NEW CADET WELCOME
Thank you for visiting Eloy Composite Squadron! We’re happy that you’re interested in learning more about Civil Air Patrol.
The amount of new stuff to do and learn as a new cadet in CAP can oftentimes seem overwhelming but by following this checklist, and asking for guidance from your element leader and the cadet staff, we hope the process will be made easier.
Before we begin exploring the steps involved with joining, here is some information about CAP and the kind of training you will receive and the activities you will participate in.
USAF AUXILIARY
Civil Air Patrol is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. What this means is that the Air Force supports CAP with materials, personnel, and funding. In return, CAP relieves the Air Force of many aerial and ground search and rescue activities nationwide. CAP is a civilian, voluntary, flight-oriented non-profit organization. CAP has been given three distinct missions:
Aerospace Education refers to the training given to CAP members, and to other groups in the local community, in the Melds of aviation and space development. Through this effort CAP helps to teach about things like: unmanned aerial vehicles, robotics, flight simulation, and cyber security. Cadet members of CAP are given the opportunity to take orientation flights in CAP aircraft.
Cadet Programs are designed to help people aged 12 to 21 progress through a 16-step program introducing them to such things as: Aerospace Education, Leadership Training, Physical Fitness, and Moral Leadership. These programs include local, national, and international activities, and CyberPatriot, the national cyber security competition. The cadet program in CAP is primarily led by cadets who have advanced through the program into leadership positions.
Emergency Services refers to those CAP activities involving air and ground team activities. CAP flies more than 85% of all federal inland search-and-rescue missions, saving approximately 100 lives each year. CAP also participates in disaster relief, humanitarian services, and support flight for various federal and state agencies. To accomplish these missions CAP operates a fleet of about 550 aircraft and more than 1,000 vehicles. This is the largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft in the world.
These missions probably include areas of interest to you. Before you may participate on a broad scale, you will be required to familiarize yourself with an overview of the entire CAP program. You will be assisted in reaching your first achievement, the John Curry Award, after which you will become a Cadet Airman. After this promotion you will be able to attend and participate in most regular CAP activities and training, including Encampment, and will be eligible to obtain your necessary uniforms.
