How to Join
Are you ready to take the next step and join the Civil Air Patrol?
Step 1. Find a local CAP squadron
The first step in joining Civil Air Patrol is to find your local squadron. You can find squadrons near you by entering your zip code or city and state in the online unit locator.
The local squadron is the best place to find answers to specific questions about membership.
Types of Squadrons:
SENIOR
Senior squadrons only have an adult program for senior members 18 years of age and older. Cadets are not accepted into senior squadrons.
CADET
Cadet squadrons only have a youth program for cadets. There are senior members in this program, but their purpose is to manage the youth program. Adults join if their primary interest is working with the cadets.
COMPOSITE
Composite squadrons have both a senior and a cadet program.
Step 2. Contact the squadron
Call and/or email the unit contact person and confirm the meeting date, time and location. You can also take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about membership eligibility. Keep in mind that the phone number or email posted is often the personal contact information for the CAP member. All of our members are volunteers and try to respond to membership inquiries as soon as possible, so please give them a few days to respond. If you encounter a wrong number or incorrect email address or otherwise have difficulty contacting the local unit, please email us through the Contact page for assistance.
Step 3. Attend a meeting
The best way to learn more about CAP is to attend a meeting. You’ll have a chance to see how meetings are run and what types of activities are available. You should visit all the squadrons that are convenient to you. Each squadron has a different leadership, culture and volunteer opportunities. Typically you will attend three meetings before completing your membership application.