cap squadron visitor guide (2000)

8/6/2019 CAP Squadron Visitor Guide (2000)

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Ciui[Air ?atrofCore'l/o[ues:

IntegriQrE4ceffence

Kesf ect'l/ofunteer Seraice

Squadron VisitorGuide

Civil Air PatrolWhere Inugination Take s Ftight!

@ sirtu yeqrs oJ Humanitarian,eruice


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Dear Prospective Member:Almost sixty years ago America was involved in a World War. As young men and womensaid goodbye to home, family and friends and prepared to travel to distant shores todefend their homeland, a group of dedicated citizens led by aviator Gill Robb Wilson hada vision. This vision combined a love of aviation with the desire of these concerned anddedicated citizens to put their flying skills to use in defense ofAmerica. Today, that vision- the Civil Air Patrol - is approximately 60,000

members strong and you can be part of it'Instead of defending America's coastline from enemy attack, CAP has gone to battle inthe war on drugs.Our cadet program is one of the premiere youth volunteer programs in the country.Our members are trained and ready to assist the American Red Cross qnd FEMA, as wellas other agencies when disaster strikes our communities.And through our aerospace education progrdm, the love of aviation is shared with morethan 300,000 students each Year.These are just a few examples of the service to your community that CAP membershipaffords. By joining today, you will cast your vote towards the future of CAB

-a future that nurtures our youth and provides them with opportunity;-a future that will unfold before our eyes as CAP grows, adapts and changesaccording to the needs of our country and membership;-a future that promotes service to your community;and, a future that helps ensure this valuable service lo America continues.

I am looking forward to the years ahead and I sincerely hope you will join us and enjoy thebenefits and privileges of CAP membership.Thank you ficr your interest in Civil Air Patrol membership. We look forward to having youbecome part ofour team ofdedicated volunteers.My Best Regards,

.4 ,t .Y4t4fi$,f*,*l'Richard L. BowlingBrigadierGeneral, CAPCommander

Message from Squadron CommanderThank you for visiting our squadron as you consider membership in Civil Air Patrol.We hope this visitor's guide will serve as a useful tool for you both now and after youbecome a member. This guide has been specially created to familiarize you with theCAP organization, our missions and the opporhrnities and benefits available to youthrough membership.Among the resources that may be available to members through the squadrons are530 corporate CAP aircraft, over 900 ground vehicles and one of the most extensivecommunications networks in the nation; however, our greatest asset is our members.Please review the information contained in this booklet. When you decide that CAPmembership is the best path to achieve your personal or professional goals, completethe appropriate membership application, which can be obtained from a local squadron.CAP is worth your time and effort. We offer you the opporhrnity to become involvedwith us so that we can utilize yow talents and you can know that you are making areal contribution. Membership is not automatic but, if we are right for each other, wewelcome you and appreciate your willingness to contribute to the execution of ourvery important missions.Most Sincerely,Squadron Commander

Brief History of Civil Air PatrolIn the late 1930s, more than 150,000 volunteers with a love for aviation argued for anorganization to put their planes and flying skills to use in defense of their country. As aresult, the Civil Air Patrol was bom one week prior to the Japanese attack on PearlHarbor. Thousands of volunteer members answeredAmerica's call to national serviceand sacrifice by accepting and performing critical wartime missions. Assigned to theWar Deparfment under the jurisdiction of the ArmyAir Corps, the contributions of CivilAir Patrol, including logging more than 500,000 flying hours, sinking two enemysubmarines, and saving hundreds of crash victims during World War II, are welldocumented.After the war, a thankful nation understood that Civil Air Patrol could continue provid-ing valuable services to both local and national agencies. On July 1,1946, PresidentHarry Truman signed Public Law 47 6 incorporating Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent,nonprofitorganization. OnMay26,lg48,CongresspassedPublicLaw55Tpermanentlyestablishing Civil Air Patrol as the arxiliary ofthe new U.S. Air Force. Three primarymissions areas were set forth at that time: aerospace education, cadet programs, andemergency services.


