Types of Membership

Cadet Membership

Cadet membership in CAP is available to all young men and women who meet the eligibility requirements. 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.

Senior Membership

Senior membership in CAP is a privilege reserved for those individuals who conscientiously desire to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP and who meet the eligibility requirements. This privilege may be enjoyed as long as the member observes and complies with the CAP Constitution and Bylaws and other governing directives. Categories of senior membership are listed below:

Active Member: A member who regularly attends meetings, performs a specific duty assignment, meets training requirements, and participates in the activities of his or her unit. An active member may wear the CAP uniform and compete for grade advancement.

Patron Member: A patron member is a financial supporter who maintains current membership through payment of annual membership dues and participates in a limited capacity.

Retired Member: A member in good standing with a minimum of 20 years service as a senior member, not necessarily continuous, is eligible to retire from Civil Air Patrol. Once retired, members will not actively participate.

Cadet Sponsor Member

Cadet Sponsor Member (CSM) is a membership category established to allow parents, grandparents and guardians of current CAP cadets to assist their unit’s cadet program by providing adult supervision, transportation, overnight chaperons, and any other cadet related tasks deemed necessary and proper by the unit commander. A cadet sponsor member is a financial supporter who maintains current membership through payment of annual dues, but only participates in a limited capacity.

Aerospace Education Member

Aerospace education (AE) membership is a special category of membership for members of the educational community and any reputable individual or organization that has a desire to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP, but who do not desire to participate in the active membership program. There are two subcategories of Aerospace Education membership: Student Aerospace Education Members and Organization Aerospace Education members.

Other Types of Members

Affiliate Members: Affiliate membership is a membership category for organization members or special groups of individuals who desire to support CAP financially or through special services, but who are not required to attend regular meetings, wear a uniform, or participate in the active program.

Congressional Members: Members of the United States Congress and federally appointed officials are eligible to become Congressional Members of Civil Air Patrol. These members do not pay membership dues or submit fingerprint cards. These members are authorized to fly in CAP aircraft, visit CAP unit meetings/social events and receive the honorary grade of lieutenant colonel.

State Legisative Members: Membership in this category is open to state legislators and elected state officials as well as key staff members. These members are authorized to fly in CAP aircraft, visit CAP unit meetings/social events upon invitation and receive the honorary grade of major.

Fifty-Year Members: Individuals who have served 50 years continuous service in Civil Air Patrol are eligible for free membership. These members continue to receive all the benefits of regular active senior membership and are entitled to all rights and privileges.

Life Members: In recognition of outstanding contributions to CAP, and as one of its highest honors, the National Board may create a life membership for any member of CAP. However, this honor is usually reserved for past national commanders, past executive directors, and past CAP-USAF commanders. Life members are afforded all the rights and privileges of active senior membership. Spouses of life members are also afforded all the rights and privileges of the life member.

Business Members: A business member is any US corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or organization that applies for CAP membership in the name of the corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or organization. This category of membership is designed for members of the business community who demonstrate desire to financially support the CAP missions and associated programs.

Honorary Members: Honorary membership is a term of reference, not a category of membership. It is an effective means by which to enhance the image of CAP by associating the Corporation with outstanding citizens. Individuals in this category are members in name only. They do not participate in CAP activities, pay dues, or enjoy the privileges reserved for active CAP members. Honorary membership is limited to distinguished citizens such as members of Congress, state governors, mayors of large communities, high-ranking military officers, etc.

For more information on Civil Air Patrol Membership, click here to see CAP Regulation 39-2, Civil Air Patrol Membership or contact us at info@jococap.org

The above was adopted from CAP Regulation 39-2, Civil Air Patrol Membership, CAP National Headquarters, Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

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