Join
If you're considering membership in Civil Air Patrol here are the steps to follow:
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Determine your membership category
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Identify the type of squadron that best fits you
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Visit a squadron (or multiple squadrons)
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Complete the membership application
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CAP Membership Categories
Cadet Members
Youth from 12-18 years of age can join CAP's Cadet Program. Cadets learn about aviation and the military and develop leadership and teamwork skills in a year-round youth program.
Senior Members (Adults)
Adults (18 years or older) are needed to support Civil Air Patrol operations and execute our three main programs (Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, Emergency Services). Though Civil Air Patrol is known for its flying missions, CAP adults members, known as Senior Members, do so much more than just fly. In fact less than one-fifth of all CAP members are pilots or aircrew members. CAP adult members come from all walks of life including electricians, lawyers, educators, retail workers, clergy, truck drivers, retirees. Really just about any career or background can be found in the ranks of the CAP adult membership.
Educators
Aerospace Education Members (AEM) of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and enjoy many free aerospace/STEM educational opportunities ranging from a variety of K-12 curriculum materials and STEM Kits to participating in a teacher orientation flight aboard one of our Cessna aircraft at a local airport. This unique membership category is designed for formal or informal educators involved in promoting aerospace/STEM education in classrooms, homeschools, museums, libraries, or other youth organizations.
Friends of CAP
Many people want to support the great work of Civil Air Patrol but simply don’t have the time to make the commitment as a member. Becoming a Friend of CAP allows them to support CAP’s service to our communities and nation. Friends are also eligible for member benefits and discounts. Friends of CAP donate $35.00 annually as a tax deductible gift to support the Civil Air Patrol without any volunteer membership obligations. These funds are directly used to support CAP’s youth programs and educational outreach. Please visit the donations page of our national website for more details.
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The Steps to Join
Step 1
Find a local squadron to visit. (We encourage you to visit multiple squadrons if you desire.)
Step 2
Contact the squadron and arrange to attend a meeting.
Step 3
Attend a meeting. When visiting for the first time, we recommend that you plan on arriving prior to the meeting start time. We also encourage you to plan on staying a few minutes after the meeting so that we can make sure to answer any questions you might have about membership in Civil Air Patrol.
Step 4
Complete the membership application. Plan on attending at least three meetings before completing and submitting an application for membership. Once you've decided to join CAP you'll be guided through the membership application process. There are annual membership dues and we will provide you with the most current information when you visit.
Step 5
Submit your application to CAP National Headquarters. Once your application has been completed you will be provided with information on where to send your application packet and dues. When your application is received at National Headquarters, it is date stamped and processed in order by the date it arrived. You will receive an automated welcome email when the membership is processed.