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CivilAir Patrol's Three Primary MissionsAerosnace EducationCAP's aerospace education efforts focus on two different audiences: volunteer CAPmembers and the general public. The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniorsand cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge ofaerospace issues. To advancewithin the organization, members are required to participate in the educational program.Aerospace educators at CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala.,provide aurrent materials that reflect the highest standards ofeducational excellence.Aerospace education is divided into two parts: internal and external.The intemal aerospace education program has two parts as well: cadet and senior.Cadets complete aerospaoe education as one of the requirements to progress throughthe achievement levels of the cadet program. Senior members have a responsibility tobecome knowledgeable of aerospace issues and the AE program that CAP provides.They are further encouraged to share the information obtained with their local commlmi-ties and school systems.CAP's external aerospace programs are conducted through our nation's educationalsystem. Each year, CAP sponsors more than 100 workshops in colleges and universitiesacross the nation, reaching more than 3,000 educators and thereby hundreds ofthou-sands of young people. These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge andfocus on advances in aerospace technology. CAP's aerospace education membersreceive more than 33 free teaching aids, as well as lesson plans and other classroommaterials.

Cadet ProsramsWhile there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet programis unique in that it uses aviation as a comerstone. Thousands of young people from6ft grade through age 2l are introduced to aviation through CAP's cadet program. Theprogram allows young people to progress at their own pace through a l6-step programincluding aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leader-ship. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields suchas engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as wellas many others. Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the Air Force asan F3 (airman first class) rather than an E I (airman basic).Whatever your interests-survival training, fl ight training, photography, astronomy-there's aplace for you in CAP's cadet program. Each year, cadets have the opportu-nity to participate in special activities atthe local, state, regional ornational level.Many cadets will have the opporhrnity to solo fly an airplane for the first time througha flight encampment or academy. Others will enjoy traveling abroad through theInternationalAir Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air showsthroughout the nation.3

CivilAir Patrol's Three Primary Missions (cont'd from page 3)Emersency ServicesGrowing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to savelives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency-services andoperational missions.Search and Rescue

Perhaps best known for its search-and-rescue efforts, CAP flies more than 85 percentof all federal inland search'and-rescue missions directed by the Air Force RescueCoordination Center at LangleyAir Force Base, Va. Outside the continental UnitedStates, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii andPuerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? Nearly 100 people are savedeach year by CAP members!Disaster Relief

Another important service CAP performs is disaster-relief operations. CAP providesair and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. Volunteermembers fly disaster-relief officials to remote locations and provide manpower andleadership to local, state and national disaster-relief organizations. CAP has formalagreements with many government and humanitarian relief agencies including theAmerican Red Cross, Federal Emergency ManagementAgency, FederalAviationAdministration, National Transportation Safefy Board and the U'S. Coast Guard.Humanitarian Services

CAP flies humanitarian missions-usually in support of the Red Cross-transportingtime-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue, in situations whereother means of transportation are not available.Air Force SupportIt's hardly surprising that CAP performs several missions in direct support of the U.S.Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts light transport, communications support, andlow-altitude route surveys. CAP also provides orientation flights foTAFROTC cadets.Joint U.S. Air Force and CAP search-and-rescue exercises provide realistic training formissions.Counterdrug

CAP joined the "war on drugs" in 1986 when, pursuant to congressional authorization,CAP signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Customs Service offeringCAP resources to help stem the flow of drugs into and within the United States.

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Membership OptionsSenior MembershinCAP senior membership is open to adults 18 years old or older. Adult membershipprovides opportunities to serve in many ways:-Participate in search and rescue-Assist federal agencies when disaster strikes-Work with youth through cadet programs

-Support CAP's communications network-the most extensive in the nation-Assist federal agencies in the war on drugs-To prepare CAP adult members for CAP's special missions, extensive trainingand education in more than2} different fields is provided. Technical training is offered

