Boy Scouts VS Civil Air Patrol?

[Meowspike13]

I am currently 13 years old and have recently discovered the Air Force Academy. I've always wanted to be a pilot and believe me, I will not rest until I've done everything I can to get into the Academy. I've researched for hours and I found the civil air patrol. I am also in Boy Scouts, however. I've already enrolled myself into the cadet program and have even emailed my scoutmaster, telling him this. He explained to me that being an Eagle Scout would put me at the top of the Academy Admissions list (him being a Marine and had applied to USAFA), but I guess I'd have to make a choice between BSA and CAP. CAP, to me, seems that it would better prepare me to be in the Air Force and would be more desirable to Academy Admissions. Of course Eagle Scout is no easy feat, but CAP is the auxiliary of the USAF. Can anyone give me some insight on this? It is greatly appreciated.

Hey there! I earned my Eagle Scout rank last year in late July. I can tell you right now that Becoming an Eagle Scout is not easy at all, you must be willing to put in the hours to earn that rank. You will definitely join a community of people who want the best within their life and other's lives. I would recommend staying in Boy Scouts and to aim high for that Eagle Rank. As long as you have close troop members and solid leadership/parents in your troop that make the experience enjoyable, you'll be great. I made some of the best memories with my friends in there through leadership and other things. I say again, definitely aim for Eagle Scout. It illustrates one aspect of commitment and leadership in order to help you stand out as a future candidate applying to the SA's. Then again like mentioned earlier from another person, you should make yourself well-rounded with other leadership roles, keeping yourself physically fit, mentally awake, etc.

Being an Eagle Scout takes you a long way; it's helped solidify my relationships with teachers, friends, and coworkers. But then again, that's just my 2 cents and don't hesitate to hit me back with any questions you may have.

 

[ice cream]

Minimum age is 12. Flying opportunities are available but can be limited depending your local squadron. Some meet at airports and have volunteers. Others meet at community centers and struggle to find aviators who can give flights or teach.

thx

 

[AF Roots]

DS started out as a Boy Scout and then started CAP a while later. After attending both for a short time it became apparent to him that CAP was going to be a better fit. He enjoyed the military component and customs. He left Boy Scouts and went all in on CAP, eventually making his way to Cadet Commander. We are certain that his experience in CAP, especially from a leadership perspective, is what got him his nomination and ultimately his appointment.

Becoming an Eagle Scout is a tremendous accomplishment but definitely I wouldn’t overlook what CAP has to offer.

 

[raimius]

Both are good. I am an Eagle Scout and never did CAP. Whatever extracurriculars you do, do them because you are interested and want to improve. Don't try to check boxes without other reasons.
Scouts and CAP both provide experiences in teamwork, good citizenship, and leadership. Those are the things USAFA values from them.

 

[lipton_hot_tea]

My ds had his Eagle, Mitchell, and awards from CAP national activities but he wasn't accepted at USAFA. The achievements can show leadership and your ability to work in a team but I've never heard they put you at the top of anything.

Like all volunteer groups a lot depends on the leadership. If you are with a good scout leader now go for your Eagle. Some badges require a 12 week log so take a look at them now and start your logs. Some areas have a week of camp that focuses on Eagle badges, if you can pull it off financially I definitely recommend that.
Find out when your city council has meetings and make plans with your parents to attend the next two.

When you do your Eagle make sure to work with someone who has experience doing Eagle.projects. The grandpa who was your leader's leader in 1980 who attends banquets and is in 19,000 community organizations is the one you want to talk to. As soon as you say Eagle every man says my city, club, group has projects but they do not have the time to give you the needed support.

Thr CAP national activities are great and you can tour all kinds of places related to USAF but local squadrons depend on leadership. I've seen terrible things at the local level. You have to attend what is called encampment (in the summer) to later attend the national activities.
I would say visit different squadrons if possible before joining one. From my experience the good leaders are all well organized and have figured out how to communicate to a group. The good support people seem to do their tasks well and there is a clear separation of who does what. Find out what extra activities they offer. For example a squadron with a strong Emergency Services program or person will give you a lot of camping opportunities.
OTOH a disorganized squadron without an involved Emergency Service person might tell you on a Friday that squadron in the next city is having an activity tomorrow leaving at 7 AM an hour away and you need to sign up right then.

If you do join CAP take your online tests as soon as you are eligible for the next test. For leadership know vocabulary and try to understand the supporting example given. Don't skip the blue blurbs. Watch out for the double negative type of question on the tests. The AE books are not good for independent study, try to find some youtube videos that explain the same concept.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

I rarely venture beyond the USNA Forum, and suspect that CAP is better known at USAFA than Navy, but will venture a couple thoughts -

1) Both are good programs --
2) You are better off sticking to one or the other and doing well and excelling, than dabbling in both .
3) Its great if you can do both, and excel -

I really don't think the military affiliation of CAP necessarily prepares you better for a Service Academy, unless perhaps you do one of the encampments. Sure, you can learn how to wear a uniform properly (I actually had a USMC DI as an adult leaders, so uniform inspections were pretty strict !), but you learn all of that stuff during Plebe Summer (or whatever USAFA calls it).

Bottom line, pick the one that interests you the most -- and excel.

Background -- I was an Eagle Scout, Class of 1977 . Did about everything you could do with Scouting, including 2 year of Camp Staff, etc. I moved twice during HS, and during the course of one of my moves, left Scouts and got involved in CAP and did very well there -- I forgot what rank I was , Cadet Major or LT COL, could have made Spaatz award but left to NAPS. While I was at NAPS, I learned that was named Wing Cadet of the Year. I credit both Scouting and CAP for getting me accepted to USNA -- I certainly wasn't a scholar or gifted athlete (although I did play Tennis and Soccer).

 

[BUFF-Driver]

They are bought highly respected by the Admissions Team and will win you more points than many other extracurriculars. Keep doing scouting and if you have the time, CAP will add even more points.