Students looking for new and exciting ways to spend their spare time can take off running and end up flying over the country side. You can honor, serve and have the opportunity of a lifetime by becoming a Cadet in the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol. Since 1941 the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a non-profit organization, has been devoted to emergency services, cadet programs, aerospace education, and humanitarian services using volunteer members.
The program’s goal is to develop young people into responsible citizens and future aerospace leaders. Students that dream about flying, model rocketry, hiking, camping, search and rescue training, and making new friends will find the CAP very fulfilling.

Cadet Program
The Cadet Program is offered to students 12 to 18 years of age. Those enlisting in the program before 18 may continue their involvements until 21, then moving on to a Senior level. The five program elements of the Cadet Program are leadership, aerospace education, physical Fitness, character development, and weekend and summer activities.
Cadets assemble once a week for squadron meetings and one Saturday a month. Here they have classroom instructions, mentoring, and hands-on learning. They learn to follow, but as they progress, they learn how to lead small teams, manage projects, think independently, and develop leadership. The local Squadron 505 requires interested students to attend three meetings before they are given a membership package. This trial times gives them the chance to see first hand the type of training, opportunities offered, practice with drills, learn what is expected of them. Incoming Cadet Bryan Johnson explains, “I have taken my oath and now am ready to take my first test. The subject is easy to understand and appropriate for my age level.” The cadets behavior has the structure of military discipline, with the guided mentoring from the Senior members. All cadets are in uniform, worn properly and according to published written standards. The Senior mentoring stresses the core values of the CAP; integrity, volunteer services, excellence and respect. As the cadets progress in the program they can move through the ranks of Senior, First and Second Lieutenant, and Major. Cadets participate in color guard drills, assisting with local ceremonies, veteran projects and most recently at a political dinner. Those excited about flying will have the chance to fly in a CAP plane or the possibility of a military aircraft. CAP does not teach cadets to fly, but they can compete for scholarships that will help pay for a pilot’s license. Orientation flights are free to cadets and an advantageous chance to experience flight first hand. Cadet Bryan Johnson just took his ‘O’ ride, an observation ride, with a pilot, two observers and a cadet, himself. “We flew out of the Bradford Regional Airport, to Corry and back. It took one hour and we learned about the flight controls, radio communication, and flight maneuvers.” Each cadet can accumulate up to 5 ‘O’ trips during their membership.

Senior Members
Senior members take a leadership role in the Cadet Program, participating in aerospace education and emergency service missions.
CAP takes its responsibility to safeguard young cadets very seriously. The adult volunteers that interact with cadets are fingerprinted and screened by the FBI. As part of the leadership training, advanced cadets lead and mentor new cadets under the guidance of senior members.
The dedicated volunteers of the Senior Program have the opportunity to assist in the development of these Cadets and learn more about flying, radio operations, teaching, writing, emergency services, finance, law, and much more. Three such local volunteers are also members of the Warren Electric Corporative. Captain Randall Matheny, Chaplin and USAF veteran, Captain Timothy Hagberg, Squad Commander, and USAF veteran Senior Member Alan Fuller, incoming 2nd Lieutenant with his pilot license and future Observation ride pilot. These senior members provide educational instruction, organize cadet outings, attending conferences, and involve the cadets in national projects. At a recent squadron meeting Captain Hagberg sat with three teens interested in becoming cadets. Hagberg explained the oath and its reason, the training they would receive, the activities available, membership fees and parental consent, uniforms, physical training and drill teams. All was explained displaying the value of discipline done with dignity.
Parents are invited to get involved with their teens by helping to plan events, raise funds, arrange carpooling, chaperone or be a driver.

Awards, Ceremonies and Conferences
Honor is brought to those in a number of different awards. The Mitchell Award gives cadets the chance to earn scholarships. Cadets who earn the Earhart Award may apply for the International Air Cadet exchange.
A community project to honor fallen sons and daughters has been started and continued by cadets. It is Wreaths Across America, supplying wreaths on the graves of veterans during holidays, drawing together families of the fallen while also inviting all of America to participate. The CAP is one of the projects foremost sponsors with cadets placing and guarding wreaths across the country. The project symbolism is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom. At www.wreathsacrossamerica.com you can help sponsor truckloads of wreaths across American.
Recently the squadron sent four cadets to the CAP Conference. Cadets Bryan Johnson, Daniel Hagberg, Collin and Evan Matheny headed to Indian Gap, PA for the annual event. Each took turns reminiscing about the activities at the convention. The event had blocks of training which were shaped and taught by cadets. Hawk Mountain, a search and rescue school, provided Rangers presenting sessions about fundraising, efficient cadets, the life cycle of CAP unit squadrons, recruitment, media programs, aerospace navigation, and drill competition. A formal dining reception was held to present awards, Color Guard drills, flag folding ceremony, and entertainment to give the cadets an enjoyable and educational evening.

Membership
This is a non-profit organization and many expenses are provided by monetary contributions. A membership fee of $31 is collected to cover minimum requirements. Cadets receive their first uniform at no cost and a new member kit with learning materials. The basic cadet uniform is the short sleeve Air Force style blue uniform. Cadets may also wear the optional BDU (camouflage) uniform. Additional activities may have fees to cover lodging and meals.
Looking towards the future, this program is a valuable resource for college, jobs, and future U.S. Air Force enlistment. For further information about the CAP program visit www.gocivilairpatrol.com.