to members in related areas, such as flight operations, emergency services and commu-nications. Additional training in management and executive leadership is available asmembers progress through the CAP ranks.The categories of senior membership include Active, Patron, Retired, AerospaceEducation Member, Business Member, Affiliate Member, AFROTC Affiliate Member, andCadet Sponsor. A description ofeach ofthese can be found on page 6. QualificationsforAEMs can be found below.CadetMembershipCAP cadet membership is open to young people 12 years through 18 years old.Children younger than 12 who are attending 6'h grade may join as well. A cadet canremain in the program until age 2 1. The cadet piogram provides opportunities todevelop leadership skills using the member's interest in aviation. Cadets progressthrough a 16-step program ofaviation and aerospace activities at the local, regional andnational levels. CAP national activities focus on a variety of aviation, aerospace, searchand rescue, and pararescue courses. CAP cadets can compete for scholarships to helpfi.rther their education. CAP is proud to report that 10 percent ofAir Force Academyappointees are former CAP cadets. In addition, both West Point and Annapolis admitmany CAP cadets each year.Aerosnace Education MembershipQualifications forAF Membership includes the following:( 1) a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent residence(2) must never have been convicted ofor pled guilty to any felony (federal or state) orbe currently charged with a felony; (3) must have been discharged under honorableconditions if served in the Armed Forces; (4) must be connected with the educationalcommunity in one ofthe following capacities:(a) administrator, counselor, or teacher in a public or private school at any level; (b)junior or senior in a college or university who is majoring in the education field; (c)member of the instructional staffdirectly involved in teaching in an approvedAEproject or activity; (d) an individual who is attending or has attended an approved AEworkshop within the past 2 years and received credit; (e) an individual in the aerospaceindustry; (f) an individual in a recognized aerospace organization or association whoparticipates in aerospace education programs5

Categories of Senior MembershipActive. Amember who regularly attends meetings, performs a specific duty assign-ment (see specialty tracks), meets training requirements, and participates in theactivities of his or her unit. An active member may wear the CAP uniform andcompete for grade advancement.Patron. Apatron member is a financial supporter who maintains current membershipthrough payment of annual membership dues and parlicipates in a limited capacily.Retired. A member having a minimum of 20 years CAP service as a senior member whono longer desires active participation. Retired members do not pay annual membershipdues.Affiliate. Affiliate membership is a membership category for organization members orspecial groups of individuals who desire to support CAP financially or throughspecial selices, but who are not required to attend regular meetings, wear a uniform,or participate in the active program. Privileges and restrictions vary from group togroup.Business. A business member is any US corporation, partnership, proprietorship, ororganization which applies for CAP membership in the name ofthe corporation,partnership, proprietorship, or orgatization. This category of membership is designedfor members of the business community who demonstrate desire to financiallysupport the CAP missions and associated programs.AFROTC Affiliates.AFROTC senior cadets at selected detachments mayjoin CAPas affiliate members under a joint operating instruction (JOI) between CAP andAFROTC. The primary goals of this initiative are to explore the possibilities of eachorganizationto: (1) increase recruiting and retention opportunities (2) share availableresources (3) instilljoint activities in air and space education (4) conduct a flightorientation program for AFROTC cadetsCadet Sponsor Members. Cadet Sponsor is a special membership category that allowsparents, grandparents, and legal guardians to participate with their cadets. Cadetsponsors serve as chaperons, provide transportation, and supervise cadets duringsquadron activities. Cadet sponsors are offered discounted membership dues andhave a limited volunteer commitment.Aerospace Education Members. This membership category is designed for memberswho are interested in aerospace education. CAP Aerospace Education members(AEMs) receive more than 33 free educational products for grades K through 12.AEMs are also provided additional materials such as lesson plans, teaching strategiesand techniques, and a newsletter. CAP sponsors the National Congress on Aviationand Space Education (NCASE), an annual gathering of educators dedicated tofurthering aerospace education. Recognized as the premier educational symposium ofits kind in the nation, NCASE is held in a different part of the country each year.


