Open House for Cohorts
We have found that by having new members join together as a group, rather than individually at any time, they more quickly take up the necessary knowledge and skills, have a better experience getting integrated with the rest of the squadron, and enjoy Civil Air Patrol more. We call this group a cohort, and joining our squadron begins with joining a cohort.
When is the next cohort?
The next Open House is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16th, 2024 at 6:30PM. If you are interested in joining our squadron, please add your name to the waiting list (click the button below), and then come to the Open House!
How does cohort training work?
Cohorts are formed several times per year (usually in January, April, and September), when we conduct an Open House. At the Open House, prospective cadets attend with parents and are given an overview of Civil Air Patrol and introduction to the Cohort Leadership Team. Prospective members that elect to continue must then attend three additional weekly meetings with a parent/guardian. At the third meeting, prospective members may become full members of Civil Air Patrol with the rank of Cadet Airman Basic. The new members become a cohort.
The cohort then goes through about eight weeks of basic training separate from the main squadron, meeting once per week (Thursday evenings) until graduation. Upon graduation from cohort basic training, members receive their first promotion to the rank of Cadet Airman and are moved into a flight with the rest of the squadron. At this point, the new cadets will know basic drill movements, general CAP knowledge, customs and courtesies, and proper uniform wear, and will have their familiar cohort peers still with them in the larger squadron cadet population.
How old do I need to be to join?
If you will be at least 12, and no older than 18, by the date of the next Open House (above), and are interested in joining, go ahead and sign up using the link above.
When are the squadron meetings, and what are the attendance requirements?
Our squadron meets weekly on Thursday evenings from 1830 to 2055 (6:30pm to 8:55pm). To be considered an active member, you must consistently attend four meetings of the last eight. We also have weekday and weekend meetings for special activities on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on the activity; and there are many week-long activities (like encampments) as well, particularly in summer. The 4 of 8 attendance is the minimum, and not really sufficient for your overall experience in the program, so please consider this before becoming a member.
