Interested in Joining CAP?

Many of these links refer to Portable Document Format (PDF) files. If you don't already have it, you can download Adobe Acrobat here.

Learning About CAP

The best way to start is by attending a few meetings to learn more about CAP. This also allows you to get to know the current members and for them to get to know you. The meetings take place every Monday at the Reid-Hillview Airport (see the "Contact Us" page for driving directions).

All applicants for Senior membership must meet the following prerequisites:

  1. Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives of the Civil Air Patrol.
  2. Must be at least 18 years old. Active duty members of the Armed Forces can join CAP as a Senior member at any age.
  3. United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
  4. No felony conviction by any court of record whether federal, state, or military.
  5. No pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI), dishonesty, and violence.
  6. If you were previously in the active duty military, you must have been discharged under honorable conditions.

If you decide that CAP is right for you, request a Senior Member Application packet from the Personnel Officer. All prospective Senior Members must submit the following items to the Squadron 80 Personnel Officer before processing of the application can begin:

  1. One (1) original and two (2) completed copies of CAP Form 12, Application for Senior Membership in Civil Air Patrol. (Form 12 can be obtained from the Personnel Officer or online in Word or PDF formats. Each copy should be typewritten or computer generated and must include an original signature signed in black ink. The unit number is PCR-CA-110, and the unit address is:
    San Jose Senior Squadron 80
    2490 Cunningham Avenue
    San Jose, CA 95148-1003
    Phone: 408-258-2720
  2. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) has established a website http://vetrecs.archives.gov for veterans to access their DD-214 online. Veterans applying for senior membership in the Civil Air Patrol may find this website useful when completing CAP Form 12, Application for Senior Membership in Civil Air Patrol, which asks for information regarding their prior military service.


  3. OES 2000 Rev 9/00, Disaster Service Worker Registration Form (Word)


  4. One (1) completed Form FD-258, FBI Applicant Fingerprint Card (electronic version is not acceptable; fingerprint cards may be obtained from the Squadron Personnel Officer). Only the blue card is accepted and the original signature must be signed in black ink. Although blue fingerprint cards from other sources are permitted, cards obtained from CAP are preferred, as they have preprinted information on them. This card must contain legible prints and must be free of defects, such as tears, folds, and smudges. Please check your local law enforcement agency or Pass and ID Office at your local military base to determine if they offer fingerprinting for CAP members.


  5. Names of three personal references, including addresses and phone numbers. Please list the type of relationship (e.g., coworker, supervisor, friend, etc). Each of these references needs to have known you for at least one year.

  6. CAP Form 60 (Emergency Notification Data); available on-line as Word or PDF.


  7. A statement that identifies the applicant's occupation and place of employment for the preceeding three (3) years. If the applicant is retired or unemployed, a statement to that effect shall be submitted.


  8. Information regarding previous membership in any youth oriented groups.


  9. For all non-U.S. citizens, you must include a copy of your Alien Registration Card (Form I-151 or I-551) on a separate sheet of 8.5" x 11" paper, centered on the page.

When filling out the forms, our unit charter number is PCR-CA-110. PCR stands for Pacific Region, CA is "California Wing", and 110 is the unit number.

We recommend that you keep copies of ALL documents provided to CAP for your personnel files.

You will also need to provide two checks for dues. The first check, which covers the first year of dues for new members, should be made out to "National Headquarters, CAP" in the amount of $89.00. A second check, payable to "CAP Squadron 80" in the amount of $40.00, is for the first year of dues to the local unit. Squadron 80 dues are prorated for members who joined in months other than January (see chart below).

MonthAmount
January$40.00
February$36.67
March$33.34
April$30.00
May$26.68
June$23.35
July$20.02
August$16.69
September$13.36
October$10.03
November$6.70
December$3.37

After completing all of the forms, meet with the Squadron Membership Committee which reviews your application and approves it. For more information about the membership screening process, you can review chapter 3 of Civil Air Patrol Regulation 39-2. Once reviewed and approved, a temporary membership card will be issued by National Headquarters. You will receive this card through the mail, and will receive your permanent card after the background check has been completed.