Senior Member Program

Senior members are those who are over 21 years old, or who joined CAP for the first time past the age of 18. Senior members who have not yet turned twenty-one years are eligible for Flight Officer ranks, which include Flight Officer (FO), Technical Flight Officer (TFO), and Senior Flight Officer (SFO). There is no retirement age for CAP members, and there are no physical requirements for joining. The only physical requirements a Senior Member must follow are the grooming and weight standards required of members who wear the USAF-style uniforms (these do not apply to members who choose to wear the CAP-distinctive uniforms).

U.S. military officers (current, retired and former) may be authorized CAP grade equivalent to their military grade through lieutenant colonel, and members who hold enlisted grade in any branch of the military may hold the Air Force equivalent of that grade (enlisted grades not shown above) in CAP. Colonels are typically current or former wing (state-level) or region (group of wings) commanders, brigadier generals are typically current national vice commanders or former national commanders, and major generals are typically current or former national commanders. The national commander is a volunteer CAP member. Grades up to lieutenant colonel reflect progression in training and organizational seniority, rather than command authority. Because of this, it is common for CAP officers to have members of superior grades serving under them.

Non-commissioned officers (active, National Guard, Reserve and retired) of the Armed Forces who do not desire to hold officer rank in CAP are entitled to wear the Air Force equivalent of their current or highest grade held; i.e., an Army Sergeant can wear the insignia of a USAF Staff Sergeant on the CAP uniform.

Senior Member Professional Development Program

Senior members are provided with an optional professional development program and are encouraged to progress within it. Progression in the training program is required for promotion of those senior members who are not using their current or former military grades within CAP, or those with certain professional appointments (such as legal or medical).

The Senior Member Program consists of five levels, and each has components of leadership training, corporate familiarization and aerospace education, as well as professional development within chosen "Specialty Tracks." There are many Specialty Tracks and they are designed both to support the organization and to provide opportunities for senior members to take advantage of skills they have from their private lives. Available Specialty Tracks include Logistics, Communications, Cadet Programs, Public Affairs, Legal, Administration, Emergency Services and Finance, and many more.

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