognizes the value of the Cadet Program, each cadet who receives the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award and chooses to enlist, enters with the advanced rank of Airman First Class.