Become a Cadet (Ages 12-18)
Civil Air Patrol cadets participate in a year-round program that focuses on leadership, aerospace education, fitness, and character development. Cadet members advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way.
Cadets are better prepared to achieve their life and career goals through the leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline they gain as CAP members.
Cadets are not obligated to join the military. However, wearing Air Force-style uniforms, observing military customs and courtesies, and learning drill and ceremonies are important features of the cadet experience that contribute to the enjoyment. For young people considering joining the military, joining CAP will help advance a military career (by entering at a higher grade) and can help with admissions to a military academy. Nearly 10% of each freshman class at the U.S. Air Force Academy is made up of Civil Air Patrol cadets.
Civil Air Patrol’s approach weaves the organization’s core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect into cadet training programs. Adult leaders serve as role models, but cadets plan and manage activities and take on more leadership responsibility as they progress.
Youth may remain in the cadet program until their 21st birthday. They also have the option to transition to adult membership at age 18.
How to Join
Here are the easy steps to join the Civil Air Patrol cadet program:
Step 1. Attend four weekly meetings. This will give you a taste of what Civil Air Patrol is like an how our meetings go. We currently meet at the Naples Airport Pilot’s Lounge located at 250 Aviation Drive South. Recruits and prospective members should wear a jeans and a black t-shirt to meetings.
Step 2. On your fourth meeting, you'll have a short interview about why you'd like to join Civil Air Patrol. Bring a parent.
Step 3. Complete your online membership application.
Enter FL as the wing, and 373 as the unit.
Once submitted, your application may take a few days to be processed.
Step 4. Follow the first steps for new cadets.
You can contact the Squadron Commander, 1st Lt Kyler McCown if you have any questions about joining.
Email: Click here
Phone: (239) 293-7303
Some of the requirements to become a cadet member of Civil Air Patrol are:
- Be at least 12 and not yet 19 years of age.
- Be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence. (A lawfully admitted noncitizen residing in the U.S. may have this waived by National Headquarters.)
- Attend at least three squadron meetings.
