Students and Homeschoolers – Volunteer with Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force Auxiliary (Group 5-157)

The Squadrons of California Wing, Civil Air Patrol are looking for Students to become part of our all volunteer non-profit organization chartered by Congress as the US Air Force Auxiliary.

Students and parents, would you like to honor and serve America and your local community? Do you want to prepare for your future while making new friends? Then rise to the challenge of Cadet membership in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol.

While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP’s cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone. The CAP Cadet Program is a program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. Our goal is to provide consistent opportunities for Cadets to achieve through events that focus on Leadership Aerospace, Emergency Service, Drill and Ceremonies and Character Development.

Whatever your interests-survival training, flight training, photography, astronomy-there’s a place for you in CAP’s cadet program. Each year, cadets have the opportunity to participate in special activities at the local, state, regional or national level. Many cadets will have the opportunity to solo fly an airplane for the first time through a flight encampment or academy. Others will enjoy traveling abroad through the International Air Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air shows throughout the nation

The program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others. Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the Air Force as an E3 (airman first class) rather than an E1 (airman basic).

To become a Cadet, you must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.

Interested parents and your students, please contact Civil Air Patrol via this site and arrange to attend a weekly meeting at your local Squadron.