CAP Cadet Program

Sharky4USCGA

Sharky4USCGA

5-Year Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Messages
19
I have recently been informed about a program the the Air Force Auxiliaries Civil Air Patrol puts on for Teens aged 12-18. It is an Air Force program but will it look good for getting into the Academy? I don't know of any Boy Scout groups in my area so this is the closest I can find.
 
Yes! It will definitely help. I posted this in another thread:

I've been in CAP for about 4.5 years and have loved it. Here are some cool things I've done in CAP:

Visited the FBI Academy, CIA, and other relatively hard to access places in the DC area
Spent over two weeks in Australia with international air cadets
Flown in a variety of military aircraft
Attended seven encampments, six as staff (those are pretty cool)
Worked outside for a week with AF Civil Engineers in Florida
Met some of my greatest friends and mentors

If you have any specific questions about CAP, let me know! I'm more than happy to talk about it, and you have more than enough time to get the Mitchell Award before you'll have all your interviews.
 
Don't join clubs or sports to impress the admissions office or try to "game" the system - join clubs or sports that you enjoy or can demonstrate leadership.

Unless you are the founder or leader, it will look just the same as any other club/group on your application.

:cool:
 
Ok Thanks:) It really does look like something I can enjoy since I want to fly for the CG.
 
Luigi makes an awesome point. If you join CAP, make sure you have enough time to be active both within your squadron and in some extra activities. Being able to "check boxes" on applications is good and all, but having substantial leadership experience to speak and write about is way more important.

It was a neat experience being able to draw heavily from my own experiences during interviews this past year. There are plenty of people who give vague answers to some of the questions, but if you pursue serious leadership experiences in CAP or elsewhere, you'll be in a really good place come senier year.
 
I'm one of those people that if they start something, they stick to it. I think that it will be a great experience for me. I will attend all the meetings and go to some of the other things they do as well. I'm signing up for it next Tuesday, Thanks:)
 
Hello there! Don't normally post in other sections but noticed the CAP thread.

I've been in CAP for about three years now. Currently I am the cadet commander of my squadron. As stated, CAP has huge opportunity; encampments, serving on a state level advisory council, and of course met people who have had a significant effect on my life. I also had the chance to go tour NORAD, but that's secret. :wink:

Anyway its a stellar program and almost everyone has heard the quote, "You get what you put into it". It can be time consuming though; I spent 12 hours running around last meeting, doing work before/during/after my actual meeting. But I loved it!

Just to re-iterate the earlier point, its tough joining "just because". I joined initially because I needed something for my file, and it was tough in the beginning. That's not my motive anymore, of course.

I would love to answer any questions as well!
 
I'm not speaking about the program itself, my answer (not official, just my opinion) specifically dealt with the "admissions" side of it and how much of a factor it will play in the admissions decision - i.e. - how it would look to the admissions office.

My opinion stands - it will be viewed as any other club you belong to.

High SAT scores (especially the math portion), high class rank, demonstrated leadership (team sports captain, class president, club founder, Eagle/Gold scout etc) high (+230) PFE score, and excellent medical health are the key factors.

PS - Be proud of your participation in CAP, but if you get an appointment and accept it, never bring it up while you are there, no one cares.

:cool:
 
Luigi59 said:
PS - Be proud of your participation in CAP, but if you get an appointment and accept it, never bring it up while you are there, no one cares.

:cool:
Click to expand...

Ding ding ding.... that is CORRECT. The same is true for the Coast Guard Auxiliary.
 
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