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CAP California Wing - Group 2 (San Francisco Bay Area)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cadet Program? Can parents participate in the squadron activities?
What are the requirements for membership?
What are the uniform requirements for cadets?
What do the grade / insignia represent?
What do the various award ribbons represent?
What are the requirements for cadet advancement?
How does CAP compare to scouting?
Is there any obligation to serve in the military?
Can a cadet be terminated?

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Questions About The Cadet Program

What is the Cadet Program? Distilled down to it's basic function, the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is a leadership training and aerospace education program. The mission of the CAP Cadet Program is defined as: Providing Civil Air Patrol with aerospace oriented programs and curricula that enhance the leadership and life skills of all cadet members and develops responsible citizens for the U.S. Air Force and the nation. Locally, Squadron 13 strives to achieve this goal through aerospace education and leadership classes, moral leadership discussion & debate, drill, aviation activities, volunteer service, physical training, flight experience opportunities, encampment participation, emergency services and radio training, as well as numerous other activities.

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What are the requirements for membership?  Initial cadet membership is open to young people who are 13 years of age, or have satisfactorily completed the sixth grade, through 18 years of age. A cadet, having joined prior to age 18, may remain a cadet until age 21. In addition, to qualify for cadet membership, each candidate must be (1) a United States citizen or an alien admitted for permanent residence; (2) of good moral character; (3) a graduate of, or enrolled in, a private or public school and maintaining satisfactory progress; (4) unmarried / single; and (5) not a member of the armed forces on active duty.

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What are the uniform requirements for cadets?  In order to participate in ALL of the cadet activities, a cadet will need two uniforms: The Basic Service Uniform (called "Blues"), and a Camouflage Fatigue Uniform (called "BDU's").
BDU's Usually, cadets get their BDU's first. It consists of a BDU cap, BDU shirt, BDU trousers, a black t-shirt, and black boots. When the BDU uniform is complete, it will include the following insignia: Wing Patch, metal collar CAP insignia (called "cutouts"), a cloth CAP badge, and a cloth name badge. The name badge will be ordered for you, while the remainder of the insignia and badges can be purchased from the squadron.

Until you have ALL insignia on the shirt, you can wear BDU's to all meetings with NO INSIGNIA, but using a temporary name tag. If you do not have appropriate boots, you may wear dark shoes with the BDU uniform, until you have all insignia on the uniform - then boots are required.

The squadron alternates between BDU's and Blues for different meetings, but until you have all parts of your Blues uniform (including insignia) you may wear BDU's to each meeting. (See the Squadron 13 Calendar for appropriate uniform wear.)

BLUES The Service Dress Uniform is the official Air Force Uniform. The minimum Service Dress Uniform consists of:
MALE FEMALE
Short-sleeve light blue shirt Light blue overblouse
Dark blue trousers Dark blue slacks or skirt
Blue belt Women's flight cap
Blue flight cap Neutral nylon hose
Black socks and shoes Black shoes
View Uniforms View Uniforms
Insignia for Blues consists of Hat Device, CAP collar pins (cutouts), Wing patch, and a blue nameplate. The nameplate will be ordered for you, while the insignia and patches can be purchased from the squadron.

The Service Uniform is not worn unless complete. If you have any questions, ask your Element Leader or Flight Sergeant.

Availability:  All uniform parts (except black t-shirts and BDU Caps) are available by mail order from the CAP Bookstore. Ask to borrow a catalog until you receive your own (with membership package). They are also available, including BDU caps, from any Air Force Clothing Store, and most conveniently from the PX at Presidio of Monterey (DLI). Ask at the squadron for a map. You will need a CAP ID card or another military ID in order to purchase from the PX. NO sales tax is charged at either source. Surplus stores are another source for BDU shirts, pants, and boots - and sometimes BDU caps. Ask your mentor or element leader for help in getting your uniform together. NOTE! When you receive your membership card, you MAY get a form to order a free blues uniform. This is only included if they are available at the time, and is not offered at any other time.

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Is there any obligation to serve in the military?  Service in the Civil Air Patrol is completely voluntary, and all members remain civilians.  Any member may drop from the program at any time.  The CAP Cadet Program is a fine introduction to military customs and courtesies, and many cadets choose to join the military - but they are never under any obligation to do so.  Also, the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program can serve as a springboard for a service academy appointment, or for an ROTC scholarship. 

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Can a cadet be terminated? Yes, there are reasons why a cadet membership can be terminated:
a Failure to progress satisfactorily in the cadet program
b Lack of interest demonstrated by failure to attend three successive meetings without a reasonable excuse
c Misconduct
Automatic loss of membership occurs when the cadet:
a Reaches the age of 21
b Joins the Armed Forces
c Fails to maintain a satisfactory academic school record
d Marries
e Becomes pregnant

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Can parents participate in the squadron activities? Parents are encouraged to participate, and have many opportunities to do so. A parent can join as a "Cadet Sponsor Member," which requires paying only CAP national / annual dues. Or, a parent may join as a Senior Member and participate in both cadet programs and senior activities. For details, contact the squadron Cadet Program Officer or Personnel Officer.

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Civil Air Patrol and CAP-CAWG Group 2, Squadron 13