CAP Saint Paul Composite Squadron

Cadet Program

Cadets - Getting Started In Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is one of the most unique and rewarding organizations in the United States. The opportunities and challenges available through the cadet program are unmatched in any other program for young people.

To join the cadet program, prospective cadets must be at least 12 and not reached their 18th birthday. Prospective members 18 and older are required to join as senior member (see Senior Program). Cadets can, however, remain a cadet until their 21st birthday at which time they must convert their membership status to "senior member."

Cadets training includes not only followership, leadership, and team working, but also includes operations qualification training to be of service to the country through CAP’s emergency services missions. Operations training encompasses all CAP mission related qualifications. Examples of these qualifications are mission pilot, mission observer, mission scanner, ground team leader, ground team member, urban direction finding, mission radio operator, etc. These qualifications can be obtained by any member satisfying the requisite training for that specialty - a very unique challenge for cadets unmatched by any other youth program.

The cadet program consists of four phases. Each phase builds upon the fundamentals of leadership learned in the previous and adds a new dimension of responsibility for cadet leaders. Cadets begin the program at the grade of Cadet Airman Basic (C/AB) and through a combination of leadership and aerospace written tests, cadet physical fitness testing, character development, and active unit participation, advance through the enlisted grades and then through the officer grades. The Mitchell Award earns the cadet second lieutenant (C/2d Lt) and is comparative in benefits to those associated with Eagle Scouts. Cadets continue through the officer grades earning up to Cadet Colonel (C/Col) and the Spaatz Award. Cadets earning the Mitchell Award are eligible to enlist in the USAF at the advanced grade of E-3. Additionally, cadets become eligible for CAP scholarships and additional national cadet special activities (NCSA).

Progression

More information about each phase and the requirements for progression, chose the phase link below that you are interested in.

Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4

Color Guard

The Saint Paul Composite Squadron Cadet Color Guard is a unique element cadets may volunteer for. The color guard practices outside regular meeting times and learns precision drill and movements, manual of arms, and procedures for working with the colors and arms in various environments and situations.

The color guard is a performing element for the squadron. The color guard may be requested to present the colors at official functions within the community. Because of its public nature, members of the color guard serve as representatives of the unit to the community. Members will have the opportunity to travel to various events and also have the chance to compete against other color guards in the color guard competition.

Cadet Orientation Flight Program
mountaingliding

The Cadet Orientation Flight Program is designed to introduce our youth to general aviation through hands-on orientation flights in single engine aircraft and gliders. The program is limited to current CAP cadets under 18 years of age. At no time will cadets sustain any costs associated with this program.

Cadets receive five glider orientation flights and five powered orientation flights. These flights are not flying lessons. Cadets brief prior to each flight over knowledge areas that will be covered based on the flight syllabus the cadet is on. While the flights are not flight instruction, cadets get to handle the aircraft and learn how the flight controls, basic aircraft systems, and other aspects of flying work. Additionally, while front seat rides are restricted, there is no limit to back seat flights for a cadet.

Funding for orientation flights is provided by the Air Force. Each wing receives an allocation each year based on the number of cadets in the wing. Pilots and squadrons can fly orientation flights and not seek reimbursement for the flight. These flights do not count against the cadets 5 powered or 5 glider flights.

For more information about the Cadet Orientation Flight Program, see CAPP 52-7.

Cadet Texts (Leadership 2000 and Beyond, Dimensions of Aerospace, Journey of Flight)