How do I join Civil Air Patrol
Step 1. Find a local CAP squadron
All active CAP members join through a local squadron. Use the unit locator on the home page to find squadrons by zip code or city and state. Senior Squadrons only have an adult program for members 18 years of age and older. Youth cannot join in a Senior Squadron - Cadet Squadrons only have a youth program for cadets. Adults can join cadet squadrons if their primary interest is working with the youth. Composite Squadrons have both an adult and youth program. Groups are administrative units and do not usually accept new members.
Step 2. Contact the squadron
Call and/or email the unit contact person and confirm the next meeting date, time and location. Ask any questions you may have about membership eligibility. Keep in mind that the phone number or email posted is often the personal contact information for the CAP member. All of our members are volunteers and try to respond to membership inquiries as soon as possible, so please give them a few days to respond. If you encounter a wrong number or incorrect email address or otherwise have difficulty contacting the local unit, please email us through the Contact page for assistance.
Step 3. Attend a meeting
The best way to learn more about CAP is to attend a meeting. You’ll have a chance to see how meetings are run and what types of activities are available. You should visit all the squadrons that are convenient to you. Each squadron has a different leadership, culture and volunteer opportunities.
Step 4. Complete the Membership Application
The local CAP squadron should provide you with a paper membership application, fingerprint card (for adults), inform you of the amount of annual dues, and if they require any squadron dues. New Cadets can now apply online - ask your squadron for more information.
Download the membership applications by clicking one of the following:
Senior Member (paper application)
Cadet (paper application) (on-line application)
Annual membership dues vary by state. You can view the membership dues table here. Incorrect dues will delay the processing of your membership.
Parents - "Can I be involved in CAP with my teen?"
Absolutely! Some opportunities to share in the CAP experience are:
Cadet Sponsor Member -- Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on parents to help support the program. Parents do have to undergo the same background screening process and cadet protection training as the other adult members and first year 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.
* * Applications without the squadrons commander's signature will not be processed * *