Professional Development
What are the qualifications for Senior Membership in CAP?
To be members of the Senior Program, applicants must:
 | Be prepared to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
| Be at least 18 years of Age.
| Be a citizen of the United States (with certain considerations for
lawfully-admitted aliens)
| Be a law abiding citizen. | |
What can I do in the Senior Program?
As a senior member, you will have the opportunity to function in two or more areas if you like. One Area is called your functional specialty, and the other is called your operational specialty. The functional specialty is an area where you serve an in an administrative role as a member of the squadron. Some of the specialty tracks are:
| Personnel
| Public Affairs
| Finance
| Inspections (Group-level and above)
| Professional Development
| Administration
| Logistics
| Flight Operations - Must be a CAP pilot
| Operations - Must be a CAP pilot
| Standardization-Evaluation - Must be a CAP pilot and FAA CFI
| Emergency Services
| Communications
| Aerospace Education
| Cadet Programs
| Safety
| Plans & Programs (Wing-level and above)
| Legal - Qualifications and degree from outside of CAP required
| Medical - Qualifications from outside of CAP required
| Chaplain - Qualifications and degree from outside of CAP required
| Historian
| Moral Leadership - Qualifications and degree from outside of CAP
required | |
Operational Specialties are jobs that Senior Members perform during a Mission. A Mission is what happens when the CAP is "called out" to search for a downed aircraft, search for a missing person, or assist with disaster relief.
| Incident Commander
| Mission Coordinator
| Air Branch Operations Director
| Air Search Coordinator
| Ground Branch Director
| Ground Search Coordinator
| Communications Unit Director
| Information Officer
| Flight Line Officer
| Mission Pilot
| Mission Observer/Scanner
| Radio Operator
| Ground Team Leader
| Ground Team Member
| General Emergency Services Personnel
| Mission Staff Assistant | |
Although closely associated with the Air Force, there is no military obligation as a member of Civil Air Patrol. All services are strictly voluntary. Members are eligible to wear a uniform similar to the Air Force uniform. Those members not meeting military-style grooming or weight standards may wear special Civil Air Patrol distinctive uniforms. And unless conduction the Cadet Program or flying in Civil Air Patrol corporate aircraft, members may wear appropriate civilian clothing in lieu of a uniform
Prospective Member Information application (NOTE: web form on CAP National web page)