Joining

[ryecarrac]

Does anyone know if it is possible to join CAP with an other than honorable discharge. This was an old buddy of mine who is interested but not sure of the procedure. I think this is waiverable. He was a kid, 30 years ago. Has family, productive life. No trouble since then. Does anyone have any experience with this? Is it a difficult procedure? Thanks.

[vmstan]

Discharge from the military, or from CAP?

[Eclipse]

Yes - the key is to be honest on the app so the background check doesn't pop up a "surprise" or worse a lie.

[a2capt]

^^ What he says. Lay it all out, when the BG check jives I would say the chances are very good in ones favor.

[davidsinn]

A nice letter from the gaining commander probably couldn't hurt either.

[Cecil DP]

According to CAPR 39-2, Chap 3-2, you must have an Honorable Discharge, but a waiver by the National Commander or Executive Director can be granted. I would suggest having a letter asking for the waiver and explaining that there has been no adverse actions since. Also route the CAPF 12 through Wing HQ so that endorsements can be signed by the Chain of Command. 

[arajca]

What type of discharge did he have? General under Honorable Conditions, Medical, Entry Level, General under other than Honorable Conditions, Dishonorable? If one of the last two, I don't see a waiver being granted.

[SarDragon]

You left out the Big Chicken Dinner (BCD).

[BradM]

Hello, I just joined this forum and I'm thinking of joining CAP. I'm 47 years old. When I was in my mid 20s I had long hair and played bass in a heavy metal band during the hair metal days on the Sunset strip in Los Angeles. Luckily I didnt follow my band mates and get tattoos all over my arms and chest   But I did have a few wild times. In 1990 I got a DUI, did all I needed to do and satisfy it and went to the school required. I thought I learned from the that school what you could drink and still be legal. Well in 1994 or 1995 after having 4 ales in an evening at a pool bar I got another DUI I satisfied everything I needed to do for that and ever since both tickets have dropped off my record. I think the only other ticket I got since 1995 was a no seat belt ticket. Maybe one speeding ticket too. Now I work as an accountant for a retirement home. Would these two DUIs prevent me from joining CAP being that they are 20 and 15 years ago? Thank you.

[jimmydeanno]

Hello, I just joined this forum and I'm thinking of joining CAP. I'm 47 years old. When I was in my mid 20s I had long hair and played bass in a heavy metal band during the hair metal days on the Sunset strip in Los Angeles. Luckily I didnt follow my band mates and get tattoos all over my arms and chest   But I did have a few wild times. In 1990 I got a DUI, did all I needed to do and satisfy it and went to the school required. I thought I learned from the that school what you could drink and still be legal. Well in 1994 or 1995 after having 4 ales in an evening at a pool bar I got another DUI I satisfied everything I needed to do for that and ever since both tickets have dropped off my record. I think the only other ticket I got since 1995 was a no seat belt ticket. Maybe one speeding ticket too. Now I work as an accountant for a retirement home. Would these two DUIs prevent me from joining CAP being that they are 20 and 15 years ago? Thank you.

No, they shouldn't have any effect at all, unless they are a felony and are on your criminal record.  Even then, you can still probably be a member.  Visit the local unit, fill out the paperwork and answer the questions truthfully.  It never hurts to disclose the information to your squadron commander and let them guide you through the process.


EDIT:

Here's the applicable requirements: http://www.capmembers.com/media/cms/R039_002_A74FDA9552C2D.pdf (the criteria start on page 9)

3-2. Requirements for Membership. All applicants for senior membership in CAP must be accepted by the unit and higher headquarters and must meet the following criteria:
a.
General. Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of CAP.
b.
Age. Be at least 18 years of age or be a member of the Armed Forces on active duty at any age.
c.
Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander's designee (NHQ CAP/LMM).
1)
Those persons in "admitted for permanent residence" status must possess and present a current Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551) when making application for CAP membership. If an alien's status changes from "admitted for permanent residence" other then by reason of acquiring citizenship, the alien is no longer eligible for membership.
2)
Requests for waiver of the citizenship criteria for lawfully admitted non-citizens residing in the United States who were not admitted for permanent residence will be submitted through the wing and region commander along with a copy of the membership application to NHQ CAP/LMM. The waiver, if approved, will be only for the period of residence within the United States.
d.
Suitability. Subject to being waived by the Executive Director or National Commander, any one of the following may be the basis for rejection of membership.
1) Conviction of a felony by any court of record whether federal, state or military.
2) A pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, DUIs, dishonesty and violence.
3) Discharge from the armed services under other than honorable conditions.
4) Falsification of information on the membership application.
5) Previously terminated or non renewed for cause from membership in CAP.
6) Any other unfavorable information brought to the attention of CAP officials at any level.

[BradM]

Thank you for answering me so quickly. Neither of the two were felonies. Working for a non-profit retirement home I had to go through a background check in 1997 and passed and was hired I've been at this job since Oct of 1997.

[BradM]

I just turned in my membership application and dues last night. Fingerprinting will be done next Monday

[Майор Хаткевич]

Congrats. Hopefully all will be ok on the app.

[BradM]

Congrats. Hopefully all will be ok on the app.

Thank you!

[Spaceman3750]

Congrats. Hopefully all will be ok on the app.

Don't worry, if not he'll get it back three months later simply marked "See regulations" :angel:

[BradM]

According to the below website CAP ribbon builder. One can be awarded the Air Medal. Is this possible? I only thought this version of the Air Medal was for active duty military personnel?

http://dafab.no-ip.info/CAPCode/BuildRackGIF.htm

[HGjunkie]

According to the below website CAP ribbon builder. One can be awarded the Air Medal. Is this possible? I only thought this version of the Air Medal was for active duty military personnel?

http://dafab.no-ip.info/CAPCode/BuildRackGIF.htm

Back in WWII, CAP personnel were authorized to be awarded the Air Medal.

[BradM]

Ah! I see thank you!

[HGjunkie]

Ah! I see thank you!

No problem! 

[Pylon]

According to the below website CAP ribbon builder. One can be awarded the Air Medal. Is this possible? I only thought this version of the Air Medal was for active duty military personnel?

http://dafab.no-ip.info/CAPCode/BuildRackGIF.htm

Back in WWII, CAP personnel were authorized to be awarded the Air Medal.

More accurately:  The Air Medal is one of the decorations that the DoD can technically award to civilians, even through to today.  However, the last common time that happened was when CAP members earned them in WWII.