If you like what you see here, you may begin attending meetings as an applicant. You are required to attend three meetings as an applicant. Once you have attended 3 meetings, you will sit in front of a Membership Board.
The membership board consists of 3 to 4 seasoned CAP Officers and Sergeants. You will be asked a series of questions regarding your motivations for joining CAP and your comfort levels for interacting with youth. Every applicant is asked the same questions that are vetted by our National Legal Counsel. Once your interview is finished, the board will deliberate on your potential membership. The board will then create a recommendation to the Squadron Commander, who is the final unit level authority on all potential members.
Once a decision is made, you will be notified via email. Accepted applicants will return to the next meeting and receive a welcome packet consisting of a membership application, a fingerprint card, and other important information, such as where to buy uniforms. After you have filled out the application and completed the fingerprint card, they must be shipped to national HQ for processing. If you successfully pass the FBI background check, National HQ will issue you an ID Number and grant you access to our online portal. At this point you are officially a CAP member and can begin training and wearing uniforms.
After you receive your membership card, you'll spend the next six months to a year learning everything about the CAP life. Topics can include uniform wear, customs and courtesies, CAP structure, on the job training, emergency services training, and so much more. After 6 months, you are also eligible for your first promotion if you have completed the necessary training requirements.