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Specialty Tracks/ Job Opportunities for Senior MembersPersonnel Officer. Performs duties related to processing unit personnel actions as membershipapplications, promotions, and charter changes. Establishes and maintains up-to-date personnelfiles and ensures all regulations, policy letters, and forms required to administer the unit'spersonnel program are available and up-to-date. Develops local unitpersonnel policies andprocedures, provides assistance and guidance to the unitcommander and other staff members on allpersonnel matters, and monitors the overall personnel program within their jurisdiction.Pubtic Affairs Officer. Assists the commander on all media relations and intemal informationmatters. Plans, develops, and implements a public affairs programbased on media relations,community relations, and internal information activities. Acts as liaison with other organizationsand agencies as required in the performance of these activities.Finance Officer. Responsible for posting ledgers and preparing vouchers, checks, and deposits,for unit accounts. Prepares unit budget, controls monies, monitors transactions, and preparesmonthly activity reports. Keeps commander advised in all financial matters.Insoection Officer. Performs inspections when required. Prepares inspection checklists for allareas of inspection and prepares written reports of inspection as required. Reviews publications,plans, policies, and statistics to determine areas of special interest. Briefs commander and staff oninspections and recommendations.Senior Program Officer. Plans, coordinates. and schedules senior member training activities.Maintains unit training records, training libray, and opelates audio-visual equipment. Preparesdocumentation in support of training awards for the commander's review. Coordinates membertraining accomplishments with other staff members. Instructs at training courses. Advises thecommander on training required to meet unit staffing needs.Administration Officer. Maintains master publications library. Prepares correspondence,reports, ichedules, inventories, and requisitions. Operates centralized correspondence and messagedistribution center. Reviews locally developed publications to ensure they are administrativelycorrect prior to publication. Provides management assistance when required.Losistics Officer. Responsible for receipt, storage, distribution, recovery, and proper disposal ofall CAP property held by the unit. Recommends allocation of motor vehicle records. Responsiblefor vehicle maintainance, marking, and painting. Ensures aircraft are painted and identified inaccordance with current directives and makes sure aircraft are maintained in an airworthycondition in accordance with FAA requirements.Flight Onerations Officer. Responsible lor the management and control of unit aircrews.aircraft, and flight operations. Understands CAP flight management policies and procedures andthe administrative procedures goveming flight operations. Assists in the preparation of plans,programs, and directoves to govern the unit.Onerations Officer. Develops the operations policies and procedures to ensure missionaccomplishment and provide guidance to unit personnel. These activities include developingstanding operating procedures, evaluation methods, and accident prevention programs andreporting procedures. Requests transportation and mission authorizations.Safetv Officer. Manages the safety program. Develops safety plans, programs, and directoves.Coordinates with other staff agencies to develop accident prevention procedures and collects datato determine safety program effectiveness. Conducts accident investigations.

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Specialty Tracks and Job Opportunities (cont'd from, page 7)Standardization/Evaluation Officer. Technician: Performs duties as a CAP instructor pilot andcheck pilot, responsible for flight and ground instruction as well as flight evaluation in CAP aircraft.Senior: Performs duties as a CAP check pilot, administers check flights, written examinations, andmaintains pilot training folders. Master: Wing pilot designated to administer check flights, writtenexaminations, and develop wing training and evaluation procedures.Emergencv Services Officer. Assists the commander by managing and directing emergency serviceactivities. Flstablishes working relationships with local agencies responsible for search and rescue,disastcr rclicl, arrd other local emergencies. Develops emergency service plans, training programs, andstandard opcrating procedures and maintains a rapid alerting system to assemble emergency serviceresourccs as needed.Communications Oflicer. Maintains and operates radio equipment. Familiarizes communicationstrainees with the basic concept of CAP communications operations. Operates CAP radio stations.Develops and implements communications plans, programs, and directives. Plans and conductscommunications conferences, meetings, and workshops.Aerosnace Education Officer. Implements aerospace education activities and duties involvingcadets, seniors, asrospace education members, communities and schools. Develops materials andactivities and promotes aerospace education programs for the local community. Assists the com-mander in making aerospace education related policy decisions.Cadet Prosram Officer. Conducts cadet training in aerospace education, leadership, physicalfitness, moral leadcrship and other activities. As special assistant to the commander, implements andmonitors programs in cadet personnel and administration, cadet activities, aerospace education orleadership laboratory.Plans and Programs Officer. Gets programs started and completed, and keeps the commanderinformed on the progress of each program. Develops plans and programs to accomplish assignedtasks. Coordinates activities of other staff sections and assigned units in accomplishing goals andobjectives set out by the commander. Assigns personnel, establishes suspense dates, and follows up toensure task completion.Chanlain. Provides worship, liturgies, rites, and religious observations. Conducts pastoral counseling,spiritual nurture, and ethics and values instruction. Provides group pastoral care and spiritual renewal.Gives advice on religious, ethical, and quality of life concerns and maintains ecclaesiastical and clergyrei at i ons.Historian. Responsible for unit historical program. Collects and prcserves historically significantmaterial. Publishes general and special historics, nronogrtphs, and studies. Publishes material toinform the general public about CAP history. Attonds nrccting o{'historical and other learnedsocieties.Moral LeadershiD Olticcr, 'l'hc MLO perfbrms in a capacity similar to a chaplain, but is notrocluircd k) moct tlt0 occlesilstical ondorsement and education level prerequisites for a chaplaincy.'l'hcro is no Ml,O study guidc at this time. Talk to the senior program officer and wing chaplain if youaro considoring this spocialty.Public Affoirs Otlicer, 'fhe PAO bears the responsibility for managing extemai and internalcommunications and informing both audiences of CAP's national importance, enabling the organiza-tion to grow, protecting the image and assets of the corporation and strengthening the relationshipswith key audiences and customers.

