CLEVELAND COMPOSITE SQUADRON
CIVIL AIR PATROL
245 Sequoia Road
Cleveland Tennessee 37312
Dear Prospective Cadet:
Welcome and thanks for being interested in our CAP squadron. This squadron has a long-standing tradition of excellence that continues to this day. To remain a strong squadron, we must continually recruit and retain great leaders AND great followers. Your initiative to find out more about this squadron says you might just have what we’re looking for in a new cadet . . .drive, determination, love for learning, and oh yes—love of aviation. Whether you are looking towards a career in the U.S. Air Force or a career in the civilian sector, the Civil Air Patrol can help you build confidence, build muscle, build leadership skills, and build lasting friendships.
While this program can help you achieve many goals, there are a few things you need to know about CAP:
1) This is not a short-term program; cadets must be active in the program a minimum of 14 months to attain cadet officer status. By attaining the rank of a cadet officer, many other opportunities come your way. And, you can remain a cadet until your 21st birthday, therefore allowing you to compete for college scholarships.
2) You must become self-motivated to excel in this program. We are not going to “hold your hand.” Many talented people are available to assist you although your progress is solely your responsibility. We want you to succeed and will help all we can but many of the academic elements of this program require individual effort. Tutoring is available thirty minutes before the beginning of each meeting. You will also participate in military-style drill, moral leadership classes, emergency services classes, aerospace education and a few weekend training and evaluation exercises. Your progress will be charted and promotions in rank can come as fast as every two months. In order to remain in the program, you must attain promotion at least once every six months.
3) CAP is the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The Air Force funds the program on a national basis; therefore, no operating funds filter down to the squadron level. CAP is not free. Although cadets currently receive many items (such as uniforms) for free, many other activities require the cadet to pay a small percentage of the actual value of the activity. An example is the weeklong summer encampment held at Ft. Campbell, KY; total cost for room and board is about $75. Small uniform items, communications gear, and necessary field pack accessories are not included in your membership fee. We have fundraising activities to defray as many expenses as possible, but please realize that the squadron cannot absorb all of the expenses of the program. Membership fee for cadets is $36 for the first year and $20 for each succeeding year.
4) Finally, you and your parents need to see the opportunity to be a CAP cadet as both a privilege and a responsibility. In order to be a successful cadet, you must be present at the meetings and participate in the activities. Some activities will be more enjoyable than others. As a CAP cadet, you are entitled to go on orientation flights. But you must also participate in the mile run, prepare for uniform inspection, and learn CPR. Keep an open mind; true success always comes with a price.
If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me or speak with me.
Sincerely,
Barry Melton, Lt. Col., CAP
Squadron Commander