An Introduction to Senior Membership in

The Civil Air Patrol

This unofficial guide is not intended to replace any CAP Pamphlets or Regulations.

PDK Senior Squadron SER-GA-130

Document Goal

• This document seeks to advise new senior members on how to quickly become more active and productive members of the Civil Air Patrol– This document contains links to key documents or

sources of additional information from The CAP National, GA Wing and PDK Sr. Squadron Web Sites

– Please refer to official CAP Regulations for all the current training, specialty track and promotion requirements

Why Is CAP Here?

• Missions of The Civil Air Patrol– Emergency Services– Aerospace Education– Cadet/Youth Development Programs

• Our Core Values– Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect

What Does CAP Look For in Volunteers?

• The desire to give back to the nation and local community

• Interest in aviation and personal/skill development– And you do not need to be a pilot

• Someone who likes to work with and share knowledge with others

What Does CAP Offer Me?

• Opportunity to serve your Country & others – Potential to save lives and property

• Opportunity to develop & learn new skills

• Opportunity to work with others that share your interests (including Cadets)

• Recognition and feeling of accomplishment

• Misc. CAP member benefits

How Do I Help CAP Achieve Its Mission?

• Three Interrelated Sr. Member Jobs– Squadron Staff and Duty Responsibilities

• Ensure Squadron’s effectiveness via staff officer contribution

– Emergency Services (ES) Qualification• Qualification for a job on a SAR or other Mission• Requires skills training and evaluation (SQTR)

– CAP Professional Development • Personal development is required for CAP recognition and

advancement (rank, awards, ribbons and other)

How Do I Get More Information?

• About The Civil Air Patrol– CAP Fact Sheet– What the CAP Does

• About Senior Membership in CAP– CAP Prospective Member Package– CAP Fast Start Pamphlet (CAPP 7)

• Join Us at a PDK Sr. Squadron Meeting

What Can I Expect?

• CAP is An All Volunteer Organization– Don’t expect perfection but expect best efforts– Say what you will and can do, then do it

• CAP Is Associated with The U.S. Air Force– Paperwork and regulations are a given

• CAP Offers Do-It-Yourself Professional Development Program– A rich program with many options– Define what you want to do and go for it…

I’m In… Now What?• Before You Have a CAP ID Card

– Complete CAP Application (CAPF 12)– Complete Level I training (this is critical)– Become familiar with CAP Knowledgebase– Read the PDK Senior Squadron Newsletter

• After Issued a CAP ID Card by National HQ– Enroll in Georgia Wing email system (AEGES) – Sign-up and explore CAP eServices– Talk with Squadron Commander regarding staff and

specialty track needs (and ask for a CAP mentor)– Purchase a uniform (Dobbins AFB or CAPMart)

I’m In… Now What?

• Start CAP Professional Development– Become familiar with the CAP Senior Program– Review Specialty Tracks and requirements– Reviews the MIMS Tutorial on eServices site– Complete the CAP Emergency Service course

(CAPT 116 I & II) – Consider completing The Yeager Award – Check the PDK Sr. Squadron (in our

Newsletter) & Wing Training Calendars

How Do I… ?

• CAP Resources Online Are Extensive– CAP Knowledgebase answer most questions– CAP Regulations (CAPR) and CAP

Pamphlets (CAPP) show what you should do

• If You Can’t Find It Then Ask Someone…– Ask your CAP mentor’s help or a friend… – Speak with member of PDK Squadron staff

Final Tips…

• Be Proactive In Training And Recognition– If you earn it, you deserve it– CAP wants to recognize achievement

• CAP Runs On Regulations Not Opinions

• Keep Official Copies of Everything – Also keep your Master file up to date

• Define What is Needed & Help Get It Done

• Enjoy The Work of CAP and The People

We are glad you are here!

Want to Learn More?Getting Started In CAP Emergency Services

This unofficial guide is not intended to replace anyCAP Pamphlets or Regulations.

PDK Senior Squadron SER-GA-130