The Civil Air Patrol?

Question

Okay, I've heard of the Civil Air Patrol but I don't know the first thing about it. So the reason I want to join is because I'm 13, I want to apply to the United States Air Force Academy but I've never flown a plane or taken a class before in my life. So here are some things I want to know:

1) What is the best class for me

a) Aerospace Education

b) Cadet Programs

c) Operations

2) How much does it cost

3) Where is it located

4) Is it year round where I have to attend regular classes or is it just a set week where I attend and come home

If anyone knows a few of these answers or are/have been in the Civil Air Patrol your output would be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks so much in advance!

Answer 1

I was in the Civil Air Patrol throughout my middle and high school years.  I will go as in depth with my answer as I can.

Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the USAF.  Their rank and command structure is the same.  When you start off you will be a Cadet Trainee.  From there, you will move through the ranks by taking tests about once every 3 months.  You will learn alot about aviation and aerospace in general.  There are many other aspects to CAP than just flying an airplane such as: Search and Rescue, formal military training, encampments, ham radio operation, model rocket building, and much much more.  Basically it's the Boy Scouts on steroids. (it's much better)  The meetings are usually held once a week at a local airport, and the dues when I attended were $30/yr.

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact me and good luck!

Answer 2

I was in CAP when I was your age. CAP is all over the country, but you will need to check for the cadet or composite squadron nearest to you. Here is the website

http://cap.findlocation.com/

http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/member_se...

You will definately want to get into the cadet program and be able to actively participate in training and actual search and rescue missions, and be eliglble for scholorships. If you want to do more then go for it.

Here's the website with the dues

http://level2.cap.gov/visitors/member_se...

I believe you will have to purchase your uniforms and patches, there is a "boot camp" and other encampments that lasts for abou a week (I believe, it's been a long time) and monthly meetings, orientation flights, award programs, SAREX (search and rescue exercises) and actual missions.

I had a lot of fun in CAP (even met my first girlfriend there). Now I am the Quality Manager for two FAA aircraft component repair stations and have been awarded 2007 National Avionics Technician of the Year.

Answer 3

The Civil Air Patrol is very similar to a military operation as far as rank, dicipline, and structure is concerned. The CAP assists with missing person searches, plane crash searches, etc., by providing air support. It is my understanding that CAP cadets have opportunities to learn to fly and earn their pilots license.

Answer 4

R-Dawg, to find the Civil Air Patrol near you, go to

www.cap.gov

when you get there, click the "join" button, and follow the directions, and you will input your zip code and will be directed to the nearest CAP facility.

A word on the Air Force Academy. You will need really good grades to get in, so study hard and make good grades. A's and B's, mostly A's.

Regards,

Dan