The Civil Air Patrol

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Last update 2004.12.30

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NNCS Home | NNCS Cadets

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How to Join the NNCS Cadet Program

Participating in the Cadet Program of the Civil Air Patrol is an exciting and rewarding experience. If you are considering joining the Newport News Composite Squadron (composite means both cadets and seniors together) or just learn more about the Civil Air Patrol, you should attend the next meeting.

Regular meetings occur each Tuesday evening between 1830 and 2100 hours (6:30-9:00 p.m.) in the white building with red trim located at 904 Bland Blvd. on the grounds of the Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport.

To initially join the CAP as a cadet (male or female), the youth must be:

• At least 12 years of age and less than 19 years of age.
• Enrolled in or graduated from a private, public, homeschool, or college program with a satisfactory record of achievement.
• If not yet 12 years of age, actively attending sixth grade in a school with an active CAP Middle School Initiative program.
• Single or married and under age 18.
• Not a member of the active duty Armed Forces (Guard and Reserve are not considered active duty military).
• A US citizen, or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or, any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the US specifically approved by NHQ.
• Of good moral character.
• If a former CAP member, not terminated for misconduct.
• Be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters.

Local Squadron Policy requires:

• The youth shall attend three consecutive meetings before receiving an application to join the CAP cadet program. The reason for this is to help the cadet understand what is required of them and the number of hours of time they must devote to the cadet program and their personal development. This includes as a minimum (per week):
  • Preparation/restoration concerning uniform care, (0.5 hour).
  • Travel to/from the squadron (0.5 hour average).
  • Attendance at weekly meetings (2.5 hours).
  • Personal Study in Aerospace and Leadership topics (1 hour).

The prospective cadet needs to realize regular CAP meetings add up to a minimum of 4.5 hours per week. Additional CAP activities require more time. Young people and their parents need to determine if other important requirements such as school grades or activities such as sports, church, scouts, explorers, Key Club, or other affiliations will cause significant interference with regular attendance and participation in CAP meetings. If so, it is strongly suggested that the youth either rearrange activities external to the Civil Air Patrol, not join CAP, or perhaps join CAP at another time when these significant conflicts of schedule are greatly reduced.

Cadets who fail to attend regularly (without justification to the deputy commander of cadets as to why) can and will be to be transferred out of the program internally by regulation.

Cadets who are away attending college are exempted from this attendance requirement. However, it is suggested that they transfer their membership to a squadron local to their college and continue participating when possible.

Prospective cadets and parents should additionally understand:

• That although the basic dress blues uniform is provided by the USAF, completion of the basic dress blues uniform (shoes and insignia) costs the cadet about $75. Some items are in the squadron inventory, though this is not guaranteed.
• That the basic BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) and CAP related insignia costs the cadet about $125. Some items are found in the squadron inventory, though this is not guaranteed.
• Recognition that tranportation to/from activities is the responsibility of the cadet's parents or guardian unless the cadet is of legal age.
• The initial fee for a prospective cadet to join the VA Wing of the CAP is $28. This covers the cost of books and materials. Renewal is also $28/year for FY 2005.
• The youth will review the NNCS Cadet Guide 2005.01.01 for further guidance.

Specific regulations concerning CAP cadet membership are contained in the Civil Air Patrol Membership Manual 39-2.

If you have further questions concerning the CAP Cadet Program, please address these to the Deputy Commander of Cadets whose contact information is found in the list of senior members working with cadets.

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Responsible Cadet Web Page Officials.

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