New Members - Getting Started In Civil Air Patrol

New Members - Getting Started In Civil Air Patrol

Welcome to Civil Air Patrol - the United States Air Force Auxiliary. CAP is a diverse organization and provides each member a unique experience during their tenure with the organization. This section is written for member who have just joined or are about to join the CAP. The information below is the basic information needed for initial membership in CAP and will get you started in the program.

Step 1 - Join Civil Air Patrol

There are two membership types in CAP: cadet and senior. If you are 18 years of age or older, you will be joining CAP as a "senior member." If you are 12 years of age up to but not including 18 years of age, you will be joining as a "cadet member" in CAP.

Cadet Member Application Process. The application process for cadet membership is very simple. Applicants must complete the CAPF 15 Application for Cadet Membership in CAP and return to the unit that you will be joining. The form can be printed from the link above or obtained at the meeting. The form has to be endorsed by the squadron commander or authorized designee. An important note on the CAPF 15 is that if any check box on the reverse of the form (medical history information) is checked "Yes" you will need to get a physician to review and sign the form. If all boxes are "No" then the physician signature is not required. Once the form is complete and all required signatures have been obtained, the form is sent to the address on the bottom of page one of the form along with the membership due (FY 07 cadet membership is $44.00). Members can expect their membership card within 2-3 weeks and books within six weeks.
Senior Member Application Process. There are three parts to the application process for senior membership. First, complete the CAPF12 Application for Senior Membership in CAP and obtain the squadron commander or authorized designee's signature; this person will ensure completeness of the form. Next, pick up a FBI Fingerprint card from the unit. Take this card to a police station or sheriffs office (if military or you have base access, pass and ID can complete the form for you) and have a representative of that office complete the form. Once you have been fingerprinted, submit the CAPF 12, Fingerprint Card, and the membership due (FY 07 senior membership is $70.00) to the address on the CAPF 12. Temporary membership is approved within a couple weeks. Once the FBI background check has cleared, a new ID card will be sent to you removing the temporary status.

Step 2 - Uniforms and Insignia

As the Air Force Auxiliary, CAP members wear the USAF uniform with CAP distinctive insignia. Cadets are issued one set of blues through the free cadet uniform program by the USAF while funds are available. All other uniforms and insignia are the responsibility of the individual member. Below is a summary of uniform and insignia items needed for both cadet and senior members as well as sources of procurement.

There are many uniforms available in CAP - you don't have to have them all! Cadets should have blues and BDU's. Seniors should have as a bear minimum the grey slacks and blue polo combination. Seniors should try to obtain their blues and BDU as soon as possible.

CADET UNIFORM AND INSIGNIA
	BLUES	BDU's
	Uniform Items: - Low quarter shoes - Black socks - Blues pants* - Shortsleeve Blue Shirt* - Flight cap* - Belt w/ chrome tip & buckle* - Shirt Garters Insignia Items: - Blue Nameplate - 1 Ribbon Holder - 1 Unit Citation Ribbon - 1 Flight CAP Device - 2 CAP Metal Cutouts	Uniform Items: - Black combat boots - BDU Pants - BDU Shirt - BDU Cap (Non adjustable) - Subdued tip belt and open face buckle Insignia Items: - Reversed American Flag patch - 1 CIVIL AIR PATROL tape - 1 NAME tape - 2 CAP Metal Cutouts (not additional to the blues requirement)
	* = Issued as part of the Free Cadet Uniform Program

SENIOR UNIFORM AND INSIGNIA
	BLUES	BDU's
	Uniform Items: - Low quarter shoes - Black socks - Blues pants - Shortsleeve Blue Shirt - Flight cap - Belt w/ chrome tip & buckle - Shirt Garters Insignia Items: - Grey Nameplate - 2 Ribbon Holder - 1 Unit Citation Ribbon - 1 Membership Ribbon - 1 Senior Member Flight CAP Device - 2 CAP Metal Cutouts	Uniform Items: - Black combat boots - BDU Pants - BDU Shirt - BDU Cap (Non adjustable) - Subdued tip belt and open face buckle Insignia Items: - Reversed American Flag patch - 1 CIVIL AIR PATROL tape - 1 NAME tape - 2 CAP Cloth Insignia
	*Senior members are responsible for the costs of all uniforms*

	ADDITIONAL SENIOR UNIFORMS
	BLUE POLO	GREYS
	Uniform Items: - Blue Polo with appropriate embroidery - Grey slacks - Black Belt, Silver Buckle - Black Socks - Black shoe or boot Insignia Items: - This uniform combination has the CAP seal, name, and aeronautical rating embroidered. No insignia is needed.	Uniform Items: - Black shoes - Black Socks - Grey Slacks - Black Belt, Silver Buckle - White Aviator Shirt Insignia Items: - 2 CAP Metal Cutouts - Grey Nameplate
Senior members wearing the Air Force style uniforms must meet USAF weight and grooming standards.

There are three primary sources for obtaining uniforms and insignia. While there are other suppliers available online where you can find CAP insignia to purchase, the below stores will have everything you need at a central location.

Note: Online AAFES access only available to military. Members may
shop in person at AAFES stores (see Base Access for information).

Step 3 - Choosing Your Track

After you have joined, and you have you uniforms squared away, it is time to embark on your journey in Civil Air Patrol. Click below on your membership type to go to that respective program's page. From there you can learn what is next and how you will progress.

Good luck and welcome to Civil Air Patrol!

CADETS SENIORS

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