1. What are the requirements for a cadet membership?

1. 12 years of age, or attending the 6th grade, through 18 years of age. Cadets who start prior to 18 years of age may retain their cadet membership until age 21.
2. Enrolled in or graduated from a private or public school or college with a satisfactory record of academic achievement.
3. Unmarried
4. Not a member of the Armed Forces on active duty.
5. Be a citizen of the U.S. or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
6. Possess good moral character.
7. If a former CAP member, must not have been terminated for misconduct.
8. Be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters.

2. How often do I have to attend meetings?

You are expected to attend ALL weekly meetings which are held on Thursdays at 6:30PM at the Chesapeake Regional Airport on West Road. Sometimes school or family-related events and responsibilities do cause a conflict. In these instances you are expected to contact your element leader in advance and provide a reason why you will be unable to attend. Excessive unexcused absences may be cause for termination of your CAP membership.

3. Can my cadet membership be terminated?

There are reasons why a cadet membership can be terminated. Transfer to senior membership occurs when a cadet:

1. Reaches the age of 21.
2. Joins the Armed Forces. Cadets who join the Armed Forces under the delayed enlistment program are not required to become senior members until they actually report for duty.
3. Marries.

Your membership will also be terminated if you:

1. Become pregnant.
2. Fail to progress satisfactorily in the cadet program.
3. Fail to demonstrate interest in the cadet program.
4. Are involved in gross misconduct.

4. How do I advance in grade?

Advancement in the cadet program progresses over 16 achievements divided across 4 phases. With some exceptions, each achievement contains a physical fitness, leadership, aerospace education and moral leadership component. This chart summarizes progression in the cadet program.

A new cadet grade is earned at the completion of each achievement. There are 14 cadet grades beginning with Cadet Airman Basic and ending with Cadet Colonel. Advancement is not automatic, and you may be retained in your current grade if your performance or maturity does not indicate that you can handle increased responsibility.

Some achievements carry additional requirements beyond passing exams. For example, in Achievement 8 you must write a 500 word essay and present a 7 minute speech to the unit. As another example, before you can complete Phase II to earn the General Billy Mitchell Award you must attend, and complete, a one-week long Virginia CAP Wing Encampment Event.

The first achievement may be completed after you have officially joined CAP and you complete an orientation course. All other achievements require a minimum of 60 days between completion.

5. Will I get to fly?

Cadets do receive multiple opportunities to fly, and learn about flight, through the Orientation Ride and glider programs. In some cases transportation to and from CAP events may be provided on CAP aircraft. Transportation to some special events may also be provided via military airlift. After earning the General Billy Mitchell Award you may become eligible for scholarship money that may be applied to flight training.

6. What kind of uniform will I be required to wear?

There are a variety of different uniforms worn by cadets. The two most common are:

Blue Shirt Combination - The same uniform worn by active duty military personnel. This is the basic cadet uniform and is typically worn when engaged in normal CAP duties and while attending local, area, or national CAP functions.

Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) - BDUs are considered the work utility uniform. This uniform is typically worn while performing duties at the squadron, during some special activities, or while participating in an actual or practice mission.

7. Will I have to follow orders?

As a part of joining CAP you take an oath to obey your officers. As a member of the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, you are expected to follow the traditions, standards, customs and courtesies agreed to and accepted by the USAF and CAP. By listening to and obeying the instructions of your superiors you carry on the tradition of professionalism that is inherent to CAP.

8. OK, so how do I join?

Before you join we recommend that you visit our squadron during one of our weekly meetings.  You do not need to make an appointment or notify anyone you are coming to the meeting - simply decide on a meeting using the Event Schedule on this website and show up.  After you have decided to join Squadron 141, you will be provided with a membership packet that contains the cadet application.

9. Where can I find more information?

You can find more information at the CAP National web site in the Cadet Programs section. You may also want to read the Parent FAQ section as well.