MEMBERS

NEW CADETS START HERE

Welcome New Cadets and Parents

And welcome to Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs! We are excited you have chosen to be a part of all things Civil Air Patrol. To start off, here is some important info you need to know.

Communication and Chain of Command: Know your Chain of Command and use it. Their job is to help you succeed in CAP.

* NOTE: This image is not a button. Your local unit will provide you with information regarding your Chain of Command.

Ask your cadet mentor how to make sure you are connected to your Squadron including the local Squadron website, Facebook page, etc. Don't have a cadet mentor yet? Ask to be assigned one.

New Cadet Guide: Make this guide your #1 resource for getting started in CAP. It will explain WEARING THE UNIFORM, STAYING SAFE, and ENJOYING A GREAT 1st YEAR IN CAP.

Parent's Guide to CAP: Your guide to the basics of CAP and an overview of Cadet Programs.

CAP is a safe, positive environment that uses an age-appropriate, military-style learning model to challenge young people. While cadet life is regimented, we do not tolerate any form of abusive behavior or hazing.

Get Into Uniform:

Wearing your uniform properly is part of your leadership training and is required to be demonstrated in order to promote. It is important to get into at least one uniform as quickly as possible. It is recommended that the first uniform to purchase is the ABU.

Please discuss PT uniform items with Cadet Leadership prior to purchase.

Learn The Lingo: Don't know military time? What does that acronym mean? Find out the basics here.

Respect on Display: How and Why CAP Practices Air Force-Style Customs and Courtesies. Basics of saluting, coming to attention, the place of honor, reporting, the pledge, introductions, manners of address, etc.

Take Your CAP Membership Photo

Don't wait until your application is approved. In order to get the most out of your CAPID, it needs an approved Membership Photo. Use the guidelines below to obtain your photo. As soon as you get eServices access, upload your photo for approval so it can be included on your new CAP ID that will be mailed to you. If you miss the deadline, a new membership card will cost $3.

Talk to your unit Public Affairs (PA) Officer or Admin Officer to get your photo taken.

My Application Was Approved. Now What?

1. Create an account in eServices.

Use THIS LINK to create your account in eServices using your assigned CAP ID number and temporary password. Make sure to change your password and keep it in a safe place.

You will also be prompted to do some preliminary training for OPSEC (Operational Security) in order to proceed to use the eServices website.

As you create your account, double-check that your contact information is complete and correct. This should include:

Parent(s) Contact Info: Entries for both email and phone number (preferably cell). Be sure to put parent's name in entries. * If both parents wish to receive emails regarding meetings, events or other information, please be sure to add BOTH parents as separate entries in this section.

Cadet Contact Info: Entries for both email and phone number (preferably cell). Be sure to put cadet name in name section.

Emergency Contact Info: Entries for additional emergency contacts to include the phone number, contact person’s name and relation to the cadet.

* Please be sure to fill out the Emergency Contact section, EVEN IF YOU HAVE TO DUPLICATE INFORMATION FROM A PREVIOUS ENTRY. Emergency Contacts can be pulled in a separate report if this information is needed.

2. Upload your CAP Membership Photo to eServices.

Submit your CAP Membership Photo. As soon as you have a CAP ID and login credentials:
- Log into eServices at http://capnhq.gov/
- Click on your name in the top, right corner of the screen
- Click on “General Info”
- Scroll down to “Membership Card”
- Click on “Click here to upload a photo for your membership card, 101 card, etc.”
- Follow the instructions to upload your photo.
If you have already received your CAP Membership Card and it does not contain your photo, click on "Click here to purchase a replacement membership card" - You must have a valid CAP ID with photo for certain privileges.

3. Look Around.

Your NEW CADET KIT will arrive within 10 days of your officially joining CAP. Watch your mailbox. Give the PARENTS’ GUIDE to your mom, dad, or guardian. To be a successful cadet, you’ll need their support, and the Parents’ Guide can help you explain to them why CAP is important to you.

4. Read Your Leadership Text.

You will need to pass a 25-question, open-book test on this material to complete Achievement 1 and qualify for promotion to Cadet Airman. Pay attention to the learning objectives and use them to quiz yourself.

5. Pass the Learn to Lead Chapter 1 Test.

Take your online test. (CAP eServices account required to access test.) You can do so at home, at your convenience.

6. Record Your Progress.

Print your Promotion Progress Form for your first Achievement (Curry) and work with your supervising cadet to keep track of your scores and progress.

7. Plan to Attend Encampment.

The highlight of a cadet’s first year is the encampment, a week-long immersion into a regimented environment. Cadets develop leadership skills,explore STEM and military careers,challenge themselves on obstacle courses, and have a lot of fun in the process.

We want every cadet to attend, so please mark the calendar now. (Generally there are two encampments offered per year, a summer and a winter encampment.) Tuition averages $150 to $300, and scholarships are available through the Cadet Encampment Assistance Program.

Basic Expectations for 1st Year Cadets

★ Stay with CAP for at least 1 year. Give the cadet experience a chance to impact your life.

★ Attend your weekly squadron meetings and other squadron events and activities.

★ Attend one "Saturday" event per month, if available.

★ Attend encampment. It's an awesome, week-long, overnight activity immersing you into all facets of cadet life.

★ Earn the Wright Brothers' Award during your first year.

★ Keep school and family obligations your first priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I earn promotions?

The Cadet Programs Super Chart shows HOW TO RANK-UP, AT A GLANCE.

2. What is my CAPID?

Your CAPID is a 6-digit identification number. It's found on your membership card and in eServices.

3. Where's my membership card?

You should receive your CAP ID card in the mail within 30 days of joining. If yours hasn't arrived, please contact us. You are REQUIRED to carry your CAP ID at all CAP sponsored meetings and events.

4. How do I get my textbooks?

About 10 days after joining, you should receive a New Cadet Kit in the mail. If you haven't received yours after 2 weeks, please contact National Membership Services.

5. Where do I go if I have more questions?

Use your Cadet Chain of Command and talk with local leaders in your squadron. Their job is to help you succeed in CAP. Moms and dads should reach out to Cadet Programs Senior Member Leadership for more assistance.