Cadet Membership

CAP Cadet Membership is open to young men and women who are enrolled in 6th grade or higher and are under the age of 19. Cadets join CAP for many reasons. Many join because they are interested in pursuing careers in aviation. Others join because of an interest in emergency services or the military. CAP has many things to offer cadets including...

• Aerospace Education (including flight opportunities)
• Leadership and Management Training
• Search and Rescue Training and Service

The Col. Joe Kittinger Phantom Squadron is a Senior Squadron, meaning we do not have Cadet members.  However there are two outstanding Composite squadrons in the Austin Area:
 
Apollo Composite Squadron
Captain Cheri Fischler, Squadron Commander
Phone: 512.963.8505
Email:  cheri.fischler@gmail.com

Pegasus Composite Squadron
Captain John Benavides, Squadron Commander
Phone: 512.238.7491
Email:   john@benavides.com

Prerequisites for Cadet membership:

 All applicants for cadet membership must meet the following: 

1. Twelve years old (or attending 6th grade) through 18 years old.
2. Enrolled in or graduated from a public or private school or college with a satisfactory record of academic achievement.
3. Not married.
4. Not a member of the active duty Armed Forces.
5. United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
6. Good moral character.
7. Attend a minimum of three cadet meetings
8. Fill out an application
9. Pay dues 
10. Purchase uniform items 

Other Cadet Resources:

Want to see what other cadets around the country are up to? Go to http://www.cadetstuff.org/

As a CAP Cadet, your life will take on new and meaningful challenges. 

Cadets have many roles to perform and duties to fill once they sign on. Honesty, integrity, hard work and dedication are all hallmarks of a successful cadet. Since CAP is voluntary, attendance is also voluntary, but cadets soon find that "you get out what you put in". . . .but you will not be alone. 

The CAP cadet unit is a team. It has cadet leaders and teachers whose success will be judged by how successful you are. Dedicated senior (adult) officers administer the program and help the cadet leaders guide and mentor you in your cadet career--until you move up into a leadership role yourself. The cadet program is multi-faceted, presenting several areas of knowledge and skill to equip you for a successful future. 

You will be heavily exposed to the wonder and intrigue of aerospace science and its history. 

You will learn about Air Force drill and ceremonies (marching) and proudly wear the Air Force uniform. You can also volunteer to help with CAP's Emergency Services mission and participate in Search and Rescue exercises, Ground Team Exercises, and (depending on age) you may even go on real life search and rescue missions! 

CAP training can lead to appointments at military service academies, such as the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Being a member can also lead to CAP funded college and flight training scholarships. 

Each weekly meeting is designed to present one major aspect of your overall training. During the meeting there are two hour-long periods; one for leadership training and one for specialized training. 

During the leadership hour you will first learn how to be a follower. As you move up in the ranks, you will learn how to be a leader. Here, you will learn Air Force drill and ceremonies, proper uniform wear and care, and cadet basic knowledge. This training will bolster your confidence and enhance your decisiveness--both essential to being a good leader. 

In the second hour, depending on the week, you will attend a class on aerospace education, moral leadership, emergency services, or physical fitness. 

Aerospace education is a mission of the Civil Air Patrol. Here you will learn from trained aerospace instructors about the fundamentals of aircraft and rocket flight. You will learn about cockpit instrumentation and aviation Weather. You will also learn about the history of aerospace, from the early efforts of pioneers like Orville and Wilbur Wright and Dr. Robert Goddard, to modern day aviation heroes.

Moral Leadership gives needed balance to your growing capabilities by presenting the concepts of authority and responsibility. CAP is one of the few youth organizations that stresses and teaches the ethics and moral principles of follower ship and command responsibility.

Physical Fitness rounds out the moral and command leadership training by encouraging physical wellness. Cadets are required to run one mile and perform sit-ups as part of their advancement in rank. Don't worry, though. It starts out easy with ever-shortening mile time requirements. Of course, cadets who are unable to perform the physical fitness course for medical reasons are exempt.

Emergency Services are another vital CAP mission. Although not required as part of a cadet's career, many cadets desire to participate in this CAP fundamental. Once per month, basic ES training is provided and can cover topics ranging from basic first aid and CPR, to advanced airborne search-route planning.

Special activities occur several times per year give you experiences that are simply unavailable in any other organization. CAP, in conjunction with the Air Force sponsors many activities that broaden a cadet's experience.

Orientation flights on CAP and military aircraft, summer encampments, Parachute Jump Orientation courses, Cadet Officer School, Cadet Leadership School, and more are available to all who join.

DISCLAIMER: Links or references to individuals or companies does not constitute an endorsement of any information, product or service you may receive from such sources.

Copyright ©2008 Col. Joe W. Kittinger Phantom Senior Squadron SWR TX 352

Group III, Texas Wing, Civil Air Patrol.  

 

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