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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS
Membership
Q: How much does it cost to join CAP?
A: Annual membership dues vary by state. 2008 membership dues for
Virginia are $28/year for cadet members, $58/year for new senior members,
and $48/year for renewing senior members. In addition, the Roanoke
Squadron has voluntary dues of $50 for senior members. This voluntary
money helps fund the administrative costs of the unit as well as funds
select local events for senior and cadet members at the commander's
discretion.
Q: What are the age requirements for joining CAP?
A: Youth aged 12-18 may join CAP as cadets and remain cadets until
age 21. In special School
Program squadrons, sixth graders may join, even if they are under
age 12. Of course, adults of any age are welcome to join CAP, too.
Q: Are cadets obligated to join the military?
A: No, but many do. Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may
enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3) if they choose to enlist.
The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience.
Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP.
Many former CAP cadets have gone on to successful careers in all of the
branches of the US military.
Q: What level of commitment is expected from cadets?
A: CAP expects cadets to participate actively, but of course
CAP recognizes that cadets have school, family, and other obligations
that take priority. Most squadrons meet weekly for about 2 1/2 hours, and
offer special activities on the weekends and during the summer. If your
son or daughter is unable to attend a CAP activity, please have them let
their commander know in advance. Like any extra-curricular activity,
cadets will get out of CAP only what they put into it.
Adult Supervision
Q: Who leads and supervises the cadets?
A: CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously.
The adult volunteers who interact with cadets (known as CAP senior
members) have been fingerprinted and screened by the FBI. Also, as part of
their leadership training, advanced cadets lead and mentor new cadets
under the guidance of senior members. For more information, see our cadet
protection policy (.PDF, 44kb).
School
Q: Do cadets need to maintain a certain grade point average to
participate in CAP?
A: Of course, school comes first. CAP expects cadets to maintain
"satisfactory performance" at school, as defined by the cadet's
parents. Because CAP emphasizes self-discipline, it's not uncommon for
parents to see their son's or daughter's grades increase as a result
of their participation in the Cadet Program.
Uniforms
Q: Why do cadets wear uniforms?
A: CAP uses uniforms to promote teamwork and develop
self-discipline. The uniform motivates cadets to set high standards for
themselves and to live their core values of integrity, volunteer service,
excellence, and respect. Additionally, cadets practice military customs
and courtesies as part of their leadership training.
Q: What uniforms do cadets wear?
A: The basic cadet uniform is the short-sleeve Air Force style blue
uniform. Most cadets also choose to wear the optional BDU (camouflage)
uniform.
Q: How do cadets obtain uniforms?
A: New cadets are eligible to receive the Air Force style blue
uniform at no cost to them through the Cadet
Uniform Program, upon joining (depending on the availability of Air
Force funding). See your local squadron commander for
details. BDUs and other uniform items may be available through your
squadron's supply, and may be purchased through the clothing sales store
on military installations.
Q: How do cadets obtain uniform insignia?
A: Vanguard is
CAP's official supplier of uniform insignia.
Q: Where do the patches, insignia, etc. go on the uniform?
A: See the uniform
mini-posters (.PDF, 3.7mb) included in your son's or daughter's member
kit.
Flying
Q: What's involved with cadet orientation flights?
A: Through orientation
flights in powered aircraft and gliders, cadets experience flight
first-hand. CAP's pilots are licensed by the FAA, follow a syllabus for
each flight, and ensure the flight is conducted safely. Orientation
flights are free to cadets. See the squadron commander for information
about when the next opportunity to fly is scheduled.
Cadet Promotions
Q: How do cadets advance and earn promotions?
A: Cadets advance at their own pace through self-study and group
study (see chart,
.PDF, 170k). To progress, cadets must (1) participate actively; (2) pass a
written leadership test; (3) pass a written aerospace test; (4) pass a
physical fitness test; (5) participate in character development
forums; and most of all (6) demonstrate they have the maturity to accept
increased responsibility. (In some stages of the Cadet Program, these
requirements differ slightly.)
Scholarships
Q: Does CAP offer any scholarships?
A: Yes. See CAP's scholarships
page for details.
Additional Questions & Concerns
Q: I have more questions about CAP. Where can I find answers?
A: CAP's on-line Knowledgebase
is a great source for more information about CAP programs. Of course, your
son's or daughter's squadron commander or other Cadet leaders will also be
glad to answer your or your child's questions.
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