New Cadets

Welcome, Airman! Below are your first 10 steps as a new CAP cadet.

1.  Create an account in eServices

Go to capnhq.gov and click the Register button. As you create your account, double-check that your contact information is correct.

2. Look Around

The New Cadet Guide is your #1 resource as a new cadet. You'll receive a physical copy soon, but it's good to read it now.

Your New Cadet Kit will arrive within 10 days of your officially joining CAP. Watch your mailbox.

Give the Parents' Guide to your mom, dad, or guardian. To be a successful cadet, you'll need their support, and the Parents' Guide can help you explain to them why CAP is important to you.

3. Get to Know your Cadet Cadre

Your cadet cadre is a group of experienced cadets who will help you get started in CAP. They’ve already been through the same first steps you’re taking now, and their main job is to guide you, answer questions, and make sure you succeed as a new cadet. Right after you join, one of your cadre members will send you a welcome email with important details about your flight—be sure to reply so they know you received it. If you’re ever unsure about something—like uniforms, drill, promotions, or meetings—your cadet cadre is your first stop for help. They’ll also be at weekly meetings to teach you the basics, check on your progress, and support you as you work toward your first promotion. Don’t be afraid to ask them questions—helping you succeed is their mission.

4. Complete the Cadet Welcome Course and OPSEC Course

The Cadet Welcome Course, a 15-minute online module in Cadet Interactive, will help you get started. If you don’t have web access, ask your squadron for an in-person briefing. After that complete the Operational Security (OPSEC) Course.

5. Start working on your first promotion

Stripes to Diamonds details every requirement needed to achieve your first promotion. Try to complete your first promotion within 60 days.

6.  Get Into Uniform

Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, you’ll qualify for the Curry Uniform Voucher, which covers some of the costs of the uniforms.       

Our squadron has a limited supply of ABU (camouflage) and Blues uniform items. Talk to your element leader or recruiting officer. Uniform items may be purchased through a variety of sources, but the official source for Civil Air Patrol uniform items is Vanguard. The Uniform Order Sheet has a list of the required items for each uniform.

7. Begin using your Personal Cadet Tracker

Record your accomplishments on your Personal Cadet Tracker. While you do that, set some goals for your first year as a cadet.

8. Get Involved Outside Monday Meetings

CAP has so much more than Monday meetings. Interested in flying? Check out the flying page.  For a detailed list of what CAP has to offer, click here.

9. Start Asking Questions

We know you have a lot of questions. Learning how to use the chain of command to get them answered is an important skill to have. The chain of command is the order of authority (who oversees who). You should always start by asking your questions at the bottom of the chain. Unless the question relates to one of the support staff positions (for example, aerospace, emergency services, ect), you should start by asking your element leader. If your element leader can't answer the question, they will escalate it up the chain. Please don't jump the chain. Simple issues being resolved at the lowest point possible frees up resources.

The one exception to starting at the bottom of the chain is if you have a wingman (such as a sibling or friend). Although they are not considered part of the chain, you can ask them first. If they can't answer the question, it's still your responsibility to go up the chain.

10. Plan to Attend Encampment.   

Encampment is a full immersion into all the opportunities of cadet life. It’ll be the high point of your first year! Most encampments are 1-week in duration and held during the summer. Encampment is also the first step to unlock other opportunities in CAP, such as Cadet Wings, NCSAs, and promotion to 2nd Lt. Check the encampment page to see if information is available or ask your squadron for details.

The Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP, pronounced “seep”) can help you with tuition and uniform costs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How do I earn my first promotion?
Visit Stripes to Diamonds. It'll tell you exactly what you need to do to become a Cadet Airman. Keep track of your progress through the Cadet Program using the Personal Cadet Tracker. And if your New Cadet Kit hasn't arrived yet, you can download Chapter 1 of the leadership textbook here.

2.  Where's my membership card?
Your CAP ID will take a few weeks to arrive in the mail. If yours hasn't arrived within 30 days of joining, please contact CAP national.

3.  What is my CAPID?
Your CAPID is a 6-digit identification number. It's found on your membership card and in eServices.

4.  How do I get my textbooks?
About 10 days after joining, you should receive a New Cadet Kit in the mail. If you haven't received yours after 2 weeks, please contact CAP national.

5.  Where do I go if I have more questions?
Talk with your assigned Cadet Element Leader or Cadet Flight Sergeant. Their job is to help you succeed in CAP. Moms and dads should visit our Parents' Page.