Requirements
Cadet and Senior Membership Requirements
Cadet Member
For more information, the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Website covers the topic of cadet membership in depth.
Age Requirement
Youth members must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old.
Citizenship Requirement
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 .
The citizenship waiver requires documentation (ex: a US Visa) that shows the reason you are in the country and how long you are permitted to stay in the US.
Uniform Requirements
Cadets need one uniform to get started. Eventually, the cadet will want to have the camouflage utility uniform (ABUs), the Air Force-style service uniform "blues" and a squadron t-shirt for fitness meetings.
Before you purchase anything, please be sure to speak with your squadron leaders to help ensure you're getting the right uniform items. We can often provide some uniform items to members at no cost. Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, cadets can qualify for the Curry Uniform Voucher, which covers some of the uniform costs. If you achieve this promotion quickly, you can use your voucher to obtain ABUs or your “blues.” Obtain a squadron t-shirt from a senior member for $10.
Adult Member
For more information, the Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters Website covers the topic of adult membership in depth.
Age Requirement
Adult members must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit to join or remain as an adult member.
Citizenship Requirement
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 .
The citizenship waiver requires documentation (ex: a US Visa) that shows the reason you are in the country and how long you are permitted to stay in the US. If approved, the waiver will only be for the period of residence within the United States.
Fingerprinting
All active adult members must be screened and registered by National Headquarters. The screening process requires that the individual be fingerprinted.
NHQ will request an FBI criminal records check to determine membership eligibility. Felony convictions or patterns of arrests and/or convictions including, but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence may be the basis for rejection of membership. Reports received from the FBI are maintained in strict confidence by NHQ and not released.
There are no waivers for the fingerprint card requirement, regardless of your current security clearance or recent criminal background check for another organization or company.
Military Service recognition
Regular and Reserve officers of the Armed Forces of the United States, active, retired, or honorably discharged, may be advanced to a CAP grade equivalent to their grade in the Armed Forces (but not to exceed lieutenant colonel), in recognition of their military knowledge and experience.
Regular, Reserve, and National Guard Senior Noncommissioned Officers of the Armed Forces or Coast Guard of the United States, active, or retired, in the grade of E-7 through E-9 may receive an advanced CAP grade in recognition of their military knowledge and experience.
Such promotions are neither automatic nor mandatory, but are at the discretion of the promoting authority.
Uniform Requirements
Adult members may wear the USAF-style uniforms or one of the distinctive CAP uniforms, but usually, some type of uniform is required to participate in activities, events and missions. We may be able to provide some uniform items to members at no cost. Before you purchase any uniform items, please be sure to speak with your squadron leaders to help ensure you're getting the right uniform items.
Membership Options:
Cadet Sponsor Member -- Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on a cadet's family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as a Cadet Sponsor. This membership requires the same FBI background screening process and cadet protection training as the active adult membership. First year national organization dues are just $30 and renewals are only $20. As a parent sponsor, you'll be able to help chaperone the kids, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. You will not be required to wear the Air Force-style uniform.
Senior Member -- If you are more interested in taking a leadership role in the Cadet Program, or want to participate in CAP's aerospace education and emergency services missions, you should join as a senior member. Talk with your child’s squadron commander about joining as a senior member. You will need to submit and complete a membership application, fingerprint card and complete an orientation course. Annual membership dues for Colorado are $66.
