Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Members and their families have many questions about the Civil Air Patrol, many of the questions are answered on the Civil Air Patrol home page.  Additionally, you may have questions specific to the Lewis County Composite Squadron. Below are some common questions we receive concerning our unit.  If you have a question not answered in this list, please email lewiscounty@wawg.cap.gov and one of our officers will get back to you.

Question:  Can I join if I am over 18 years old?

Answer:  The Civil Air Patrol has a senior member (adults) program for those at least 18 years of age.  If you are 18 but not yet 19, you can join as a cadet and remain a cadet until age 21. Our senior members are actively involved as well, and they meet at the same time and place as the cadets. Adults wishing to join may need to attend a new member night. Email lewiscounty@wawg.cap.gov or call (206) 451-7110 to find out when the next one is scheduled. We do have open recruiting for some positions, contact us for more information.

Question:  How old do I have to be to join Civil Air Patrol?

Answer:  Cadets must be 12 years old to join.  If you or a member of your family is interested in joining, we invite you to attend one of our “new member nights” email lewiscounty@wawg.cap.gov or call (206) 451-7110  to find out when the next one is scheduled. 

A parent or guardian must attend with you and it lasts about two and a half hours. All new cadets must attend a new member night to join. 

Question:  How much does my uniform cost?

Answer: It varies, we will discuss this in detail at a new member night. You will likely need to purchase Airman Battle Uniform (ABU) and boots, uniform hats, belts and nametags. The initial cost for your first uniform is about $150. We sometimes have second-hand boots/shoes and uniforms available for free issue.  You can wear boots with both your dress and work (ABU) uniforms for a few months and later obtain shoes for your dress uniform. CAP does offer a $100 voucher to assist you in getting the Blue Dress uniform once you have completed your first achievement (the Curry Award) in the cadet program.  

Question:  Can girls join the Civil Air Patrol?

Answer:  Absolutely!  Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 is welcome to join the cadet program. Women at least 18 are welcome to join as adult (senior) members.

Question:  How much does it cost to join the cadet program?

Answer: Initial Cadet Membership dues are $33 dollars for national and local dues.  There will be additional expenses for equipment, uniforms, and some training.

 The squadron will work with cadets to try to minimize costs. 

Question:  What do I need to do to get started?

Answer:  We highly recommend you check out the National Civil Air Patrol site and try to determine whether the Civil Air Patrol is right for you, Also take a look at our squadron Facebook page for information on what we are doing in Lewis County. If you think CAP is for you, lewiscounty@wawg.cap.gov or call (206) 451-7110  to secure your place in our next new member night. The Unit meets at the Centralia First Christian Church (1215 West Main, Centralia WA) on Saturday Mornings 9 am to 11:30 am.

 If you have further questions, don't hesitate to call or email and a member of the unit will get back to you.