Thank you for supporting your son's or daughter's interest in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Cadet Program.

Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow's aerospace leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline a cadet gains through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.

CAP is the volunteer, non-profit auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Its three missions are to Develop its cadets, Educate Americans on the importance of aviation and space, and perform live-saving Humanitarian missions.

We know that you may have questions about “What happens next?” so we have prepared an overview of the Anoka County Composite Squadron Cadet program

To become a cadet your son or daughter will:

• Attend three CAP meetings.
  This is to make sure they know what it is that we do, what CAP is all about and ensure there is a good “fit”.
• Meet with the review board.
  This will give your child the opportunity to speak one on one with the Anoka Squadron Commander and ask any additional questions that they may have. The Commander well ask questions of your child to make sure that your child understands what it means to be a cadet.

Once your son or daughter has joined CAP:

• “O” Flights.
  These are orientation flights that share the joy of flight with your new cadet. These flights are generally an hour in length and conducted by an experienced CAP aviator.
• Receive CAP packet.
  This packet will help you and your cadet understand the next steps in their journey with the CAP.
• Receive CAP ID card.
  This is a very important card! This ID card will identify your son or daughter as a member of the Civil Air Patrol and allow them to participate in squadron activities.
• Take Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Training
  Your cadet will receive training that is considered sensitive by the US Air Force. In preparation for this they will receive training on OPSEC and take a test to ensure they understand the mission of the CAP.
• Report card.
  A copy of the cadet’s report card is on file. The CAP believes that doing will in school is the cadet’s first responsibility.

Some of the most common questions that cadets have during their first few weeks are:

• How to order badges? http://www.vanguard.com/
• How and where to get their rank?
• What to do to get their first promotion? In the leadership book Chapter 1- John F Curry
• CAPT 116 General ES
• ICS 100 on line course
• How to get a “101” card?
• How to get BDU's? See Logistics Officer. Must have 101 card
• How to get Blues? See Logistics Officer. Must have first promotion
• How do I get promoted after the first promotion?
• How to act when at a CAP meeting? Buddy system, Always be with another cadet
• When and where to wear the uniform?
• What kind of training is available?
• What events the Cadets may be involved in, such as:
  • Missions
  • Fundraisers
  • i-Give
  • SAREX (Search and Rescue exercise)
  • Encampment
  • Flight Academy

You can also read more by going to:

http://www.cap.gov/visitors/quick_info/for_parents.cfm

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