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The mission of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is to provide the youth of our nation aquality program that enhances their leadership skills through an interest in aviation, andsimultaneously provide services to the United States Air Force and the local community.Commanders are responsible for conducting the cadet program in accordance with thisregulation. Common sense and good judgment will be exercised in appointing qualifiedsenior members to work with cadets. The cadet program permits every cadet to:(1) participate in a variety of special activities and programs(2) develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for understanding aerospaceprinciples, and the total impact of air and space vehicles upon society1:1 t"u* self-discipline through study of leadership practices and military training(4) understand and appreciate the moral issues of our time through discussion and debate(5) become and remain physically fit through a physical fitness programThrough study and performance, cadets work through a series of achievements' Ascadets progress, they may receive ribbons, certificates, and eligibility for nationallysponsored special activities, or eligibility to apply and compete for academic and flightscholarships. An increase in grade recognition that the individual is capable of acceptingincreased responsibi lity.ProsramElementsAlthough progam elements may vary from squadron to squadron, the following elementsmost likely will be incorporated into the cadet program: ( I ) Moral leadership forum; (2)Cadet physical fitness haining; (3) General safety briefing; (4) Aerospace education;(5) Operations/emergency services; (6) Leadership laboratory; (7) TestingAttendanceRegular and active participation in the local unit is required.MembershinPotential cadets may apply to join the cadet program at any time by making a formalapplication for membership using the CAPF 15, or Application for Cadet Membership inCivil Air Patrol. Theinitial membership fee includes the cost of texts and study materialsrequired for the initial part ofthe cadet program. Once the Unit Membership Boardreviews the application, if it is approved, and the squadron concurs by signing theapplication, the new cadet sends the application and fee to HQ GAP/DR 105 SouthHansell Street, Buildin g 7 | 4,Maxw ell Air Force Base, Alabama 3 6112-6332'Cadets are officially members of CAP when HQ CAP/DP has processed their applicationand their name appears on the national cadet database. The CAP Bookstore will send thenew member the Phase I and Phase II study material packet and CAPF 59-1, Phase I and IICertification. This form will be placed in the cadet's personnel record until phase comple-tion.ProsressionEach achievement in the cadet program will be completed in sequence. Cadets can9

