How to Join:

Step 1

Find a local CAP Cadet or Composite Squadron

Or if you're interested in joining Williams Composite Squadron 304, proceed to step 2!

Step 2

Contact our squadron through our contact form to coordinate a visit to our squadron during one of our weekly meetings.  Prospective cadet members (under 18) should bring their parent/guardian to their first meeting.  Squadron meetings are held on Thursdays at 1830 (6:30pm) to 2100 (9pm) at 7334 E Ulysses Ave, Mesa AZ 85212.

Step 3

Attend at least three weekly Thursday evening squadron meetings.  Make sure to sign in on the attendance sheet at each meeting so your attendance can be credited.

Step 4

After attending 3 meetings, fill out your Membership Application  

New cadet members can apply online, which is faster and easier that by mail.  At your third weekly meeting, ask our squadron staff for the link to apply online for cadet membership. When you complete your application online, your credit card payment will be charged immediately.  However, your membership will be in a pending status until you meet with the squadron commander to verify the prospective cadet's proof of identity. 

If you are joining as an adult (senior) member or rejoining as a former cadet, you must complete a paper application.  You can download the application below, fill it out on your computer (recommended for legibility), and then print and sign the application.  Our squadron can also provide you with a paper copy if needed. 

Download the Cadet Membership Application

Download the Adult (Senior) Membership Application

Adult members are also required to complete an FD 258 fingerprint card for background check purposes.  We will provide you with this card and instructions on how to complete it at a squadron meeting. 

Step 5

Meet with our Squadron Commander or Deputy Commander at your next weekly meeting to review your application and ID documents. Please bring with you

• Your completed application (if you did not apply online)
• Your proof of identity documents (see below)
• Your parent/guardian (if you are under 18)

Acceptable documents for proof of Identity

If you have a U.S. Passport or Passport Card, or a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551), this is the only document you need to bring.  If you do not have either, then you should bring both an official photo ID (such as a State ID or Driver's License, School ID with photo or Military ID) and either a U.S. Social Security Card or an original or certified copy of your Birth Certificate. 

All documents must be current, valid, and unexpired. See this page for a complete list of acceptable document combinations.  The required documents are the same as those accepted for I-9 verification.

Step 6

If you are submitting a paper application, please mail it along with a method of payment and your fingerprint card (if applying for adult membership)

Dues to send with your application

As of 1 October, 2024, the California dues are $46 for cadets and $82 for seniors.  Click here to check the latest membership dues information.

If paying by check or money order, please include payment in full (payable to Civil Air Patrol) with your application. 

If paying by credit card, include the information listed below to process the application. The required information includes:

• Full name on Card

• Type of Card: Visa, MasterCard or Discover 

• Full Card Number 

• Expiration Date 

• 3 Digit Security Code on the Back of the Card 

• Billing Zip Code

USPS Mail

Mail your completed application and dues payment to:

Civil Air Patrol/DP
105 S. Hansell St.
Maxwell AFB, AL  36112 

Expedited Mail 

FedEx and UPS are both delivered directly to the National Headquarters building.  

Priority/Certified 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 by Member Services 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.