Cadets
New members can join the C.A.P. cadet Program from age 12 through 20. Those 18 or older have the option of joining C.A.P. as Civil Air Patrol officers. New cadets begin at the grade of Cadet Airman Basic. Through studying leadership and aerospace topics, passing physical fitness tests, and participating in moral leadership sessions, each cadet has the opportunity to advance in rank.Cadets participate in a variety of exciting activities. Encampments, cadet programs conferences, model rocketry, and markmanship activities are just a few of these areas.
Civil Air Patrol Officers
3-2. Requirements for Membership. All applicants for officer membership in CAP must be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters and must meet the following criteria: a. General. Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
b. Age. Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.
c. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (NHQ CAP/Personnel and Membership Services (DP)).
1) Those persons in "admitted for permanent residence" status must possess and present a current Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551) when making application for CAP membership. If an alien's status changes from "admitted for permanent residence" other then by reason of acquiring citizenship, the alien is no longer eligible for membership.
2) Requests for waiver of the citizenship criteria for lawfully admitted non-citizens residing in the United States who were not admitted for permanent residence will be submitted through the wing and region commander along with a copy of the membership application to NHQ CAP/LMM. The waiver, if approved, will be only for the period of residence within the United States.
d. Suitability. Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership.
1) Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.
2) A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.
3) Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
4) Falsification of information on the membership application.
5) Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.
6) Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.