Cadet Programs

CAP Cadet Program - At a Glance*

Mission

Transform youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders

Established

1942

Age to Join

12 through 18

Content Areas

Leadership, Aerospace, Fitness, Character

Total Cadets

25,000

Locations

1,000 hometown squadrons

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**

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

Military Obligation

None, but 8% of USAF Academy cadets are former CAP cadets

Annual Flying Hours

25,000 hrs in single-engine aircraft; 12,000 glider sorties

* All figures are approximations that will vary year-to-year
** School-based squadrons may have different expectations for participation