What to Expect
We meet Every Tuesday from 18:00-20:30 (6:00PM – 8:30PM) at Riverdale High School in Thornton, CO. Occasionally, there may be a need for a venue or time change but in those instances, those changes will be communicated on this website under the “Squadron Calendar” tab and the “From The Commander” tab with instruction on where and/or when to report.
The uniform of the day (UOD) for each week in each month will be as follows:
- 1st Tuesday is PT, gym attire, dark shorts and ABU t-shirt (Sand Color) and sneakers
- 2nd Tuesday is ABU (Airman Battle Uniform)
- 3rd Tuesday is ABU (Airman Battle Uniform)
- 4th Tuesday is Dress Blues
- 5th Tuesday is Commanders Choice
To progress through the Civil Air Patrol program, cadets will be tasked to develop leadership skills, learn about aerospace education and meet physical fitness requirements as outlined in the Cadet Super Chart.
- Physical Fitness (PT) – Cadets will be expected to participate in running, performing sit ups, push-ups, sit and reach among other activities. Age appropriate goals for cadet fitness levels are set per CAP regulations.
- Aerospace Education (AE) – The first of CAP’s three main missions is Aerospace Education. Cadets will learn about rockets, planes, history of aircraft following CAP modules. Cadets will also be learning about other STEM activities including: robotics, astronomy, meteorology, satellite tracking and more. Flying actual aircraft is included in Aerospace Education. Cadets will have the opportunity to participate in 5 orientation flights and fly in CAP planes and possibly military aircraft. The program is designed to introduce cadets to the concepts and physics of flight and to spark interest in a new generation of aviators. Cadets that are interested in pursuing a pilot’s license they can compete for scholarships through CAP that will help with costs.
- Emergency Services (ES) – The second of CAP’s three main missions is to learn and assist with Emergency Services. Civil Air Patrol currently has more adult members than cadet members. Civil Air Patrol is the United States Air Force’s official auxiliary and as such when called upon, works in conjunction with local, state and Federal officials to offer support in search and rescue missions of downed aircraft and stranded hikers, provide aerial photography during natural disasters and assist in other humanitarian missions as necessary. Although much of this type of work is performed by CAP’s senior members, cadets will have the opportunity to train in various aspects of emergency services and may even be able to assist in a mission if called upon.
- Cadet Services – The third mission of CAP is one of the most important and that is cadet services. Cadet services are focused on CAP’s dedication to providing American youth with training and education to become effective leaders, expand interest in aeronautics and aviation and to instill core values that will help them grow and be successful in life.