Overview
Step Zero: Check Your Eligibility
Cadet Members
In general, to join as a Cadet Member, you must be at least 12 years old, but not yet 19 years old. United States citizenship is a requirement for membership. However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join. If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron.
Adult Members
Adult members must be at least 18 years old. There is no maximum age limit to join or remain as an adult member. United States citizenship is a requirement for membership. However, if you are admitted to the United States as a permanent resident and have a permanent resident card (I-551), you are eligible to join. If you are in the US but not a citizen or permanent resident, you may still be able to join, but will need to request a waiver of the citizenship requirement from your Civil Air Patrol squadron. All active adult members must be screened and registered by National Headquarters. The screening process requires that the individual complete an FD 258 fingerprint card used by NHQ to request a FBI criminal records check to determine membership eligibility.
For more information, check our requirements page.
Step One: Find your Local Squadron
The first step in your new journey is to find a local squadron. For those of you in Denver, Colorado, that is likely going to be Valkyrie Cadet Squadron. To see a map of all squadrons in the area, check the CAP Unit Locator.
There are four different types of squadrons in Civil Air Patrol. Cadet squadrons are composed of a cadet element with a supporting adult element, primarily oriented towards cadet programs. Composite squadrons are composed of both Cadets and Senior structures. Senior squadrons consist of only an adult element. School squadrons are associated with an educational institution. Candidates for cadet membership may join any cadet or composite squadron. Candidates for adult membership may join any type of squadron.
Valkyrie is a cadet squadron, this means that we have a large cadet contingent, with a considerable adult structure oriented towards support and mentorship for the cadets in the program. All adult members at Valkyrie are thoroughly vetted by the FBI to ensure that Cadets are in good hands.
Step Two: Contact the Squadron and Arrange a Visit
For individuals interested in Valkyrie Cadet Squadron, please go visit our 'Contact Us' page for more information on how to reach out.
For other squadrons in Colorado, please visit the Colorado Wing Website for more information.
Step Three: Attend at Least Three Weekly Meetings
Most squadrons in Civil Air Patrol host regular, weekly meetings. Valkyrie hosts our meetings at Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum from 1830-2100 (6:30pm -> 9:00pm) every Tuesday. You will need to attend at least three meetings as a guest before officially submitting documentation to join Civil Air Patrol.
Step Four: Complete the Membership Application
Cadet Members
Valkyrie Cadet Squadron will provide Cadets with all the materials to submit an instant, online application, once the Cadet has attended three meetings. Cadets will need to bring a parent, a credit card, and proof of identity (i.e. Social Security Number).
The Cadet Application form can be found here. More information about annual dues can be found here.
Upon joining, there will be two dues collected. $41 will be for National dues, and can be paid with a credit card. Squadron dues are also due at the time of joining. Our dues are $5 per month, prorated from October, and $15 for a squadron t-shirt.
Adult Members
Adults will need to complete the Membership Application and FD 258 Fingerprint Card (provided to you by Valkyrie). Additionally, adult members will need to bring payment for annual dues.
The Adult Application form can be found here. More information about annual dues can be found here.
Step 5: Submit your Application
Cadet Members
For Cadets, online submission of membership will constitute instantaneous membership to the program. Welcome!
Adult Members
Submit your application, fingerprint card and dues through one of the following ways:
Checks (made payable to Civil Air Patrol) or money orders are accepted for dues payment.
If paying by credit card, include the information listed below to process the application. The required information includes:
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Type of Card - Visa, MasterCard or Discover
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Card Number
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Expiration Date
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3 Digit Security Code on the Back of the Card
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Name on Card
Mail your completed application, fingerprint card and dues payment to:
Civil Air Patrol/DP
105 S. Hansell St. Bldg 714
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
Expedited Mail
FedEx and UPS are both delivered directly to the National Headquarters building. Priority Mail from the United States Postal Service may be delayed several days while it is routed through the Air Force base mail system.
When your application is received at National Headquarters, it is date stamped and processed in order by the date it arrived. You will receive an automated welcome email when the membership is processed.
