My son is considering joining the Civil Air Patrol. Does anyone have any experience with this organization? Any info is appreciated?

I say often that “CAP is what you make of it.” Adults have more flexibility, while cadets are expected to make most meetings, wear uniforms impeccably, and make continuous progression through their PME track. Still, there’s almost nothing that an adult can do that a cadet can’t also do.

Interested in computers? There’s a team of anti-hackers called Cyber Patriot. Want to fly in a plane? Each cadet is allocated five flights in a powered airplane, and four flights in a glider. Want to actually take flying lessons? (Mom and Dad have to pay for it, but—) cadets are permitted to use cheaper CAP airplanes with volunteer flight instructors to pursue a pilot license. Want to get dirty? Cadets can train to be on ground teams—land nav, communications, first aid, and so on. I personally know a girl who was a 17-year-old ground team leader (with an adult closely supervising) who led her team t night, in pouring rain, through rough terrain for a mile from a road, tracking an emergency beacon which led them to a real-world plane crash (sadly, no survivors). Think of it—you’re in high school, and tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center on a real-world search and rescue mission. Maybe you’d prefer something dressier? Cadets can join a color guard team, or a drill team, with all the standard flash and pop. And i haven’t even gone halfway down the list.

If I’d known what CAP was as a kid, I’d have joined on my 12th birthday.

There’s almost no part of being a cadet that won’t transfer well to the rest of regular life. Study skills, attention to detail, work ethic, and making friends.

If you haven’t yet, stop by your local unit and express an interest. They’ll be happy to talk to you, and probably encourage you to try it out with three meetings before deciding. Good luck!

CAP is a great organization. I interacted with CAP cadets when I was a JROTC cadet (high school) attending a leadership school. Great group. There's a lot to be learned by younger guys and gals in such an organization and there are opportunities that are really worthwhile. CAP was different from us JROTC guys and gals though in that they actually serve a purpose; CAP actually performs certain missions (i.e. search and rescue) sometimes. Of course, the kids aren't out flying planes/helicopters but, if my memory serves, they do have the opportunity to learn how to operate certain aircraft as they go through the program. I would definitely say go for it, especially if your son's school doesn't have a JROTC unit. You can usually find the closest CAP squadron by using their website and the information for submitting an application should be readily available there as well.

CPO Gregory Smith - I was in a CAP squadron several years ago. You didn't indicate your son's age so I'll assume he's younger than 18. He needs to find a unit that has a robust cadet cadre (ie: younger than 19). I think he would be better satisfied as those units would be doing more activities that would keep his interest and desire. Depending on the capabilities of the squadron, he would be afforded opportunities to learn basics in SAR, first aid/CPR, land navigation, flight operations, aerospace education, as well as learning basic military customs and courtesies.

Best of luck to him. I enjoyed my time in CAP and my hope is that he will as well.