No, you do not have to join the military, but many choose to do so. Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3) if they choose to enlist. The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP. But no matter what career you choose, whether civilian or military, the skills you learn in CAP will be invaluable.

To get the most out of the cadet program you should participate regularly. Like any other activity, you’ll get out of CAP only what you put into it. Squadron 1007 meets every Tuesday from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. We also offer special activities which generally occur on the weekends and during the summer.

Click here for our upcoming schedule.

New cadets need one uniform to get started. Eventually, the cadet will want to have both the camouflage utility uniform (ABU) and the Air Force-style blue uniform.

Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, cadets qualify for the Curry Blues Voucher, which covers some of the costs of the Air Force-style blue uniform. Therefore, we suggest you obtain ABUs first, and then use the Curry Blues Voucher to obtain your “blues.”

Squadron 1007 also has a “supply closet,” and military surplus stores could be another option.

While participating in weekly squadron meetings is very important for cadet’s development, there are many opportunities for cadets to get involved in extra-curricular activities across the state, region, and nation. There are too many activities to list them all, but cadet centered activities occur at every level of CAP. These range from a weekend social event hosted by the group to national cadet special activities (NCSAs). Each activity allows cadets to meet others outside of their normal squadron lives and grow as a leader while gaining a variety of new experiences.

A small selection of events that you can attend or gain leadership in staffing as a cadet:

• Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Training Schools
• National Cadet Special Activities
• International Air Cadet Exchange
• Hawk Mountain Ranger School

The Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Training Schools (CTS) provide much of the core training to cadets in PA Wing outside of the squadron environment. In fact, cadets from across the nation can attend the schools. The school’s core curriculum is comprised of three courses which are in-line with three of the cadet phases. The following core courses are held concurrently each summer.

• Encampment follows a nationally recognized curriculum that immerses CAP’s newest cadets in a military style environment for approximately 1 week. Throughout the course, cadets develop personal and small group leadership skills, work as a cohesive team, and make decisions under pressure. Encampment is one of the cornerstones of the cadet program and is required to earn the Billy Mitchell Award.
• Leadership Development Course (LDC) is the second core PA Wing course designed to teach cadets to be “first line supervisors” at the non-commissioned officer (NCO) level. This course allows cadets to hone in on their leadership skills in a safe, hands on environment. LDC fulfills one of the requirements for cadets to staff PA Wing CTS.
• Region Cadet Leadership School (RCLS) is the final standard cadet curriculum which teaches strategic leadership and is presented in a more academic style than other CTS schools. RCLS satisfies one of the requirements for the Eaker Award (C/Lt Col) and for cadets to staff PA Wing CTS.

National Cadet Special Activities are activities that are open to cadets across the nation. These activities range in length from one week to two weeks in length and expose cadets to a specific focus area in the cadet program. These range from leadership schools, emergency services activities, STEM academies, and other various experiences. These activities are held across the nation and allow cadets to get exposed to a large variety of careers & opportunities. Many of these activities are hosted with the direct support or advisement of Air Force personnel. Some examples:

• Leadership: Cadet Officer School & Civic Leadership Academy
• Emergency Services: Pararescue & Survival Orientation Course, & National Blue Beret
• STEM Academies: USAF Civil Engineering & Space Command Familiarization Course
• Other: International Air Cadet Exchange, Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training, & Flight Academies

CAP doesn’t normally provide primary flight training, but all cadets have the opportunity to fly in a CAP plane through our Orientation Flight program. With that being said, some national cadet special activities (NCSAs) and other opportunities may provide an avenue for primary flight training for cadets.

Cadet Sponsor Member — Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on a cadet’s family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as a Cadet Sponsor. This membership requires the same FBI background screening process and cadet protection training as the active adult membership. First year dues are just $30 and renewals are only $20. As a parent sponsor, you’ll be able to help chaperone the kids, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. You will not be required to wear the Air Force-style uniform.

Senior Member — If you are more interested in taking a leadership role in the Cadet Program, or want to participate in CAP’s aerospace education and emergency services missions, you should join as a senior member. Talk with your child’s squadron commander about joining as a senior member. You will need to submit and complete a membership application, fingerprint card and complete an orientation course. Annual membership dues vary by state.