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Senior members are adults 18 years or older. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE A PILOT TO JOIN. The training program for senior members is a five-level, structured training and education program designed to prepare seniors to accomplish Civil Air Patrol's missions by filling leadership positions and performing specific functions within each unit. Initially senior members are enrolled in Level-1 where fundamentals of the C.A.P. are learned including basic things such as structure of the organization, proper wear of the Air Force style uniform, and military courtesy. Each senior member then takes a written test to advance to Level-2.
In Level-2, each senior member chooses (or is assigned) one or more specialties in which he or she will train. Specialties include things like emergency services, administration, logistics, supply, communications, etc. - all the jobs necessary to make the unit function efficiently. It is interesting to note that, on a mission, it takes at least five people doing ground based jobs for each aircraft that is launched.
In Levels 3 through 5 senior members learn how to perform leadership positions in C.A.P. and train others. During this training, seniors study a vast variety of topics that range from mission coordinators training to public speaking.
Senior members earn and wear Air Force officer style rank as they progress through the training programs and build up the required 'time in grade'. The main significance of the rank is to indicate a member's capabilities and experience in C.A.P. Authority in the C.A.P. comes from appointment to a position and has very little to do with the rank one holds.
If you are interested in learning more about the senior member program, visit the C.A.P. National Headquarters web page or contact your local squadron.
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Last Updated: Friday, 17 Oct, 2003.