Senior Member Program Overview:

For more than 50 years Civil Air Patrol has been serving the nation thru its programs of Aerospace Education, Emergency Services and Youth Development. In order for Civil Air Patrol to complete its missions it requires an informed, and active Senior Membership.

The Senior Program is structured much like the Air Force officer's lifetime career progression. Senior members begin as a 'Senior Member' in a five level training program, each of which is associated with educational growth, skill acquisition and upgrade, awards, and promotions. The five training levels are as follows:

Level I - Introduction
Level II - Technical Training
Level III - Management
Level IV - Command and Staff
Level V - Executive

Senior members can participate in many of the same activities as the cadets. In addition to this there are several other training options available to senior members. Senior members may participate in such training options as:

Squadron Officer School (SOS)
Air Command and Staff College (ACSC)
Air War College (AWC)
AFRCC CAP Mission Coordinator Course
Region Staff College
National Staff College

Senior members are also eligible to take several AFIADL Courses thru the Air Force's Air University. Members as part of their training select a specialty training area to specialize in. These specialty tracks as they are called cover the material, training, and experience one needs to become a leader in their respective area. The following are the available specialty tracks for Senior members:

Personnel
Public Affairs
FinanceInspector
Senior Program
Administration
Logistics
Flight Operations
Operations
Standardization-Evaluation
Emergency Services
Communications
Aerospace Education
Cadet Programs
Safety
Legal
Medical
Chaplain
Historian

Requirements for becoming a Senior Member:

* Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of the Civil Air Patrol.
* Must be at least 18 Years old. Active duty members of the Armed Forces can join the CAP as a senior member at any age.
* Must be a United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
* No Felony conviction by any court of record whether federal, state, or military.
* No pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, driving under the influence of alcohol or an illegal substance, dishonesty and violence.
* If you were previously in the active duty military, you must have been discharged under honorable conditions.
* Must complete background check by local & federal law enforcement.

Cadet Program Overview:

For more than 50 years, CAP has provided America's youth with exciting and challenging opportunities through the Cadet Program. Tens of thousands of young people, ages 12 to 21, have participated in hands-on activities at the local, state, and national level.

The CAP Cadet Program provides you the opportunity to develop leadership skills through your love of aviation. You will progress through a 15-step program with exciting aviation and aerospace activities occurring on both a local and national level. Some of the local activities you may be able to participate in are:

Survival Training
Search and Rescue
Disaster Relief
Radio Communications
Land Navigation
Flight Training (powered and glider)
Leadership Training
Public Speaking
First Aid & CPR
Physical Fitness
Sports Activities
Orientation Flights (aboard CAP or Military aircraft)
Astronomy

Model Rocketry

In addition to the wide range of local activities, you will have the opportunity to qualify for special national activities such as travel to encampments which focus on a variety of aviation, aerospace, search and rescue, and pararescue courses. One of the many highlights of your cadet career will be attending Cadet Leadership School, Cadet Officers School, and the International Air Cadet Exchange program.

Cadets compete annually for special CAP admission into the U.S. Air Force Academy preparatory school. Military officer mentoring and guidance helps to inspire and encourage cadets who are interested in aviation industry or military careers. CAP is proud to report that 10% of U.S. Air Force Academy appointees are formed CAP cadets. Additionally, both West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy admit many CAP cadets each year.

CAP Cadet Program eligibility requirements include:

*A prospective cadet must be at least 12 years old or attending the 6th grade
*A prospective cadet cannot be married
*The maximum age to join as a new cadet is 18 years of age

To learn more about Civil Air Patrol visit a local CAP Unit or The Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters website.

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