This guide is for incoming cadets and current cadets trying to pass
their first few PRB's (Promotion Review Board) and promote to Cadet NCO.
Incoming Cadets
So, you want to join Civil Air Patrol? Prepare to be part of a Cadet program not like any others around. Civil Air Patrol will
test your will to succeed, your problem-solving skills, and your team work ability. Our program can also give you
opportunities to learn skills ranging anywhere from Pilot Training to Ground Search and Rescue Skills to Survival
Training, and to go abroad and be a cadet in other countries in our I.A.C.E. (International Air Cadet Exchange).
First things first, you have to go to a squadron in your area and speak with one of the Senior Members (the adult
Civil Air Patrol Members) or a Cadet about joining. When you talk to the Deputy Commander for Cadets or the
Commander for Cadets, which are both Senior Members, you will preview the program, one or two meetings
and information about special activities and summer activities called encampments. If you are still
interested in joining you will probably be invited to participate and watch cadets conduct their activities
during a meeting and ask questions of a cadet NCO. If you wish to join, the Deputy Commander for Cadets
will give you a form ______________ to join Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol does ask for a $35 payment
for administration purposes on the National Level. Once your paperwork reaches National Headquarters in ________, you will
receive your books and Membership card, and now you can call yourself a Civil Air Patrol Cadet and you are now
a Cadet Airman Basic and you can now officially attend activities and encampments.
Being a Cadet Basic
Being a Cadet Airman Basic can be a little confusing. When you get your membership card, you should already have your
uniform and some of it's accessories. Talk to your Flight Sergeant about getting these supplies. Now is when you begin
to learn the foundations of Civil Air Patrol and its mottos. There are two things you should memorize as soon as possible.
These are the Cadet Oath and the Cadet Honor Code.
Honor Code
On my honor as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet of the California Wing,
I will not lie, cheat, steal or commit any act of
intentional dishonesty, or tolerate those who do.
Cadet Oath
I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet program,
and that I will attend meeting regularly, participate activly in unit activities,
obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and to advance my education and training
to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation.
