New Member Journey for SMs
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Everyone explores Civil Air Patrol before deciding to join. All prospective members must attend a minimum of three meetings before joining to get an understanding of Civil Air Patrol's three missions of emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. Go to Request a Visit to let us know you will be attending a meeting.
There are three types of adult members, Senior Members for adults age 18+, Sponsor Members for adults who would like to be a chaperone for youth events, and Aerospace Education Members (AEMs) for adults who want to leverage Civil Air Patrol materials to teach aerospace education. The steps below explain how to become a Senior Member.
Senior Member-New Journey Member
Step 1: Talk with the Recruiting and Retention Officer
During your first meetings when you visit, you will meet with our Recruiting and Retention Officer. They will give you a tour, an overview of the program, and answer all your questions. You will also meet our Deputy Commander of Senior Members.
Step 2: Subscribe to the Squadron Calendar
Meeting information will come by email from the Deputy Commander of Senior Members and will be updated on the Squadron Calendar. Please subscribe to our calendar so you are aware of any meeting updates.
Step 3: Follow our Facebook Page
Follow our Squadron Facebook page for photos from past events. We have a linked Instagram page as well!
Step 4: Fill Out the Member Application/Fingerprint Card
Complete the Senior Membership Application and FD 258 Fingerprint Card (available in the Squadron admin office). We have a couple members that can assist you with fingerprints or you can have done at your local Sheriff's office for a small fee. You will also need a check for $67 made out to the Civil Air Patrol for National Dues or attach your credit card information to the form.
Step 5: Pay Squadron Dues
On your third visit, you will need to pay squadron dues which are due annually and prorated based on when you join. Go to Members, Online Payments to pay your squadron dues.
Cadet Sponsor Members: You will only pay National Dues so skip this step.
Step 6: Meet with Squadron Commander
On your third visit, you will bring the forms and the check from Step 4. You will also need to bring a form of government-issued identification. See the Proof of Identity Documents for which documents are acceptable. This is similar to what you need when applying for a driver's license where you can either bring one document from column A, OR 2 documents (one from column B and one from column C).
Ask the Deputy Commander of Senior Members to arrange a meeting with the Squadron Commander to discuss your interest in Civil Air Patrol's mission. If your application is approved, you will need to mail 3 items (application, fingerprint card, and check or credit card information) to:
Civil Air Patrol/DP
105 S. Hansell St. Bldg 714
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
You will receive an automated welcome email when your membership is processed.
Cadet Sponsor Members: You can apply at your first meeting.
Step 7: Obtain a Uniform
There are many options for uniforms. Refer to CAP Regulation, CAPR 39-1 for the correct uniform guidelines. For starters, refer to section 5.3. CAP Corporate Working Uniform. (Figure 5.5) (Civil Air Patrol polo and grey pants).
The easiest uniform for senior members is the blue Civil Air Patrol polo, grey pants, black belt, and black shoes. The shirt and other uniforms can be purchased at Vanguard Military Clothing or other sources. For Vanguard, there is a 10% coupon on the Vanguard Facebook page, free shipping on orders over $35 (after the coupon is applied), and no sales tax on clothing for Minnesota residents if you call to get adjusted.
Active adult members with a duty position are welcome to uniforms from our squadron supply closet. Please see the squadron Supply Officer for details.
Cadet Sponsors: You can optionally wear the grey pants, blue Civil Air Patrol polo, and black shoes/belt, but civilian attire is just fine!
