What is your opinion on joining the Civil Air Patrol?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 17:51:02 -0500

I was wandering what do you guys think of Civil air patrol??? I have e done many military programs so I was wandering if you guys could tell me what you think???

Response by COL Thomas F. made Jan 26 at 2020 7:04 PM

COL Thomas F. — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 19:04:52 -0500

I'm going to take a SWAG that you're over 18 and therefore going to be a Senior Member. CAP is sort of like the Coast Guard Auxillary in that you support a larger component, in this case, the USAF. I've been in CAP as both a cadet in California (85-90) and more recently as an SM ('18-present) in Missouri and currently in a town outside Fort Knox, Kentucky. Depending on the squadron you choose, you can be a in a purely SM squadron in which you can focus on emergency services and aeronautics/flying, a Cadet squadron where you work with cadets 21 and under teaching leadership, aeronautics, and other community service-related activities, or a Composite squadron where you work with both SM and cadets. CAP is purely voluntary, so if you miss a meeting or two its not a big deal. Just don't take a staff job if you can't commit to it. I travel a lot as long as my team knows when I will show, all is good. As far as uniforms, you'll need to buy a set of USAF Class Bs primarily. You can also get some ABUs and the "corporate" uniform if you just want to be casual. Vanguard is their primary dealer, but if you live near an AF Base, you'll save some money. Apparently being Army we can't buy USAF uniforms online via AAFES. Your squadron commander can get more in-depth on what to wear to what and why. I personally rejoined the CAP to pursue my desire to be a pilot and to advance my pilot skill set. CAP gives you breaks on prices. As a SM you "track" a job sort of like getting a branch. You can "track" communications, emergency services (ground rescue teams, air observers, air cameraman), cadet programs, safety, finance, and a whole lot more. I highly recommend you attend at least 3 meetings at a few different squadrons to get a feel on the culture. Each is different in both the climate and emphasis of expectation. I wish you the best in your decision. Let me know if you have any questions.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jan 27 at 2020 8:51 AM

MSgt Michael Smith — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 08:51:45 -0500

I put CAP right up there with Boy Scouts and the Brownies. Great organizations if you wanna have pinewood derbies and bake sales. Zero relevance to the United States Military.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 16 at 2020 7:12 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:12:30 -0400

Its biggest value is in the cadet programs. If you’d like to help cadets wear uniforms, drill, and enjoy other activities, there’s always room for you.

Response by 1SG Joseph Dartey made Mar 16 at 2020 7:19 PM

1SG Joseph Dartey — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 19:19:36 -0400

I highly recommend the CAP program to anyone who wants to join (age requirement) or wants to volunteer to assist. My son is a Cadet Airman in the Lynchburg Virginia program. Gives the young kids something to do, they get experience, and they get recognition.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Mar 17 at 2020 2:30 PM

SMSgt Lawrence McCarter — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 14:30:00 -0400

Myself, My Father and brother each spent over 40 years in Civil Air Patrol. My brother and I both had joined as Cadets My Dad as a Senior Member. Civil Air Patrol is the official Auxiliary of the US Air Force. The Cadet program is on par level with the Junior ROTC programs of the Military services. My brother and I had both participated in the IACE, International Air Cadet Exchange. All three of us attended several CAP summer training encampments at Air Force Bases. I remained in CAP during My entire 22 years of Air Force service and was in the CAP program in MA, MO, HI and CO. I saw a lot of Cadets develop leadership skills and once entering the Armed Forces did very well as a result. Several of My former Cadets became Officers, Pilots etc. One former Cadet who graduated from the USAFA, United States Air Force Academy became an Air Force pilot and retired as a Lt. Colonel. His last USAF assignment was as the pilot on Air Force 2. He father, a WWII Veteran credits CAP for that interest and motivation. CAP also had motivated Me to join the USAF which I did and retired from as a SMSgt with 22 years in uniform.

Response by SFC James Himes made May 5 at 2020 3:10 PM

SFC James Himes — Tue, 05 May 2020 15:10:02 -0400

I have been a part of CAP since 1989. My primary focus has been the Ground Team Operations and Public Information Officer in the Emergency Services Search and Rescue and as Cadet Programs Officer and Public Affairs Officer in the Specialty Tracks. It has been a great experience and I have gotten just as much as I have put into it. Watching the young cadets progress and succeed has been a very rewarding experience. It is a real treat to have some young adult approach you and thank you for making their cadet years memorable because of what I provided to them in leadership training and by the example I set as an active duty and a senior.
I started while I was on active duty (AGR) with the Ohio Army National Guard and received support from the Guard in my interaction with CAP. I helped coordinate the annual Encampments at our Guard Camp sites. I was also able to provide weapons safety and familiarization courses via my qualification as a unit armorer.
Like all organizations, military or civilian, you will run into the occasional problem adult among the many great seniors. In the end it will be what you make of it.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2020 7:01 AM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 25 May 2020 07:01:11 -0400

I am a CAP senior member since 2015. My son is a cadet who will age out and become a senior member. The only thing I can add is that you get get out of it what your commitment level wi all you to put into it. I know a Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who also serves as a CAP wing vice commander. My will work with cadets their entire CAP career. Some people do want to reach to high in the ranks because of family reasons, or their real job will not allow them to put in the commitment level for that rank, or to even earn the rank. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s all voluntary; everyone gets paid the same ... zero dollars but lot’s of joy. But like any organization, there are a few knuckleheads that have to be dealt with among both the cadets and the seniors. Overall, the Civil Air Patrol is a solid organization. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, I would recommend to get some of them to join to.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Oct 28 at 2020 9:39 AM

SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 09:39:18 -0400

As a retired CAP Capt. and former Crew Chief and Door Gunner of an attack helicopter in Vietnam, I can't think of any better way of continuing to serve
America and all of its' people, especially if you have flying in your blood like I do, than as a member of the CAP.