What is your opinion on joining the Civil Air Patrol?

I'm going to take a SWAG that you're over 18 and therefore going to be a Senior Member. CAP is sort of like the Coast Guard Auxillary in that you support a larger component, in this case, the USAF. I've been in CAP as both a cadet in California (85-90) and more recently as an SM ('18-present) in Missouri and currently in a town outside Fort Knox, Kentucky. Depending on the squadron you choose, you can be a in a purely SM squadron in which you can focus on emergency services and aeronautics/flying, a Cadet squadron where you work with cadets 21 and under teaching leadership, aeronautics, and other community service-related activities, or a Composite squadron where you work with both SM and cadets. CAP is purely voluntary, so if you miss a meeting or two its not a big deal. Just don't take a staff job if you can't commit to it. I travel a lot as long as my team knows when I will show, all is good. As far as uniforms, you'll need to buy a set of USAF Class Bs primarily. You can also get some ABUs and the "corporate" uniform if you just want to be casual. Vanguard is their primary dealer, but if you live near an AF Base, you'll save some money. Apparently being Army we can't buy USAF uniforms online via AAFES. Your squadron commander can get more in-depth on what to wear to what and why. I personally rejoined the CAP to pursue my desire to be a pilot and to advance my pilot skill set. CAP gives you breaks on prices. As a SM you "track" a job sort of like getting a branch. You can "track" communications, emergency services (ground rescue teams, air observers, air cameraman), cadet programs, safety, finance, and a whole lot more. I highly recommend you attend at least 3 meetings at a few different squadrons to get a feel on the culture. Each is different in both the climate and emphasis of expectation. I wish you the best in your decision. Let me know if you have any questions.

I highly recommend the CAP program to anyone who wants to join (age requirement) or wants to volunteer to assist. My son is a Cadet Airman in the Lynchburg Virginia program. Gives the young kids something to do, they get experience, and they get recognition.

I am a CAP senior member since 2015. My son is a cadet who will age out and become a senior member. The only thing I can add is that you get get out of it what your commitment level wi all you to put into it. I know a Air Force Chief Master Sergeant who also serves as a CAP wing vice commander. My will work with cadets their entire CAP career. Some people do want to reach to high in the ranks because of family reasons, or their real job will not allow them to put in the commitment level for that rank, or to even earn the rank. There’s nothing wrong with it. It’s all voluntary; everyone gets paid the same ... zero dollars but lot’s of joy. But like any organization, there are a few knuckleheads that have to be dealt with among both the cadets and the seniors. Overall, the Civil Air Patrol is a solid organization. If you have children, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, I would recommend to get some of them to join to.