Joining Process

Joining Process

Check Your Eligibility

Cadet Members

In general, to join as a Cadet Member, you must be at least 12 years old, but not yet 19 years old. United States citizenship is a requirement for membership.   However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join. If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident,  you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron.   

Adult Members

Adult members must be at least 18 years old.  There is no maximum age limit to join or remain as an adult member. United States citizenship is a requirement for membership.   However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join. If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron. All active adult members must be screened and registered by National Headquarters.  The screening process requires that the individual receive and send in a FD 258 fingerprint card used by NHQ to request a FBI criminal records check to determine membership eligibility.

 

Attend at Least Three Weekly Meetings

Most squadrons in Civil Air Patrol host regular, weekly meetings.  You will need to attend at least three meetings as a guest before officially submitting documentation to join Civil Air Patrol.

At or after the third meeting, cadets will need to:

- provide proof of identity with a passport or picture id and social security card

- have a parent or guardian come in for a short meeting with the commander 

 

Complete the Membership Application

Our squadron information:     

- Squadron Charter Number: RMR CO181

- Wing: CO

- Unit: 181 

 

Cadet Members

Submit an instant, online application, found here.  

There are national dues of $41 that can be paid with a credit card.

Within the application, there will be an option to request Financial Need for First Uniforms:

Cadets can receive a voucher to help purchase uniforms. The amount of the voucher is based on the selection below. The voucher will be emailed after the first promotion.

1st Priority Cadets ($175 Voucher). My family has a real need for assistance because we meet at least one of the criteria below.

• a) Our family has received assistance from the SNAP, WIC, TANF, or HUD public housing program in the past 12 months.
• b) I qualify to receive Free or Reduced School Lunch.
• c) My parent or guardian has received unemployment benefits during the past 12 months.
• d) A parent, guardian, or sibling receives Social Security disability benefits.

2nd Priority Cadets ($125 Voucher). My family has limited resources. Financial support would help because we meet one of the criteria below.

• a) Our family has two or more cadets enrolled in CAP.
• b) Our family has a combined income of < $80,000.

3rd Priority Cadets ($75 Voucher). Although none of the above criteria apply, our family has experienced financial challenges recently. If no priority is selected, 3rd priority will be the default option.

Opt-Out ($0). We will utilize squadron supply and purchase all other needed uniforms items. We do not need uniform financial support and by handling these expenses on our own we are freeing up funding to help others in need.

 

Adult Members

Adults will need to complete the membership application and get fingerprints taken. 

The adult application form can be found here. There is no online application available.

After completing, it will need to be signed by the commander.

In Steamboat Springs, fingerprints can be done at Partners for Youth.

Please go to their website to make an appointment. When registering, please request a fingerprint card be sent to you. At the appointment, please ask the person if you have filled out the form correctly and it says you will receive a card!

Once you receive your card in the mail, you will need to include it with your application.

 

Submit your Application

Cadet Members

After online submission of the application and approval of the commander, you will be notified of membership. Welcome!

 

Adult Members

Submit together your application, fingerprint card and dues by mail:

Checks (made payable to Civil Air Patrol) or money orders are accepted for dues payment.

Colorado dues for Senior membership are $66.

Dues for Cadet Sponsor are are $30. 

 

If paying by credit card, include the information listed below 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 your completed application, fingerprint card and dues payment to:

Civil Air Patrol/DP

105 S. Hansell St. Bldg 714

Maxwell AFB, AL  36112 

 

Expedited Mail 

FedEx and UPS are both delivered directly to the National Headquarters building.   Priority 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 at National Headquarters, it is date stamped and processed in order by the date it arrived.  You will receive an automated welcome email when the membership is processed.