Cadets
Today's Cadets . . . Tomorrow's Aerospace Leaders
The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. If you’re dreaming about a career in aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
To become a cadet, you must be be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets usually meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.
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CAP Cadet Program - At a Glance* |
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Mission: Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders |
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Established: 1942 |
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Age to Join: 12 through 18 |
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Content Areas: Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character |
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Total Cadets: 25,000 |
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Locations: 1,000 hometown squadrons |
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Time Commitment: Ideally, cadets participate in a 2-hour squadron meeting each week, plus one "Saturday" event monthly and one week-long encampment in summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority** |
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Costs: Annual dues of $25 - $60, depending upon location; some assistance is available with uniform costs and overnight activity fees; a fully-active cadet could incur $300 to $600 in costs during the first year, less any financial assistance |
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Military Obligation: None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets |
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Annual Flying Hours: 25,000 hrs in single-engine aircraft; 12,000 glider sorties |
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* All figures are approximations that will vary year-to-year |
