CADET PROGRAMS
CADET PROGRAMS
30th Maryknoll Cadet Squadron is comprised of both internal and external students from Maryknoll schools who are age 12 to 18 years of
age. We focus on Leadership, Aerospace Education, Fitness, and Character Development. We offer a variety of on campus and off campus activities and events that enhance our programs goals.
- Time Commitment:
Ideally, cadets participate in a 2 hour squadron meeting each week on Friday's from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at the Maryknoll High School campus learning commons room on the 2nd Floor. They also participate in at least one Saturday event monthly and one week-long encampment in the summer, but of course, school and family obligations take priority.
- Membership:
Potential members who wish to join our squadron must attend at minimum 3 regularly schedule meetings prior to joining at which time once that has been fulfilled, membership dues are $32.00.
- Age Requirement:
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12 to 18 years of age
- Citizenship:
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United States citizenship is a requirement for membership. However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join.
If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron .
The citizenship waiver requires documentation (ex: a US Visa) that shows the reason you are in the country and how long you are permitted to stay in the US. If approved, the waiver will only be for the period of residence within the United States.
- Special Needs:
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Civil Air Patrol does not deny membership based on a medical condition or disabilities. CAP is committed to doing everything we reasonably can to help cadets succeed, but please keep in mind that participation in certain activities may be limited for safety depending on the cadet's condition, illness or disability. Read more about Cadets with Special Needs.
- Education:
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School should always come first for the cadets. CAP expects cadets to maintain "satisfactory performance" at school, as defined by the cadet's parents. Because CAP emphasizes self-discipline, it's not uncommon for parents to see their child's grades increase as a result of their participation in the Cadet Program.
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There are academic and flight scholarships available. For more information about eligibility and application procedures, please visit the CadetInvest page.
- Do cadets have to join the military?:
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No, being a CAP Cadet does not obligate you to any military service but many cadets choose to do so.
Cadets who earn the Billy Mitchell Award may enter the Air Force at an advanced grade (E-3).
The service academies and ROTC also look favorably on CAP experience. Approximately 10% of the USAF Academy cadet corps got their start in CAP.
- Supervision:
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CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard youth very seriously. CAP conducts an FBI criminal background check for all new adult
volunteers who interact with cadets. The same adults are automatically re-screened every five years. Additionally, the local unit conducts an in-person interview and there is regular Cadet Protection training for adults and age-appropriate training for cadets. Click here to learn more about Cadet Protection.
- Uniforms:
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Cadets need one uniform to get started. Eventually, the cadet will want to have both the camouflage utility uniform (ABUs) and the Air Force-style service uniform, "blues."
Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, cadets qualify for the Curry Uniform Voucher, which covers some of the costs of the ABUs and Air Force-style blue uniforms.
Before you purchase any uniform items, please be sure to speak with your squadron leaders. They can help ensure you're getting the right uniform and may be able to provide information on how to obtain it locally.
- Does Civil Air Patrol teach cadets to fly?:
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CAP doesn't provide primary flight training, but cadets have the opportunity to fly in a CAP plane in an Orientation Flight. As you
progress in the cadet program, you may have additional opportunities to attend summer flight encampments and compete for scholarships and other programs.
- How do I earn rank?:
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Cadets are promoted in CAP through self-study and group study.
To progress, cadets must (1) participate actively; (2) pass a written leadership test; (3) pass a written aerospace test; (4) pass a physical fitness test; (5) participate in character development forums; and most of all (6) demonstrate they have the maturity to accept increased responsibility. (In some stages of the Cadet Program, these requirements differ slightly.)
You can find more details about the requirements for each grade on the Ranks & Awards page.
- Can parents be in Civil Air Patrol?:
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Absolutely! Some opportunities to share in the CAP experience are:
Cadet Sponsor Member -- Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on the family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as Cadet Sponsors.
You will need to complete a membership application, FBI FD 258 fingerprint card and pay $30 for your first year of dues. As a Cadet Sponsor, you'll be able to help chaperone the cadets, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. This category of membership does not wear a military-style uniform, but there are requirements for basic education and training before you can fully interact with the other cadets.
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. The best way to learn about what you can do as a Senior Member is to talk to your child's squadron leadership about joining. You will need to submit and complete a membership application, fingerprint card and complete an orientation course. Annual membership dues vary by state.