Cadet Program (cont'd from page 9)complete the first achievement any time after joining. All other achievements require aminimum 60-day separation between completion of each of the achievements.The MitchellAward canbe completed after 16 months fromjoin date; EarhartAward canbe completed after 24months from join date; EakerAward can be completed after 36months from join date; Spaatz Award can be completed after 36 month from join date.SpecialActivities. National Cadet SpecialActivities (NCSA) are designed to providecadets with incentives and motivation toward greater participation in the cadet programand contribute directly to knowledge of career opportunities both in the military andcivilian fields. Qualifications and requirements for all national cadet activities are pub-lished and dishibuted annually by National Headquarters in the Civil Air Patrol News andon the website at www.capnhq.gov.Orientation Ftishts. The Cadet Flight Orientation Program is designed to expose cadetsto goncral aviation through a series of flights. These flights may be in powered or gliderairorafl. Cladets I 7 years of age or younger are encouraged to participate in the flightoricntation program (cadets 18-20 years old may participate in military orientation flights).Flights dornonstratc basic flight maneuvers, navigational, and communications techniquesas wcll as prcllight plannirrg and postflight debriefing.Flight Scholnrships. Training in airplanes and gliders may be accomplished at a central-izcd cvcnt (likc thc National FlightAcademy) or on an individual basis. Refer to the CivilAir lratrol Ncws lirr details about any national flight scholarships that are available orohcck thc rrational wcbsite at wwwcapnhq.gov.USAFA Preparator], School. Each year, National Headquarters submits nominations to theAir l.'orcc Acadcrny lbr three qualified cadet members to attend the Academy's Prepara-tory School (LJSAI'APS). This one-year program increases a student's potential foradmission to thc Aoademy and for successful completion of the Academy curriculum.Color Guards nnd Honor Guards. To enhance CAP's public image, squadrons may form acolor guarcl and/or honor guard. Check with the individual squadron to see if one exists orif onc coulcl bc lirrmed.Nationnl Comnetition. The National Cadet Competition (NCC) enables cadets to modeltraits ol'tho highest standards of leadership and personal responsibility. The NCCinclruk:s thc National Drill Team Competition and the National Color Guard Competition.Rcgional Cadet Leadershin Schools. The Regional Cadet Leadership Schools (RCLS)provido courses to increase knowledge, skills, and attitudes as they pertain to leadershiplrrd rnanagement.lnternationalAir Cadet Exchange Prosram. Cadets and senior members may apply forthe Intemational Air Cadet Exchange and serve as "Ambassadors" to various countriesthat promote intemational understanding, gotldwill, and fiiendship among young peoplewho have a common interest in aviation. You may explore these countries through gliding,mountain climbing, tours, orientation flights, museums, various sports activities, and meetcadets from abroad and their families. While being honored at various receptions, youmay also meet famous celebrities or military/political dignitaries. This prestigious activityis a rewarding experience that lasts approximately 3 weeks. IACE is available to cadetswho have reached a certain level oftraining and are at least 17 years old by 1 July oftheye ar thcy are attending IACE. Check the national website, CAP News or with yourscluadr


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Facts aboutCAP-Nonprofit, 501(c) (3) corporation-United States Air Force Auxiliary-Eight geographic regions consisting of 52 wings (each of the 50 states, PuertoRico and the District of Columbia)-Almost 1,700 units nationwide (includes over 160 ovelseas squadrons)-Over 58,000 members-Largest fleet (4,000 member owned and 530 corporate owned) of singleengine, piston aircraft in the world-Volunteers fly in excess of 120,000 hours each year-Maintains a fleet of 950 emelgency service vehicles for training and missionsupport-Approximat ely 67 5 chaplains provide counseling and ministry to cAP cadetsand senior members-Requires more than 260 corporate staff to support membership-Conducts over 85% of all inland search and rescue in the U.S. as tasked bythe AFRCC-Average of 100 lives saved each year-Transports time-sensitive medical materials, blood products and body tissue-Assists Federal agencies in the war on drugs-Provides damage,assessment, radiological monitoring, light transport, commu-nications support, and low-altitude route surveys for the U.S. Air Force-Develops, publishes and distributes aerospace curriculum for grades kinder-garten through college-From six to ten percent of each class entering the military service academiesare former CAP cadets-Scholarships available in several disciplines

