Civil Air Patrol

CAP has three missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Operations (Emergency Services).

The purpose of the Cadet Program is to inspire the country's youth to become leaders and good citizens through their interest in aerospace. It is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents of the United States, its territories and possessions. New cadets must join between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age, and have satisfactorily completed the fifth grade. Members who have joined the Cadet Program before age 18 may remain a cadet until age 21.