St. Cloud Composite Squadron
CADET PROGRAM
CIVIL AIR PATROL (CAP)
This information was compiled as an introduction to St. Cloud Composite Squadron CAP. Official
information is available online at http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/html/parents.htm
How do we learn more about the program?
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Visit cadet meetings for several weeks
Talk with the Cadet Commander
Talk with the Deputy Commander for Cadets
Tour the facilities
Listen and learn in CURRY FLIGHT
Read the information in this notebook and online
http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/html/parents.htm
What’s my role as a parent?
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to encourage your cadet to be active in the squadron
to understand as your cadet seeks to meet the challenges of the program
to support the squadron’s cadet program through recruitment and fundraising
to be active by joining as a Cadet Sponsor or Senior Member
How do we join CAP?
After you and your child have spent a couple of weeks observing, these are the steps to enroll:
 Fill out an application found online at
http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/F015_9C2337B9FC619.pdf
 Our squadron code is MN 116
 Blood type is not required
 Bring the application and checks to the squadron meeting and obtain the
Commander’s signature (read about dues below)
 Give the application and checks to the Deputy Commander for Cadets
 We will mail it to National Headquarters (NHQ) at Maxwell AFB, AL
 Pay NATIONAL dues
 $33.00 (make check out to National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol)
 National dues are paid yearly on your anniversary of joining CAP
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 Pay LOCAL dues
 $30.00 (make check out to CAP MN WING)
 Local dues are yearly, due in January. Pro-rated as to date of application:
 Cadet begins attending as a member of Curry Flight
 Start putting together uniforms
The uniform for a Cadet/Basic is jeans, black t-shirt, sneakers; dress clothes for Commander’s
Call meetings. The AF-style uniforms are worn after the Curry Achievement is passed and the
cadet promoted.
 Order the free AF-Style Blue uniform on line (see below)
Where can I get the Cadet Uniform?
The Cadet Application’s last page is an instruction sheet for obtaining the free AF-style Blue uniform.
Once your cadet has received the CAPID (CAP Identification Card), go to
http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com, click on > Members > e-Services. e-Services requires a
name/password. Type in the cadet’s CAPID and select “First Time User”. This will automatically
generate an email to the email account on the application with a temporary password. Use that
password to access “e-Services” and choose your own password. In e-Services you’ll find ordering
instructions including sizing charts. Once you have submitted your on-line request, it goes
electronically to our Squadron Commander for his approval. It usually takes 4-6 weeks to get this
uniform.
 BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform – woodland camouflage) may be available. Contact the
LOGISTICS Officer – We maintain a supply of uniforms, camping supplies, ribbons, devices,
etc. Try there before spending money. Notice fabric: there’s a winter and summer type. Also,
MN patch, US flag, SCCS patch (optional), insignias, ribbons, ribbon holders are available in
LOGISTICS.
 We will provide BDU name tapes (last name only), CIVIL AIR PATROL tape, Blues name
plate, Flight cap insignia, flight Commanders and Sergeants will show these to your cadet.
ALL UNIFORMS SUPPLIED BY CAP ARE THE PROPERTY OF CAP AND
MUST BE RETURNED WHEN NO LONGER USED BY THE CADET
Cadet’s Name: ___________________________________
Cadet’s ID (CAPID): _____________________________
Circle:
MALE OR FEMALE
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1 BDU blouse, size: ____
1 BDU pants, size: ____
____ American Flag
1 BLUES blouse, short sleeve, size: ____
____ Wing Patch
1 BLUES slacks or skirt, size: ____
____ NHS Patch (optional)
1 Flight Cap, size: _____
1 BDU Cover, size _____
Boots, size: _____
Oxford shoes, plain toe, size: _____
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Additional Sources for Uniforms:
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AMERICAN ARMY & NAVY SURPLUS STORE, 28 N 4th St., Mpls, MN 55401 10-6p M-Sat.
Very little AF but lots of BDUs; good shoe & boot selection of varied sizes, including width; a
little on the expensive side.
CC Surplus. Newly opened on Hwy 81 near 63rd St., Brooklyn Park
UNIQUE THRIFT, Winnetka Ave/Rockford Rd, New Hope, or try a thrift store in your area
TWIN CITIES AF RESERVE BASE
o Must have permission from WING (go thru Deputy Commander for Cadets)
o Must have CAPID to get on base
o Cash only
o No BDU as current AF style is different from CAP
o BLUES available but not the small sizes
o Reasonably priced non-polishing dress oxford shoes
GRAND FORKS AFB (701-747-4828)
o Usually has AF items usually in stock
o Order by phone using credit card
Personalized items: (available online)
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THE HOCK SHOP www.thehock.com (800-843-4625)
VANGUARD www.vanguardmil.com (1-800-221-1264)
OR cap@vanguardmil.com. This is the officially recognized supplier for CAP.
INCOME TAX Keep your receipts for all CAP expenses and your record mileage. Excluding food
and possibly lodging, expenses may be used as write-offs on your income taxes.
When are the Weekly Meetings?
