The Joining Process for Cadets

So what is the Squadron153 process? 

 

Here at Squadron 153, we have went through a transition from recruitment open all year long to one of seasonal recruiting phases and standing up our very own Cadet Training Flight (CTF) operating once in the spring and another in the fall. The concept behind the CTF is no different than the way a lot youth sports teams onboards new members, and just like the military we hope that by giving a group of new cadets the experience of achieving success together will foster the development of teamwork and create bonds that will help them have an enriched cadet career.

 

(1)  Fill out the interest form (Optional)

It is optional, however if we are in between recruiting phases and you want to be kept in the loop, then this is a good way to do so.

Click the image or scan the code to be 
taken to the "SQ Interest" form.

(2) Attend an Open House (Optional)

You may very well have visited with us at event, either on base or off, but come down to our open house! See where we meet, what we do, and most importantly while attendance is optional, this is your chance (and your parent's chance) to ask all the questions either of you might have. 

(3) Visit a Squadron meeting (Optional)

Weren't to make the open house? Maybe you did and you still would like to see what weekly meetings are like, either way the two meetings in between the open house and orientation are available to view as a perspective cadet. Please RSVP. 

(4) Attend Orientation (Mandatory)

We require you (of course) but also at least one parent or guardian to attend orientation. We will go over the ground work, such as expectations, where and how to get uniforms, dues and the application process, and most importantly you'll be introduced to not only Squadron leadership but your CTF flight commander (or NCOIC) and training sergeant(s) who you will spend the next thirteen weeks with as a member of the CTF. 

(a.)  Applying for Membership

Upon verifying eligibility to join outlined in Chapter 2 of CAPR 39-2 (also available at the bottom of the page) your parent(s) or guardian(s) will be given all the information needed to join. There is one caveat, you must have attended three meetings, verified and on file before the squadron commander will approve your application.

(b.)  Look for a Welcome Email

Check your email for a note confirming your membership from National Headquarters. If your squadron denies your membership application for some reason, you'll receive word via email and your credit card will be refunded.

 

New Cadet Kit

Upon joining CAP, new cadets receive a New Cadet Kit containing important resources to get them started. The contents include:

• New Cadet Guide

• Aerospace Dimensions, 3rd ed.  (7 modules)

• Learn to Lead, vol. 1

• Learn to Lead Cadet Drill Guide

• Personal Cadet Tracker, phase 1 & 2

• Parents' Guide (Ships separately)

Kits ship via USPS and arrive within 15 days of the cadet officially joining CAP.  See the FAQ for more. 

 

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Chapter 2 - CADET MEMBERSHIP

2.1. General. Cadet membership in CAP is available to all young men and women who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 2.2. Cadets who become members before their 19th birthday may retain their cadet status until they reach 21 years of age; however, active membership is optional for all cadets at age 18 (see paragraph 3.2.5. for application procedures).

2.2. Requirements for Initial Membership. All applicants for cadet membership must meet the following prerequisites:

2.2.1. Twelve years of age through 18 years of age. Note: Individuals applying for membership in a squadron that is participating in CAP’s middle school initiative may join if they are below age 12 as long as they are attending at least the sixth grade in the appropriate middle school. These squadrons are monitored by the Cadet Program office at National Headquarters and have a distinguishing charter number that identifies them as participants of this program. [Of which Squadron 153 is not.]

2.2.2. Enrolled in or graduated from a private, public, home school or college program with a satisfactory record of academic achievement.

2.2.3. Single, or married and under age 18.

2.2.4. Not a member of the active duty Armed Forces. National Guard and Reserve personnel are not considered active duty Armed Forces unless they are serving on extended active duty. For the purpose of this regulation, CAP does not consider Basic Military Training for Guard and Reserve personnel as extended active duty.

2.2.5. 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 or his/her designee.

2.2.5.1. 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 than by reason of acquiring citizenship, the alien is no longer eligible for membership.

2.2.5.2. Requests for waiver of 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 Membership Services (CAP/DP). The online application may not be used by those requesting a citizenship waiver. The waiver, if approved, will be only for the period of residence within the United States.

2.2.6. Good moral character.

2.2.7. If a former member of CAP, must not have been terminated for misconduct.

2.2.8. Prospective cadets visiting a traditional unit must participate in a trial period by attending three squadron meetings before requesting membership. Unit commanders will not approve membership applications (online or in paper form) until the prospective cadet has attended his or her third squadron meeting. Commanders of school-sponsored units possessing an 800-series charter number will set a trial period appropriate for that school unit’s program environment, in coordination with the school principal. Prospective cadets may not explore CAP without joining for longer than 30 days.

2.2.8.1. During the trial period, unit commanders will only permit prospective cadets to participate in cadet activities that are not physically rigorous, including classroom activities, drill and ceremonies, and low-impact field activities such as rocketry, simple orienteering, volleyball, and similar endeavors, provided the young person reports to have no physical limitations or injuries.

2.2.8.2. Prospective cadets are prohibited from participating in overnight activities, flying, riding in CAP vehicles, participating in physically-rigorous field activities such as hiking and obstacle course, and participating in any activity that would qualify as “high adventure” per CAPR 52-16, chapter 2.

2.2.9. Be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters.