Prospective Cadet Members
Thank you for taking an interest in our squadron. Cadet Programs is one of the biggest missions of Civil Air Patrol. Ages 12-18 can join as a cadet and be a part of something beyond what they could do as a teenager. As a cadet, they learn the foundations of being a follower and a leader. Cadets work as a team, participating in activities such as Search and Rescue, Airshows, Leadership schools, and STEM. As a
In the Cadet Program, we offer teens a new perspective on aviation as well as getting a glimpse of the military. Since Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary to the U.S Air Force, teens get to learn all about aerospace from fundamentals of flight all the way to astronomy. Cadets, do get to fly as well which makes the program fun. Cadets get to fly in a small airplane (Cessna 182 and Cessna 172) and get hands-on flying for 1.5 hours. Our cadets get to fly around the Santa Ynez Valley and also along the Santa Barbara coast. For those who want to take their flying to a new level, Civil Air Patrol offers Scholarships that will pay for their entire pilot training to obtain their private pilot license. Today's cost to obtain a Private Pilot License is around $20,000. As part of the cadet program, Civil Air Patrol has its own National Power Flight Academy as one of the amazing national cadet activities the program can offer.
Not only do they get to learn about aviation, but they also get hands-on learning with the assembly of STEM kits (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). There are many STEM kits out there like, robotics, model rocketry, cyber patriot, etc. Our squadron has participated in numerous STEM projects such as Model Rocketry, Hot Air Ballon, Stellar Explorers, and Cyber Patriot. These STEM project increases the cadets knowledge and can be easily applied in any field.
It is important that kids learn how to be a part of their community and be able to serve in some way. Doing this will give a different perspective on life. Civil Air Patrol conducts 90% of all Air Search and Rescue nationwide and was the first organization surveying the destruction of the tragic 911 disaster. Civil Air Patrol Cadets are trained and able to participate in these Emergency Services by being on the ground or in the air. When a disaster occurs, Civil Air Patrol is tasked to assist in disaster relief. During COVID-19 Civil Air Patrol assisted in many food donation organizations across the nation, and our squadron cadets played a vital part in helping out at our local food donation. When not actively involved with any Emergency Services or Disaster Relief, our squadron will participate in community events and help serve in that way. We have done a few community events such as Goleta's Lemon Festival, Santa Barbara and Goleta Parades, and Santa Barbara Airport events. Cadets who participate in any Emergency Services/Disaster Relief and or Community Events will receive Community Services hours for school.
If teens are looking to join the military after high school, the Civil Air Patrol program would be a great start to get a feel of what it's like. Civil Air Patrol is part of the Air Force total force, so we practice Air Force customs. Cadets get to wear Air Force uniforms such as Air Force Blues and Airman Battle Uniforms. Cadets must uphold their standards to wear their uniform as it is a privilege to wear the Air Force uniform. With that, they must make sure the uniform looks well-kept and worn according to uniform regulations. They will learn to build character and also learn how to lead others by following current cadets who are Non-Commission Officers who dedicate their time to teaching cadets and making sure they are on the right path. “Learning to follow is the beginning of leadership” is the statement for cadets to base their leadership skills on. Yes, we represent the U.S Air Force, but we are not a member of the armed forces, and cadets are never obligated to sign up with the military. Cadets who do choose to join the military become successful leaders but even those who do not, have a strong foundation as a leader in the civilian world and can take all the skills they learned as a cadet and apply it in their career.
Cadets have ranks starting with Airman Basic all the way to Colonel. While they go through each rank they are learning and becoming better leaders. There are 5 phases of cadet leadership. They are called milestones. Two of the most important milestones are the Billy Mitchell and Spaatz Awards. Those who achieve the Mitchell award are promoted to the officer position of Second Lieutenant and this creates the opportunity for the cadet to receive college scholarships. Those who receive the Spaatz Award are promoted to Cadet Colonel which is the pinnacle of the cadet phases are nationally recognized by all Ivy League Colleges, Fortune 500 companies, and the military. Only 10% of all national cadets make it to the Spaatz Award but a majority earn the Mitchell Award. Those who enlist in the military and have received the Mitchell Award will become one rank higher than the others after boot camp.
Overall the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program offers a life-changing experience for teens and opens up a lot of career opportunities. Our Squadron meets every Wednesday from 6pm-8:30pm and meets once a month for an activity on a Saturday. If you are interested please let me know so we can schedule a visit to our squadron. If you have any other questions, please email me at Tyler.Epley@cawgcap.org and I will get back to you ASAP.
First Lieutenant Tyler Epley
Deputy Commander for Cadets
Santa Barbara Squadron 131
Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary
