Getting Started
Congratulations on joining CAP! The following information should help you get started. Please ask your fellow cadets for any additional help. We want to get you up to speed and help you succeed in CAP.
Application
You may attend as many meetings as you like before deciding to sign up. We’d like you to be comfortable with the Squadron and CAP before you get any uniforms. Each meeting in a month is different, so you may want to attend for an entire month before filling out an application. When you are ready, let us know and we will get you the application. You should not attend any field trips until you have a membership card and a uniform.
Uniforms
Cadets wear Air Force style uniforms and must meet Air Force grooming standards for hair and jewelry.  CAP Manual 39-1 explains the uniforms and may be downloaded from the National CAP website.
Service Dress Uniform (Blues)
After you receive your CAP ID, you will be able to order a shirt, pants, flight cap, and a belt from Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters for free. The instructions for ordering uniforms will be attached to the application. Trousers run small. Please order trousers two inches larger than the size you normally take. There are additional items you will need to purchase to complete the uniform. Items with check marks are available through our squadron's uniform supply. You will need the following additional items:
- Name Tag
 Hat Device – see the supply sergeant- CAP cut-outs – see the supply sergeant
- Black oxford dress shoes
- black socks
- White T-Shirt
Battle Dress Uniform (BDU)
You will need the following items:
- BDU pants, rip-stop, summer weight
- BDU shirt, summer weight
- Black (PLAIN) T-shirt (no writing, no pockets)
- Name Tape
- Civil Air Patrol Tape
- VA Wing Patch
- Reverse American Flag
- CAP cut-outs - see the supply sergeant
- Black Jungle/Combat boots For Sizing Jungle Boots: males order one size smaller than dress shoe size, females order 3 sizes smaller. For Sizing Combat Boots: males order their dress shoe size, females order 2 sizes smaller.
- BDU cap - For sizing caps: measure head circumference one inch above the ear.
Purchasing supplies
The following places offer uniform supplies and other military supplies. You can purchase name tapes, tags, rank insignia, ribbons and holders, clothes for CAP, and other items.
Communication
Members of the unit staff will communicate with the squadron about weekly meetings and activities via the list server. Please sign up immediately by following the directions at the web site. If you do not have e-mail, please inform your flight sergeant. The web site for the list server is: http://lists.reichertech.com/mailman/listinfo/va117-cadets. Additional information from Virginia Wing will be sent on the VAWG email server. Go to www.vawg.cap.gov , then Member Services, then E-Mail List Server, to sign up for the VAWG-CADET. You do not need to sign up for VAWG-CADET.
Web Sites
The Virginia Wing (VAWG) web site has a Cadet Programs link which will give you information regarding encampments, special activities, PT challenge, and scholarships available to CAP cadets.
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