Civil Air Patrol

craiyan2

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2016
Messages
32
Hi- this might be slightly off topic, but I want to talk about CAP. I emailed a squadron captain nearest to me, and he told me I would have to attend three meetings, the first starting tomorrow, to get to know one another before I can join.

Has anyone had experience joining CAP for the first time, what can I expect?

Should I bring anything, or dress up in a certain way?
 
Yeah I went to two meetings to try it out. It's a big commitment but I'm sure it's well worth it if you really want to go far in the program. I'd wear some khakis and a nice shirt, nothing crazy!
 
I was also wondering if I still have time to achieve the Mitchell award which I hear is highly desirable for USAFA applicants. However, I am at the end of my Sophomore year. Is there still enough time for me to receive the award?
 
That will be tough to get Mitchell before you finish your USAFA application, but I think it is doable. Ask the squadron staff there about their schedule so you can come dressed right for PT night. I second the khakis and polo shirt recommendation. If they have a Blues night you may even want to wear a button-down shirt and dress shoes. Take a notepad and pen and an open mind.

You will start as Cadet Enlisted, and work your way up by taking Leadership, Aerospace, Physical, and Drill tests to promote to higher levels. CAP is primarily a leadership program, and you will get opportunities to lead small teams very quickly if you put in the effort.

One last thing, if you join, you will want to go to Encampment this summer!! It's a requirement for Mitchell, and if you go you can go again next summer as staff which is a HUGE leadership position. Imagine being in charge of 12 peoples' training and well-being for a week...you see what I mean. Bonus - this year USAF has extended the assistance program so Encampment will probably be almost free for you!

BTW I'm a C/Major in the program and have been in for 5 years.
 
If you're considering joining CAP, because you think it's going to "Look Good" on your academy application....... Please don't do it. Same goes with anything. Sports, scouts, JrROTC, Band, etc. You do these things because you WANT to. You do these things because you have a passion to do them. Not because it makes your application look better. And trust me; if you're doing any of these things for any reason other than because you "WANT TO", then you won't truly succeed in them, and probably won't like it.

This is not to say that you don't like CAP or have a passion to join it. Maybe the whole Mitchell award is just a "Side Benefit". But even so, don't worry about it. The majority of academy cadets weren't in CAP, JrROTC, Scouts, etc. This is not to say that these things don't look good on your application. But so does being in sports, in the band, class officer, member/officer of a club, volunteering, working, etc. You have to find the "PASSIONS" that you have; pursue those passions; and excel at them in leadership positions. That's what looks good on an academy application. It doesn't matter WHAT it is you're involved in. As long as it shows you are passionate about it and excel. Anything else, is simply trying to "Fill the Squares"; and that WILL show. Best of luck.
 
CAP is a great opportunity to learn more about the USAF, aerospace and general military duty. Our local cadet group ask potential cadets to attend a few meetings before making a commitment to join. Go and watch and visit with the cadets to see if the program is for you and if you fit with the other cadets. If so, then go in and work on promotions as fast as possible. Go to encampment and enjoy the experience. You already know from this board that the organization is favored by USAFA, but joining it will not get you into the academy.
 
CAP is where I really started learning about USAFA. I gained leadership. presentation skills, and so much more. It is an incredible opportunity. I joined the middle of my sophomore year and promoted as fast as I could. I took two months extra once, and earned Mitchell @end of Oct. senior year. Mitchell is definitely not going to get you into the academy, but it a great experience, and I would highly recommend checking it out. @goforspaatz can give you better information. For what it counts, he was accepted, and I was not. CAP definitely helped me gain an AFROTC non-tech scholarship though...
 
I joined CAP at the start of my Sophomore year. I got my Mitchell last November, and I had to work really hard to get it that fast. I do think the Academy values CAP, but you have to be active for them to care a lot. I participated in every activity I could, staffed as many as I could, and even commanded a few. I am now appointed to the c/o 2020 and would not trade my CAP experience for anything. BTW, I had to attend 3 meetings before I could join, which is normal. I think if you are serious about USAFA, CAP is the place for you.
 
I joined CAP at the start of my Sophomore year. I got my Mitchell last November, and I had to work really hard to get it that fast. I do think the Academy values CAP, but you have to be active for them to care a lot. I participated in every activity I could, staffed as many as I could, and even commanded a few. I am now appointed to the c/o 2020 and would not trade my CAP experience for anything. BTW, I had to attend 3 meetings before I could join, which is normal. I think if you are serious about USAFA, CAP is the place for you.
ServiceBeforeSelf325, I've read that it is required to attend Encampment in order to receive the Mitchell Award, is this a requirement? My son is unable to attend Encampment this year since he'll be attending summer school. Are encampments only offered during the summer months?
 
ServiceBeforeSelf325, I've read that it is required to attend Encampment in order to receive the Mitchell Award, is this a requirement? My son is unable to attend Encampment this year since he'll be attending summer school. Are encampments only offered during the summer months?
The Florida Wing offers a very popular winter encampment at Tyndall AFB in Panama City......usually begins a couple of days after Christmas until January 2 or 3....
 
@dreamusafa yes Encampment is a requirement for Mitchell. There are a few winter Encampments scattered throughout the US, Florida being very popular. There are also spring Encampments if he still has some time before Mitchell. I can recommend Illinois wing's.
 
@dreamusafa yes Encampment is a requirement for Mitchell. There are a few winter Encampments scattered throughout the US, Florida being very popular. There are also spring Encampments if he still has some time before Mitchell. I can recommend Illinois wing's.
Thanks, goforspaatz and Hopefulcadetmom, unfortunatelly we're here in Hawaii and Florida and Illinois would be a financially burn to send my son there. Son had already signed up for summer school when he found out when the Encampment dates were but he will keep his eyes open to see if anything opens up during winter or spring break.
 
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