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 CADET MEMBERSHIP
2-1. General. Cadet membership in CAP is available to all young men and women who meet the eligibility requirements outlined in paragraph 2-2. Cadets who become members before their 19th birthday may retain their cadet status until they reach 21 years of age; however, senior membership is optional for all cadets at age 18 (see paragraph 3-5 for application procedures).

2-2. Requirements for Initial Membership. All applicants for cadet membership must meet the following prerequisites:

a. Twelve years of age through 18 years of age. Note: Individuals applying for membership in a squadron that is participating in CAP’s middle school initiative may join if they are below age 12 as long as they are attending at least the sixth grade in the appropriate middle school. These squadrons are monitored by the Cadets and Senior Member Professional Development office at National Headquarters and have a distinguishing charter number that identifies them as participants of this program.

b. Enrolled in or graduated from a private, public, home school or college program with a satisfactory record of academic achievement.

c. Single or married and under age 18.

d. Not a member of the active duty Armed Forces. NOTE: National Guard and Reserve personnel are not considered active duty Armed Forces unless they are serving on extended active duty. For the purpose of this regulation, CAP does not consider Basic Military Training for Guard and Reserve personnel as extended active duty.

e. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (NHQ CAP/LMM).

1) Those persons in "admitted for permanent residence" status must possess and present a current Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551) when making application for CAP membership. If an alien's status changes from "admitted for permanent residence" other then by reason of acquiring citizenship, the alien is no longer eligible for membership.

2) Requests for waiver of citizenship criteria for lawfully admitted non-citizens residing in the United States who were not admitted for permanent residence will be submitted through the wing and region commander along with a copy of the membership application to Membership Services (NHQ CAP/LMM). The waiver, if approved, will be only for the period of residence within the United States.

f. Good moral character.

g. If a former member of CAP, must not have been terminated for misconduct.

h. Be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters.

2-3. Cadet Membership Dues. National Headquarters collects membership dues (including wing and region dues) for all new cadets along with a fee for the initial cadet program study material (see attachment 1 for actual amounts). Additional dues may be assessed with the approval of the region and wing commanders. Group and squadron dues may also be levied with the approval of the wing commander. Group and squadron dues are not forwarded to National Headquarters.
2-4. Application Procedures.

a. Action by the applicant:

1) Complete CAPF 15 in at least three copies. The applicant's parents or guardian must sign all copies of the application.

2) Furnish a health certificate if required. Although physical handicaps and disabilities do not bar membership, a cadet will be required to furnish a physician's certificate when health is questionable. In such cases, the applicant's parents or guardian, a physician, and the unit commander will determine the extent of the applicant's capabilities to participate in CAP activities (see CAPR 52-16, CAP Cadet Program Management). If a health certificate is required, it will be filed in the cadet's unit personnel records.

3) Turn in the completed application form and membership dues to the unit commander or the commander's designated representative. A separate check or personal money order is required for National dues. (Unit checks will be accepted as long as there is one check per application.) The check or money order should be made payable to "National Headquarters CAP." NOTE: Cadets rejoining after a lapse in membership are also required to send the full dues unless they have already completed Phase I training, in which case they order required cadet program study materials directly from the CAP Bookstore (see CAPR 52-16).

 Senior MEMBERSHIP

3-2. Requirements for Membership. All applicants for senior membership in CAP must be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters and must meet the following criteria:

a. General. Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.

b. Age. Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.

c. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United states specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (NHQ CAP/LMM).

1) Those persons in "admitted for permanent residence" status must possess and present a current Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551) when making application for CAP membership. If an alien's status changes from "admitted for permanent residence" other then by reason of acquiring citizenship, the alien is no longer eligible for membership.

2) Requests for waiver of the citizenship criteria for lawfully admitted non-citizens residing in the United States who were not admitted for permanent residence will be submitted through the wing and region commander along with a copy of the membership application to NHQ CAP/LMM. The waiver, if approved, will be only for the period of residence within the United States.

d. Suitability. Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership.

1) Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.

2) A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.

3) Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.

4) Falsification of information on the membership application.

5) Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.

6) Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.

3-3. Confidential Screening.

All individuals applying for active senior membership must be screened and registered by National Headquarters.
The screening process requires that the individual complete a FBI fingerprint card used by National Headquarters to request a FBI criminal records check to determine membership eligibility.
Final decision as to each individual's eligibility rests with the National Commander or the National Commander's designee (EX).
The National Commander's decision is final and is not subject to appeal or to the "complaints" procedure under CAPR 123-2, Complaints.
a.Reports received from the FBI are maintained in strict confidence by National Headquarters and reviewed by only a small group of officials charged with making recommendations to the National Commander or his or her designee as to the member's eligibility. National Headquarters will not release these reports or associated documentation.

Such reports will be retained for at least 5 years after the individual is no longer a member of CAP.

b. Members may be re-screened periodically as required by National Headquarters or upon request of unit commander of assignment or commanders of higher echelons with reason to question a member's continued eligibility.
Members renewing after the 90-day renewal period must submit a new FBI fingerprint card

 Non-discrimination

It is Civil Air Patrol policy that no member shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity on the basis of age, sex, religion, race, color, national origin or disability (formerly handicap).