New Cadets
First Tasks for New Cadets
1. Create an account in eServices
Go to www.capnhq.gov. Here you will register for an account using your name and email address. You will need your CAPID number, which is in the welcome email. Once registered, you will receive a link to set up a password.
2. Complete the Cadet Welcome Course
A 15-minute online interactive module - the Cadet Welcome Course - will help you get started. How do I get to the Welcome Course?
3. Get into uniform
Every CAP meeting has a specific uniform that members must wear. When you are new and don't yet have a uniform, please wear the civilian equivalent, as shown in the following table:
| CAP Uniform | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Blues | Button-down shirt or blouse, slacks or skirt, dress shoes. |
| Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) | Polo shirt or t-shirt, jeans |
| Physical Training Uniform (PTU) | T-shirt, shorts, athletic shoes |
Uniform items may be purchased through a variety of sources. The official source for CAP insignia and uniforms is Vanguard Industries. There is financial assistance in the form of a voucher from Vanguard once you have completed your first achievement (first rank) of Cadet Airman. The amount of the voucher depends on which financial assistance category you selected when submitting your membership application. (You also had the option to reject financial assistance, in which case no voucher will be provided). Regardless, bear in mind that the amount of the voucher will not be enought to cover all uniform items.
If you’re near an Air Force base, you can buy some uniform garments (but not CAP insignia) at the Exchange or base thrift store, although you'll need a military ID to get on base. You may also obtain items from military surplus stores or the internet, as long as the items meet uniform requirements in CAPR 39-1. Our squadron also has a limited supply of secondhand uniform items. See our recommended Uniform Shoppling List for more information.
4. Find Resources
Your New Cadet Kit will arrive within 10 days of your officially joining CAP. Watch your mailbox.
Look through the New Cadet Guide booklet. Make that your #1 resource for getting started in CAP.
Give the Parents' Guide to your mom, dad, or guardian. To be a successful cadet, you'll need their support, and the Parents' Guide can help you explain to them why CAP is important to you.
5. Read Your Leadership Text
Read Learn to Lead, chapter 1. You’ll need to learn this material to complete Achievement 1 and qualify for promotion to Cadet Airman. Pay attention to the learning objectives and use them to quiz yourself.
6. Complete Cadet Interactive Leadership Module 1
After reading Learn to Lead chapter 1, go deeper and challenge your learning in Cadet Interactive. If you don’t have web access, you can ask your squadron to give you an open-book test instead. Are you a high achiever? Go for Honor Credit by doing both the Cadet Interactive module and the open-book test.
7. Begin using your Personal Cadet Tracker
Record your accomplishments on your Personal Cadet Tracker. While you do that, set some goals for your first year as a cadet.
8. Plan to Attend Encampment.
Encampment is a full immersion into all the opportunities of cadet life. It’ll be the high point of your first year! Most encampments are 1-week in duration and held during the summer. Check the encampment page to see if information is available and mark your calendar, or ask your squadron for details.
The Cadet Encampment Assistance Program (CEAP, say “seep”) can help you with tuition and uniform costs.
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Basic Expectations for 1st Year Cadets |
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★ Stay with CAP for at least 1 year. Give the cadet experience a chance to impact your life. |
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★ Attend your weekly squadron meetings. |
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★ Attend one "Saturday" event per month, if available. |
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★ Attend encampment. It's an awesome, week-long, overnight activity immersing you into all facets of cadet life. |
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★ Earn the Wright Brothers' Award during your first year. |
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★ Participate in an orientation flight |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I earn my first promotion?
Visit Stripes to Diamonds. It'll tell you exactly what you need to do to become a Cadet Airman. Keep track of your progress through the Cadet Program using the Personal Cadet Tracker. And if your New Cadet Kit hasn't arrived yet, you can download Chapter 1 of the leadership textbook above.
2. Where's my membership card?
You should receive your CAP ID card in the mail within 30 days of joining. If yours hasn't arrived, please contact National HQ.
3. What is my CAPID?
Your CAPID is a 6-digit identification number. It's found on your membership card and in eServices.
4. How do I get my textbooks?
About 10 days after joining, you should receive a New Cadet Kit in the mail. If you haven't received yours after 2 weeks, please contact National HQ.
5. Where do I go if I have more questions?
Cadets should ask their Cadet Element Leader or Cadet Flight Sergeant. Their job is to help you succeed in CAP. Moms and dads may contact any senior member, or the squadron commander, and should also visit CAP's Parents' Page.