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The cadets meet every Monday at 19:00 (7:00 p.m.) at the squadron
Formation is promptly at 19:00 (7:00) p.m. so the meeting will begin on time
Exceptions will be announced; cadets notified by phone or email
The uniform for these meetings is BDU (Battle Dress Uniform – the camouflage one.)
Meetings are devoted to Aerospace Training, Character Development, and Physical Training
COMMANDER’S CALL is the first Monday of each month.
 Cadets wear the BLUE or “Blues” Uniform
 (If no uniform, smart civilian attire: slacks/dress shirt-blouse/tie/dress shoes)
 A joint Senior/Cadet meeting begins at 2000 (8:00 p.m.) led by the squadron’s commander
 Promotions/awards presented (PARENTS ARE WELCOME!)
 Safety Meeting immediately follows
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 Plan for this night to end closer to 2100 (9 p.m.)
Who are the Cadet Leaders?
c/Major Stone Cadet Commander
The Cadet Commander is responsible for planning and implementing the weekly Cadet Program.
The commander works closely with the Deputy Commander for Cadets
and the cadet staff.
<Name Here> Deputy Commander for Cadets
The Deputy Commander for Cadets is the adult responsible for the Cadet Program.
What to do Between Meetings?
CAP is designed as a self-study program in addition to the drills/commands learned at the weekly
meetings. New cadets receive a Membership Kit from National HQ with the study program for
Phases I and II. Promotion is achieved by passing tests, attendance at classes, and/or participating in
an interview (Review Board). The basic parts are:
1. Aerospace
2. Leadership
3. Physical Training
4. Character Development (formerly Moral Leadership) class
The first achievement is the CURRY AWARD. The cadet will take a multiple-choice test based on
Chapter 1 of their Leadership book plus Drill and Physical Training tests.
Once “CURRY” is passed, the CADET BASIC becomes CADET AIRMAN and has earned the first
ribbon and the privilege of wearing the CAP uniforms. Tradition at SCCS is that the cadets’ parents pin
on the 1st stripe. Cadets may work on getting their uniform once an application has been submitted.
ONLY A COMPLETE UNIFORM MAY BE WORN. COMPLETE INCLUDES ALL APPROPRIATE
ACCESSORIES.
The Cadet Program is designed to instill in cadets a sense of personal responsibility and selfdiscipline. Cadets – not their parents – are responsible for preparing their uniform, planning ahead to
juggle school and other obligations, and signing and showing up for events.
Email is the official communication form of Civil Air Patrol. Be sure we have the email address you check
regularly so you receive announcements, etc. The cadets conduct a Call Down each week to remind cadets about
the weekly meetings.
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What are the MN Wing (State level) activities?
EPS Encampment Preparatory School (Spring) is a weekend opportunity for cadets to
experience the basics of the week long Encampment. It is required for younger cadets; strongly
recommended for older cadets.
ENCAMPMENT (Camp Ripley, MN, late June)
Encampment is required for all CAP cadets desiring to progress in the program.
It is a boot camp environment with drills, uniform care, marching, inspection, etc.
Encampment is hard work but very rewarding.
Can my Cadet obtain a pilot’s license?
It is possible for a teen to solo through the CAP Cadet Program and take that first step toward
a pilot’s license. O FLIGHTS (Orientation Flights) are offered to cadets throughout the year as
funds are available. Cadets are typically given 5 powered and 5 glider flights.
A cadet may connect with one of our qualified pilots to receive one-on-one training. This is
coordinated between the cadet, pilot, and parents. Additional costs may be involved.
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How Can Parents Help Their Cadet Succeed In CAP?
Become a CADET SPONSOR MEMBER So you can:
1) Accompany/Chaperone cadets on trips
2) Help with fundraisers, etc.
3) See: www.cap.gov/visitors/quick_info/for_parents
Requirements
1) Apply (requires fingerprinting)
2) Dues, National ($25 includes nameplate) and Local ($24)
3) Pass the Child Protection class (online)
4) CAP Driver’s License record, if desire to drive the CAP van
5) Uniform: CAP polo, grey slacks, black shoes, name plate
Become a SENIOR MEMBER So you can:
1) Same as above
2) The sky is literally the limit because you are in the CIVIL AIR PATROL just like
your cadet!
Requirements
1) Same as above except dues are $70.00
2) Plus choose a Specialty Track (Emergency Services, Ground Team, Air
Operations, Administration, Cadet Program, etc.)
3) This website gives more CAP info
www.gocivilairpatrol.com/html/adultsFAQ.htm
None of the above possible?
Then please actively participate as a parent in any way you can. Just ask us what you can do
or tell us about your talents. We can always use someone willing to sew, set up fundraisers,
make contacts for recruitment or promotional opportunities, provide treats, etc.
Keep informed by having us submit your email address to our Wing (state) and Squadron
(SCCS) CAP announcements email list. You’ll learn more than you want to know, but at least
you’ll be informed.
Thank you for visiting our Squadron and reading this information.
We look forward to working with you and your cadet in Civil Air Patrol.
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