Find a Local Squadron
Contact a nearby squadron to learn more about membership and unit opportunities. Members may join any squadron within the wing.
Active "Adult" Member (Senior)
Civil Air Patrol Membership
Join as an Adult Member
Adult members are the backbone of Civil Air Patrol, serving in leadership, operations, emergency services, aerospace education, cadet programs, communications, logistics, and countless other mission areas.
Active Senior Membership
An active senior member is an adult at least 18 years of age who regularly attends meetings, performs a specific duty assignment, meets training requirements, and participates in unit activities.
Active members may wear the CAP uniform, pursue grade advancement, serve in operational missions, support cadet activities, and participate in leadership opportunities across the organization.
Since Civil Air Patrol is a volunteer-led organization, active members are required to hold a duty position in a unit. Members may branch out to lead activities, participate in real-world missions beyond their squadron, and pilot CAP aircraft.
Commitment
Oath of Membership
Agreement with CAP’s Oath of Membership is part of the application process and is reaffirmed during membership renewal.
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I understand membership in the Civil Air Patrol is a privilege, not a right, and that membership is on a year-to-year basis subject to recurring renewal by CAP...
Active Membership Criteria
Eligibility
Active Membership Criteria
The following are requirements to join CAP as an Active Member:
Be at least 18 years of age or an active-duty member of the Armed Forces.
Be a citizen of the United States or lawfully admitted for permanent residence.
Be accepted by the CAP unit’s membership board.
Membership may be rejected or terminated for failure to meet eligibility standards, misconduct, falsification of information, or violations of CAP regulations and policies.
Steps to Join CAP
Get Started
Steps to Join CAP
Attend a Meeting
Attend a local meeting to meet members, learn about the unit, and determine whether CAP is a good fit for your interests and goals.
Apply for Membership
Complete the CAPF 12 senior application and submit required dues, identification verification, and fingerprint information.
Download CAPF 12Participation & Training
Member Participation
Active members are expected to participate at the squadron level and serve in a duty assignment supporting CAP’s missions and operations.
Level I Training
Members complete Level I through online and in-person training modules that introduce Civil Air Patrol’s structure, policies, safety culture, and operations.
Duty Assignments
Members serve as staff officers, instructors, pilots, communicators, logistics specialists, emergency services personnel, and mentors.
Professional Development
CAP offers leadership schools, specialty tracks, mentoring programs, and advanced training opportunities to help members grow and advance.
Emergency Services
Mission Qualifications
Civil Air Patrol conducts search and rescue, disaster relief, homeland security, aerial imaging, communications support, and many other operational missions under its emergency services program.
Our wing routinely flies as tracks of interest during air intercept training over the nation’s capital involving Air Force fighter aircraft, Coast Guard helicopters, Army support, and FAA visual warning systems.
Mission qualifications are divided into aircrew, ground, and incident command staff specialties and require completion of emergency services and FEMA training.
Aviation Opportunities
Pilot Onboarding
CAP pilots support missions including search and rescue, disaster relief, cadet orientation flights, and Air Force-assigned missions.
Initial requirements include an FAA pilot certificate, current flight review, medical qualification or BasicMed eligibility, and minimum pilot in command flight hours.
CAP flight instructors and aircraft are available at reduced cost to help members gain experience and progress toward mission pilot qualifications.
Remote Pilots with an FAA Part 107 certificate are also needed in the wing.
Military Experience
Military Members & Veterans
Current and former members of the Armed Forces may receive advanced CAP grade recognition based on military experience and service.
Military officers may receive equivalent CAP officer grades, while senior enlisted personnel may retain NCO grade or receive advanced officer grade recognition within CAP.
Promotions are not automatic and require completion of CAP professional development requirements, participation, and leadership involvement.
Serve Your Community
Ready to Become a Civil Air Patrol Member?
Explore leadership opportunities, emergency services missions, aviation, aerospace education, and volunteer service through Civil Air Patrol.
