How to get started as a Senior Member

Step 1: Attend regular meetings for a few weeks.

Step 2: Fill out and turn in the following documents: Application for Senior Membership, CAPF 12 (DOT) and the Fingerprint Card, FD Form 258. The fingerprint form may only be obtained from the Administrative Officer at Bldg. 30. You must take it to your local Police or Sheriffs Department, or Highway Patrol Office to be completed. You should call ahead due to many only do fingerprints at limited hours (there may be a small fee required as well). Along with the application and Fingerprint card please include a check for $75, payable to Civil Air Patrol (National and Wing dues). Renewal fees are $65, payable to Civil Air Patrol. If you want us to order your initial insignia please add a check for $45. Squadron dues are $1 per meeting or $20 per year (if paid up front).

Step 3: You will get your ID card in the mail in about 2 weeks. After you do, you need to login to e-Services and check in Member Search for any errors and correct them. After that it will take another week or so for your books to arrive in the mail.

Step 4: Study the books you receive for your Level 1 tests. There are three. These can be found through e-Services.

1. The CAP Foundations Course
2. Online Cadet Protection Program Training (CPPT)
3. Online Operations Security (OPSEC) Awareness Training

Step 5: Get a uniform. You are required to wear some type of authorized uniform at all meetings and activities. Most uniform items can be obtained without cost through the Squadron Supply Officer, based on availability. If Squadron Supply does not have what you need, we may be able to request it for you. If certain items are not available in your size and you prefer not to wait, you may purchase them at an Army/Navy surplus store such as Banana Bay or military clothing supply store at Randolph AFB or Lackland AFB in San Antonio. Wear of the uniform is described in the Uniform Manual, CAPM39-1.

Step 6: Select a career Tract. They are listed in the CAP Senior Member Fast Start Handbook.

Step 7: Attend regular meetings and special events.

Step 8: Now you might want to get qualified to go out on Ground Teams and ES. Go to the Emergency Services page and check out how to get started there.

Step 9: Sign up for the Texas Wing Yahoo group.