Prospective Cadet Members

The Cadet Program

"As a former Santa Barbara CAP Cadet, I can testify — this is a perfect program for youth who share the same interest."  

Ages 12–18 ·

5 Leadership Milestones

Up to $20,000 in flight scholarships 

90% of U.S. Air SAR is conducted by CAP 

Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, and its Cadet Program is one of the most powerful youth experiences in the country. Cadets in Squadron 131 don't just learn about aviation and leadership in a classroom. They live it: flying real aircraft over Santa Barbara, conducting NASA research, competing nationally in STEM activities, and serving their community when it matters most. This is something beyond what most teens ever get to experience.

✈️ Aviation & Aerospace

Take the Controls Cadets get 1 hour of hands-on flight time in a Cessna 172 or 182, soaring over the Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Barbara coastline. Real altitude. Real stick time.

Free Pilot Training — Up to $20,000 in Scholarships CAP offers scholarships that cover the full cost of Private Pilot License training — a $20,000 value. For cadets who want to take their flying even further, Civil Air Patrol's National Power Flight Academy is one of the most prestigious national cadet opportunities available. 2 squadron 131 cadets have received this scholarship and have obtained their Pilot License. 

Hands-On STEM Learning From assembling robotics kits to launching rockets and competing in CyberPatriot, cadets get real engineering and technology experience that applies to any career. Squadron 131 has participated in: Model Rocketry, High-Altitude Balloon Challenge, Stellar Explorers, and Nasa Missions.

🏆 Leadership & Character

From Follower to Leader — Five Milestones

"Learning to follow is the beginning of leadership."

Cadets move through 5 progressive leadership phases, mentored by fellow cadets who are Non-Commissioned Officers dedicated to helping others grow. Ranks begin at Airman Basic and advance all the way to Cadet Colonel. Two milestones stand above the rest:

• ⭐ Billy Mitchell Award → Promoted to Second Lieutenant. Unlocks eligibility for college scholarships. Cadets who enlist in the military with a Mitchell Award enter boot camp one rank higher than their peers.
• 🏅 Spaatz Award → Promoted to Cadet Colonel. Nationally recognized by every Ivy League college, and all branches of the military. Only the top 10% of cadets nationwide earn this award.

Air Force Experience — Without the Commitment Cadets wear Air Force Blues and Airman Battle Uniforms, follow Air Force customs, and hold themselves to uniform standards — a privilege that builds discipline and pride. Cadets are never obligated to join the military. But those who do enter are stronger, more prepared leaders.

Life-Changing Outcomes Whether cadets go military or civilian, the skills they build — leadership, discipline, communication, and teamwork — translate directly into college, careers, and life. CAP opens doors that most teens never even see.

🔍 Emergency Services & Community Service

Real Missions. Real Stakes. Civil Air Patrol conducts 90% of all air Search and Rescue missions in the United States and was the first organization to survey the destruction following the September 11 attacks. Squadron 131 cadets are trained and certified to serve on the ground — locating missing persons, tracking Emergency Locator Transmitters, and managing radio communications with local and federal agencies. During COVID-19, our cadets served at local food donation operations when the community needed help most.

Cadet roles include:

• Ground Team Member — assists agencies in locating missing persons and ELTs
• Mission Radio Operator — coordinates communications between CAP members and local and federal agencies

All cadets must complete the required training and be signed off before joining active SAR operations.

Serving Santa Barbara. When not on a mission, our cadets show up for their community. Service hours are counted toward school requirements.

Community events include: Goleta Memorial Day Service · Goleta Parade · Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Airport Events

🎓 Why Join Squadron 131?

Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program offers a truly life-changing experience — one that builds aviators, leaders, scientists, and servants of their community. Whether your teen dreams of flying, wants a head start in the military, is passionate about STEM, or simply wants to be part of something bigger than themselves, Squadron 131 is the place to start.

Open to youth ages 12–18. No experience needed. Just bring the drive to serve, lead, and explore.

Our Squadron meets every Wednesday from 6:00pm-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