ID number and date joined

[tom22]

Back in the 1950's, CAP used a Service number system for a member's ID number. Would anybody know if it is possible determine the year somebody joined CAP using that service number? 
The format for the one I'm trying to research is  2-1-####   

[etodd]

Just ask them when they joined up?

[tom22]

That was a good reply. I should have elaborated more in my post above.  He says he joined in 1950, but actual documented proof is needed.  He has no supporting documentation from back then.
So, hence my question above.  If Service Numbers from back then were somehow sequenced in a way that the join date could be determined, that should serve as "proof" that he did in fact join in 1950 (or not).

[Eclipse]

Back in the 50's they were probably using SSNs, which isn't going to help much.

NHQ has also re-numbered a few times, so there's really no way to decode a CAPID for join date.

You can send the ID to NHQ, they may have record of it.  What they do and don't have is very uneven,
so it's hit or miss.

[SarDragon]

Do a search on here for "CAPSN" and my user name "SarDragon", and you will see several threads discussing the various forms of CAPSNs.

In my own communication with NHQ, they have been reluctant to provide any assistance in looking through olde records. They usually cite manpower issues, since it involves going through paper records for info before about 1975.

[etodd]

.... but actual documented proof is needed.  He has no supporting documentation from back then.

Unless you have evidence he is lying, take the guy's word for it and move on.

[baronet68]

.... but actual documented proof is needed.  He has no supporting documentation from back then.

Unless you have evidence he is lying, take the guy's word for it and move on.

If trying to become a non-dues-paying 50-year member, but with 50 years of non-consecutive service, the onus is on the individual to provide documentation showing that their accumulated years of service add up to 50+. 

Some might say, "NHQ should already know everyone's membership info," but we need to keep in mind that, over the decades, membership systems have evolved from handwritten cards to typed forms and then through a variety of "computerized systems".  Many of those 'systems' were very different from what we think of as computer systems today.  In some cases, the only "database backups" of those legacy systems are nothing more than reams and reams of faded printouts on perforated GreenBar paper. 

While NHQ has occasionally (when time and other priorities allowed) helped with basic research, there are some members who have recently contacted NHQ seeking assistance with 50-year membership applications only to then become rude and disrespectful because the staff doesn't have the desired information immediately available at their fingertips.  As you can imagine, the staff become less inclined to provide assistance when they are treated poorly by those asking for help. 

[arajca]

Another option may be to see if the old CAP News has the member listed. If they know when they may have received a milestone or other major award, it may likely be in there. I used it for my Earhart documentation.Be advised, it will take some time - mine took almost a month.

[PHall]

Back in the 50's they were probably using SSNs, which isn't going to help much.

No they weren't. SSAN's were only used for Social Security business back then.
They weren't used for other things until the late sixties.

[MSG Mac]

Up until the mid -60's the CAP ID number was your Region and Wing number with a sequential number to follow.
As a Massachusetts Wing Cadet at that time, mine was C for Cadets' S for Senior, Region 1, Wing 4+the sequential number.
Resulting in C14-0000

[PHall]

I joined as a cadet in December 1969 and was issued a six digit CAPSN of 691508.

[baronet68]

When I joined in 1983, my SSN was my CAP number.  CAP was predominantly using the SSN as identification back then however, not everyone in in the 80's had an SSN.*  My friend, who joined at the same time did not have an SSN and was issued a 6-digit CAPSN of 907XXX. 

* The IRS didn't require SSNs for dependents age 5+ until 1986, and then for dependents age 2+ after 1988... from the perspective of the IRS, there were A LOT of dependents who suddenly "disappeared" between 1986 - 1988.

While the issuance of CAPSNs had slowed by using SSN, CAP was still on a trajectory to exceed the 999999 mark (and break the system) by about 1995.  So that, combined with the realization that using SSN probably wasn't the best idea, pushed CAP to the current CAPID numbering scheme. 

When the time to renumber everyone came they basically listed everyone in numerical order by SSN and, starting with the number 100000, began issuing new CAPID numbers (member number 100000 is still active today).  Since SSNs are closer to 000-00-0000 on the east coast, and grow progressively larger as you move westward, those with current CAPID numbers in the 100000-129999 range tend to be from the eastern US (or at least that's where they lived when they applied for their SSN) and those in the 130000-149999 range tend to be from the western US.  That means there are members with higher CAPID numbers than mine who have been members for much longer... and there are some with CAPID numbers lower than mine who joined a decade after I did.

After the dust settled on the new numbering scheme, an approximation of CAPID to year of joining can be made.  However, note that members who joined pre-1995, left and later rejoined, could have CAPID numbers based on either their earlier or latest rejoin date.

January of     -	CAPID starting range (approx in thousands)
1995	186000
1996	203000
1997	221000
1998	242000
1999	268000
2000	290000
2001	309000
2002	329000
2003	352000
2004	372000
2005	388000
2006	405000
2007	421000
2008	437000
2009	453000
2010	471000
2011	490000
2012	508000
2013	526000
2014	542000
2015	558000
2016	574000
2017	591000
2018	610000
2019	629000
2020	651000
2021	661000
2022	677000
2023	696000
Sept 2023	710000