First Tasks for New Cadets

1.  Create an account in eServices

Follow the eServices login located at the top of this page. As you create your account, double-check that your contact information is correct.            

2.  Complete the Cadet Welcome Course

A 15-minute online module in Cadet Interactive, the Cadet Welcome Course, will help you get started. If you don’t have web access, ask your squadron for an in-person briefing.  How do I get to the Welcome Course?

3.  Get Into Uniform    

Upon completing Achievement 1 and becoming a Cadet Airman, you’ll qualify for the Curry Uniform Voucher, which covers some of the costs of the uniforms.       

Uniform items may be purchased through a variety of sources. The official source for CAP insignia and uniforms is Vanguard. Shop with them at civilairpatrolstore.com, (800)221-1264. If you’re near an Air Force base, you can buy uniform garments (but not CAP insignia) at the Exchange or base thrift store.   

Speak to your squadron leaders about local options, too. Sometimes the squadron has a “supply closet,” and military surplus stores could be another option.

4. Look Around      

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. 

JROTC Cadets!!!

We get asked all the time how membership in JROTC units effects your CAP membership. Here is how that works.

CAPR60-1 

5.6.2.3. Accelerated Promotions. Cadets who have earned Service Academy, ROTC or Junior ROTC course credit may advance at twice the normal rate, with just four weeks (28 days) between achievements and awards. Standard promotion requirements apply.

5.6.2.3.1. JROTC Cadets. The accelerated rate is available after one year’s JROTC credit through Phase I, with two years’ credit through Phase II, with three years’ credit through Phase III, and with four years’ credit through Phase IV.

5.6.2.3.2. Service Academy & ROTC Cadets. The accelerated rate is available to Mitchell Award recipients after their completing one semester and remains in effect indefinitely, until the cadet withdraws from the service academy or ROTC.

Cadets can be members in any branch of JROTC. A cadet wishing to take part in this option must provide squadron leadership with an ROTC transcript for validation.