Help for New Cadets

Welcome New Cadets and Parents

Welcome to Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs of Bessemer Composite Squadron 087! We are excited you have chosen to be a part of all things Civil Air Patrol. To start off, here is some important info you need to know:

• Communication and Chain of Command:  Know your Chain of Command and use it. Their job is to help you succeed in CAP. Ask your cadet mentor how to make sure you are connected to your Squadron including our site, Cadet email, eServices, Facebook page, etc. Don't have a cadet mentor yet? Ask to be assigned one.

• New Cadet Guide:  Make this guide your #1 resource for getting started in CAP. It will explain WEARING THE UNIFORM, STAYING SAFE, and ENJOYING A GREAT 1st YEAR IN CAP. 

 

 

 

 

• Parent's Guide to CAP:  Your guide to the basics of CAP and an overview of Cadet Programs. 

 

 

 

 

• CAP's Cadet Protection Strategy: CAP is a safe, positive environment that uses an age-appropriate, military-style learning model to challenge young people. While cadet life is regimented, we do not tolerate any form of abusive behavior or hazing. 

• Take initiative to accomplish your first tasks found here. 

• Complete Achievement 1 and promote to Cadet Airman.

 

Information to Memorize

• The Cadet Oath

• CAP Core Values

• CAP Motto

• CAP's Three Missions

• Five Program Elements of CAP Cadet Programs

• Cadet Honor Code

 

The Cadet Oath

Must be able to recite from memory:

I pledge that I will serve faithfully
in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program
and that I will attend meetings regularly
participate actively in unit activities
obey my officers
wear my uniform properly
and advance my education and training rapidly
to prepare myself to be of service
to my community, state, and nation.

 

CAP CORE VALUES

• Integrity

• Volunteer Service

• Excellence 

• Respect

 

CAP Motto

"Semper Vigilans" - Always Vigilant

The CAP Motto reflects the ever ready status of the Civil Air Patrol. It means that every member, cadet and senior, must be prepared to respond effectively to any situation.

 

 

CAP's Three Congressionally Mandated Missions:

• Aerospace Education

• Emergency Services

• Cadet Programs

 

5 Program Elements of CAP Cadet Programs:

• Leadership

• Aerospace

• Fitness

• Character

• Activities

 

Cadet Honor Code

I will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate among us anyone who does.

 

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Other Facts To Know

Definition of Teamwork: Teamwork is a group of individuals working together to achieve a common goal, while putting aside personal desires and comforts for the team.

Definition of Leadership: The art of influencing and directing people in a way that will win their obedience, confidence, respect and loyal cooperation in achieving a common objective.

Definition of Military Discipline Military discipline is that mental attitude and state of training which renders obedience instinctive under all conditions. It is founded upon respect for, and loyalty to, properly constituted authority.

The Value of Drill and Ceremony: On the drill field, the individual learns to participate as a member of a team, to appreciate the need for discipline; that is, to respond to authority, to follow orders promptly, and precisely, and to recognize the effects of their actions on the group as a whole. Learning to follow is the beginning of leadership.

CAP Founding Date:  December 1st, 1941

USAF Founding Date:  September 18, 1947