<p>hey any of you guys in CAP? Wat is CAP?</p>
<p>CAP is Civil Air Patrol. Check out <a href="http://www.cap.gov/%5B/url%5D">http://www.cap.gov/</a> . </p>
<p>My daughter, who is leaning towards the Naval Academy, is a member. The web site has eveything, but I'll just give you a quick run down. </p>
<p>The CAP is a civilian auxiliary of the Air Force. The senior members can be involved in search and rescue missions, involving light aircraft and ground teams. The Cadet program is probably what you are interested in. </p>
<p>Cadets can be between 12 and 21, but must join before they are 18. Cadets start out at Airman Basic and by completing written tests, physical training tests and other requirements move through the ranks, up to Cadet Colonel. Colonel is very difficult to get to, I believe I saw a quote saying only 20 or so Colonels are promoted in the whole country each year.</p>
<p>The military looks at CAP as a good start towards a military career. If a cadet achieves their Mitchell award, which qualifies them to be a 2nd Lieutenant there are some good perks. The number one perk is that if you enlist in the service you will be an E-3 when you get out of basic training. </p>
<p>Cap is also a lot of fun. There are local and national activities which are fairly inexpensive, a blast and really teach followership and leadership. CAP is a great extra-curricular activity towards an Academy appointment, just make sure your also keeping up the grades, SAT or ACT score, athletics and everything else it takes to be a well rounded candidate.</p>
<p>Good Luck</p>
<p>My boyfriend (who is now at USAFA, Class of 09) and myself are both in the Civil Air Patrol. Cougar's explanation of it was quite well done and the website should provide you with a lot of information as well. I just thought I would offer a personal perspective. </p>
<p>I am currently a Cadet 2d Lt. (which means I have my Mitchell award) and the cadet commander of my squadron. I put a solid chunk of time into the program and it is probly the strongest EC that I have going for me right now. Not only will service academies LOVE the leadership and responsibility you will gain in CAP, civilian colleges will see the dedication it requires as well. My boyfriend was the cadet commander of our squadron for a year before I was and did TONS of things in the program (cadet officer school, encampments, Nation Ground Search and Rescue school, Aviation Challenge) and he believes it is one of the best things he could have done to strengthen his application to the Academy.
Finally, if you are able to maintain active membership in CAP, and good grades and other ECs.. that shows great time management skills!</p>
<p>I don't know how old you are or what year of school you are in, but I would still suggest looking into CAP further. If you are already applying to colleges, a few months in CAP may not be as beneficial in earning you an appointment, however, it can still be a lot of fun! If you are younger though, it can be a great way to get involved and get experiences that you otherwise may not have had. If you want to know more, or get additional information, or talk to someone about it, feel free to shoot me an IM. I'd be glad to help!</p>
<p>Thanks for the addition Hakuna,</p>
<pre><code> I wonder if JJx508 is going to read it? He or she does not seem to have come back.
Are you also working towards the USAFA like your boyfriend? You didn't say what year you were in in school. My daughter is just about to start her Junior year, so will be USNA class of 2011 if she gets what she wants. She also just recently passed her Mitchell and will be promoted next month. Our local squadron got a young lady into the USAFA last year and a neighboring unit got one in this year.
CAP is great, even if you're not going military!
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<p>No, I am not looking at the Air Force Academy.. I used to dream about going to West Point, but due to bad knees and well.. changing interests, I don't think it is what I want anymore. </p>
<p>Congratulations to your daughter and best of luck to her with USNA... I agree, CAP is great no matter what you want to do later. The leadership I've learned there has helped me in so many aspects of my life (nice little plug for the organization in there. Lol.)</p>
<p>I didn't even notice the date on the post.. oops!</p>