How to Join
Thank you for your interest in joining the Civil Air Patrol, the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. With our three missions of Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs there is very likely a position that fits your interests. Our membership is divided into two groups, Adult (Senior) members and Cadets.
Adult (Senior) Members
Senior members must be at least 18 years old. You do not need to be a pilot in order to join. As with any organization, you will get out of the Civil Air Patrol as much as you put into it. The first step towards joining is to attend a squadron meeting and discuss your interests with one of the squadron leaders. Our full squadron meetings are generally held the second Tuesday of each month, but please contact us at BismarckCAP30@gmail.com to confirm and let us know you will be attending.
The next step is to fill out an application and submit your fingerprints to our National Headquarters. National will conduct an FBI criminal records check to determine membership eligibility. Felony convictions or patterns of arrests and/or convictions including, but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence may be the basis for rejection of membership. Reports received from the FBI are maintained in strict confidence by National Headquarters and not released.
Senior member annual dues include National, Region, and Wing dues and therefore vary by state. The 2020 senior member dues for North Dakota are $60. Updated dues can be found on the National website. Local squadrons may charge dues in addition to the National dues, however the Bismarck Squadron does not charge dues at this time. In addition to dues, senior members will be required to fund their own uniforms. For more information please read our FAQ page as well as the National website and contact us with any questions.
Cadets
The CAP cadet program is a youth development program that incorporates aviation and military customs and courtesies. Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow's aerospace leaders. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline cadets gain through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.
To become a cadet, you must be at least 12 years old and not yet 19 years old. Cadets usually meet 2 hours per week and one Saturday per month, on average, and also have opportunities to attend leadership encampments, career academies, and other activities during the summer.
The first step towards joining is to attend a cadet meeting with your parents and discuss your interests with one of the squadron leaders. Interested youth must attend at least three meetings before they can apply for membership. Cadet meetings are generally held on Tuesdays, but the location varies. Please contact us at BismarckCAP30@gmail.com for meeting locations and times.
After attending at least three meetings you can fill out an application and pay dues. Annual cadet membership dues include National, Region, and Wing dues and therefore vary by state. The 2020 North Dakota dues for cadets is $31. Updated dues can be found on the National website. For more information please read our FAQ page as well as the National website and contact us with any questions.
