New Cadet

So you just joined, now what?

Know your rank and CAPID

You will write down your rank (or CAP grade) and Civil Air Patrol Identification [number] on sign in sheets, forms, etc.

• Your rank is Cadet Airman Basic, written "C/AB"

• Your CAPID is a six digit number that is on your membership card

Know your Chain of Command

As a new cadet you'll be assigned a flight with a flight sergeant and flight commander (or it's possible you may have one but not the other) and you'll also have an element leader and most importantly you should have a wingman. This actually the basis of "chain of command".

Having a "Chain of Command" ensures that you only have one "boss" to report to and in turn, that "boss" should only have  1-4 people reporting to them. Studies have shown that the most people a leader can effectively manage is between 5-7; this is known as span of control. 

Example:  Your cadet commander should only have his/her flight commanders reporting to them. Let's say that you as a member of a flight have a question, your question should first go to your element leader (if assigned) or flight sergeant, if they can't answer it they will seek out your flight commander, and if the flight commander can't answer it then they will seek the cadet commander. That's using the chain of command!

 So if you are a new cadet take a moment make yourself familiar the graphic below. Find out the names and ranks of everyone in your chain of command and make certain you have contact information for your element leader (if assigned), flight sergeant, and flight commander.

But What Flight Am I In?

As a new cadet you will be assigned to Charlie. Click here to see who your flight staff is.

Setup CAWG Email and eServices 

You'll want to set up your California Wing (CAWG) email as soon as possible! This is your official pipeline to communications not only from within the squadron but from the group, wing, and beyond. CAWG and for that matter Civil Air Patrol as whole, utilizes Mircosoft Outlook for their email server because of the level of security provided, which is needed for some of the information that Civil Air Patrol occasionally handles. You'll learn about Operation SECurity (OPSEC) soon enough.

Along with your CAWG email, you'll also want to get onto eServices. The most important thing that eServices has for you as a new cadet is it provides you access AXIS, the online learning site for all of your courses and tests. 

eServices New User Registration

Take the Cadet Welcome Course and Work on that First Promotion

How to access Cadet Welcome Course

Achievement 1  - the Curry Award How to Become Eligible for Promotion

Get a Wingman!

A wingman is a fellow cadet in your flight who can help you with things because you're in it together.