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Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I ioin CAP?Begin by visiting the local units, or squadrons in your area until you find the right onefor you. Once you have decided on which one to join, complete the membership dpplica-tion-including the unit commander's signature-and forward application and checkmade payable to CivilAir Patrol to National Headquarlers, 105 South Hansell Street,Building 7 1 4, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 3 6112-6332. Anyone j oining as a seniormember must submit a fingerprint card to headquarters as well. Cards and membershipapplications are only available from the local unit.llow Much Will lt Cost IVle To Join?Annual membership dues are broken down on three levels: national, wing/region andIooal. The national dues are $30 for senior members and $20 for cadets. Wing/region andkroal ducs vary. Please check with the individual unit to determine their dues.l)o mcnrbers have to wear a uniform?( ludcts nrust woerr the Air Force-style uniform with special CAP patches. The cadetrne ntbcrship application contains a voucher for one fiee uniform. As long as they arelva i lablc, thc Air liorce provides a uniform for the cadets at no charge. Senior membersnray bc rct;uirod to wear a uniform-typically the Air Force-style uniform with CAPpllclrcs or ono ol'the distinctive CAP uniforms. Some members choose to serve quietlywitlrorrt wclling a uniform. ACAPuniform must be worn in order to fly in CAP aircraft.Arc non U.S. citizens allorqed to ioin?Alicrrs utlurittod for permanent residence are eligible. Other noncitizens must request awlivct'ol'thc citizenship requirement through the wing and region commander.llm rrot a pilot. Mav I still ioin?Ycs! 'l'lrcre are many'Jobs" in CAP. Whatever your talent or area of interest, there is asrluaclron or unit that needs you. Please refer to the page entitled "Specialty Tracks/ Job( )pportunities" (page7) to find a list of some of the jobs available. l"or a more completelist, contact your local squadron.What criteria mllst a pikrt mcct to ll), corporate aircraft?To be eligiblc to lly a oorporate aircraft, the pilot must possess a valid FAA private,commercial or airlinr: transport pilot certificate; must be an active CAP member at least 17years in age; must posscss a valid and a current medical certificate. The member mustcomplete a flight chcck in an aircraft within the prece ding 12 months as well as an annualwritten examination and annual aircraft questionnaires for each aircraft authorizedto fly.To fly missions or be a cadet orientation pilot, additional flight time and training isrequired.


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Benefits of Membership in CivilAirPatrolRewa.rds and RecognitionAs a CAP volunteer, rewards afe not monetary, but are as tangible as money in the bank' Nothingcompares to the sense of satisfaction that comes from a job well done, particularly if that job is savinglives or aiding communities.TrainingCAp offers aerospace education, ieadership and technical training, including Air Force correspondencecourses, for all CAP members. Special training is also conducted for those participating in search andrescue as missiol pilots, observers or ground team members. Communications training is highly special-ized and presents unique opportunities to network with other communicators from around the country.UniformsWhen available, the Air Force issues a free basic cadet uniform-a savings of approximately $100. The luniform includes shirt, pants (or skirt for female cadets), belt and buckle, shoes and hat. Since CAP is theoffrcial U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, senior members are also authorized to wear the Air Force-style uniformwith distinguishing CAP badges and insignia.Meetings and ConferencesCAp members gather regularly at meetings and conferences around the country. There is also a nationalconvention held in a different city every year. Air travel to and from the conference may be provided bythe Air Force if available.International Cadet Exchanse ProgramEach year a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts t(avel to several foreign countiies as partof an aviation cadet exchange to further intemational goodwill and understanding.CAP Supnly DenotCivil Air Patrol operates a depot in Amarillo, Texas, that carries a large stock of aircraft parts andequipment at discounts to members for their own aircraft. Communications equipment of all kind is alsoavailable.

Rental Car DiscountsThe Hertz Corporation offers rental car discounts to CAP members for both business and pleasure travel.A special Hertz identification card is furnished to each member upon request. Rates and discounts may beobtained by calling Hertz at 800-654-3131'Civil Air Patrol Visa Credit CardThe CAp affinity VISA card offers senior members and the parents of cadets a credit card that supportsCAp. Each time the card is used in a transaction, a donation is made by the bank to support CAP.Tax BenefitsAs a federally chartered nonprofit organization, Civil Air Patrol is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) ofthe IRS Code. This entitles members to claim various expenses as charitable contributions to the extentallowed by the law. These include the following: Membership dues, expenses for uniforms and trainingmaterials, out of pocket expenses while participating in CAP activities, mileage on personal vehicles,travei and living expenses while participating in CAP activities.13

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For More Inf ormationNational HeadquartersContact Information

To request additional information prior to joining:334-953-3121embership Development

To find out the status of a membership application:Member Services 334-953-7148Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters1O5 South Hansell Street, Building 714Maxwell AFB, AL 36IL2-6332

Local Sq uadron Contact Information

cap squadron visitor guide (2000)

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