Payments

[KelleyF]

So, I heard joining CAP was like $60 dollars and buying both of your uniforms would be around $100 dollars and you get this voucher or somethin'.
But then I heard when of the officers say "...Well we'll get you in a uniform in two weeks. Okay?"

Confused. Please help.

[TheSkyHornet]

So, I heard joining CAP was like $60 dollars and buying both of your uniforms would be around $100 dollars and you get this voucher or somethin'.
But then I heard when of the officers say "...Well we'll get you in a uniform in two weeks. Okay?"

Confused. Please help.

You heard somewhat truthful while also somewhat incorrectly.

You do get a uniform voucher as a cadet when you make your first promotion. It's $100 that only goes to the service uniform (Blues), to include the short-sleeved shirt, pants, cap, and devices. It does not include belt or shoes. You have to pay for the fatigues (Battle Dress Uniform - BDU) on your own, as well as any other garment items or subsequent uniforms. You can easily approach into several hundred dollars depending on where you get your uniforms at, especially through Vanguard (online). However, many squadrons do have excess supplies from previous cadet members or those who may have outgrown their older uniforms (hand-me-downs).

I'm assuming this applies only for cadets. But senior members (adult members) do not get a voucher of any kind. All uniforms must be paid for out-of-pocket. Seniors have different types of uniforms they can wear as an equivalent uniform to the Air Force uniform, which can be cheaper depending on what you get.

It's probably best to start off with your quest understanding what part of CAP you are joining---as a cadet or as an adult?

[KelleyF]

You are right, I should of clarified I am a cadet.

[TheSkyHornet]

No worries.

So, as a cadet, the cost of your membership would depend on the squadron you join and the state. I see that you have GLR-WI-037 listed in your profile info. As of 1 October 2015, the cost of Wisconsin cadet membership $34. Squadrons may have an added squadron fee, often used to pay for extra costs such as the squadron's rental space or activities. This is something that should be asked of the squadron when joining.

Would I be correct to assume you are already a cadet?

If so, you should ask what supplies your squadron may already have in their stores to be able to provide to you free of charge on a borrowed basis (when you grow out of them or leave the squadron, you turn them back in). Grade insignias are usually provided by the squadron, but if you want extras for your BDUs and other uniforms you have, you'll need to buy them.

I'm going to go on the pricey side to give you some higher-end numbers that you could expect when ordering items online, but that doesn't mean you can't get stuff elsewhere.

A full Blues uniform, just the short sleeve shirt and other items (not including jackets and extra-wear items), would include a $48 shirt, $60 pants, $7 insignia, $17 belt. I don't believe Vanguard sells the shoes. Don't quote me on that (someone else correct me if I'm mistaken).

A full BDU would be $10 belt, $24 blouse, $24 pants (you may need adult sizes...so I can't quote your actual cost, but adult items are a lot more expensive, upwards of $80 for the blouse), $4 t-shirt, plus the boots. You can pull the insignia off your Blues for the BDU. You'll also need boots and socks as well.

I forget the cost of covers (hats). The Blues need one and the BDU another. Also, the prices above are rounded and do not include tax/shipping. Those sets also exclude extra items that can be worn, but aren't required, such as ties, shirt stays, ribbon racks, subsequent ribbons and insignia that you'll get as you advance that you need to pay for yourself, especially if you want multiple sets for multiple uniforms. As you progress through the program, it will cost more since you'll be getting new uniform items, like shoulder epaulets.

There really isn't a standard quote for the cost of CAP, since each unit is different, and you'll probably have to put in some money for activities (say $10 for a field trip) plus the costs for any of the numerous training events. Keep in mind that you don't need to get it all at once, and some of it is pretty easy to spread out over time.

CAP isn't cheap, but it's a very worth-while organization.

[JC004]

I made the following spreadsheet.  Obviously, the dues vary in your unit. 

Vanguard is giving a discount for the voucher, so the cost is a little over.  This is the voucher with the discount: http://captalk.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20377.0;attach=5715

The pants and shirt (for a male cadet) are $99.  That means the voucher is short by about $25 (discounted flight cap and belt). 

Your unit might help you with some items, so you should check on that.  For example, for our cadets, their ribbon holders, ribbons, and belts are covered.

In a unit that can't provide anything, you'd be looking at a little more than $300 for cadet start-up costs.

Spreadsheet:

[KelleyF]

Thank you for the information. I guess I'll ask someone tomorrow.

[JC004]

Use the checklist to see what the unit can knock off for you.

[Garibaldi]

I made the following spreadsheet.  Obviously, the dues vary in your unit. 

Vanguard is giving a discount for the voucher, so the cost is a little over.  This is the voucher with the discount: http://captalk.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=20377.0;attach=5715

The pants and shirt (for a male cadet) are $99.  That means the voucher is short by about $25 (discounted flight cap and belt). 

Your unit might help you with some items, so you should check on that.  For example, for our cadets, their ribbon holders, ribbons, and belts are covered.

In a unit that can't provide anything, you'd be looking at a little more than $300 for cadet start-up costs.

Spreadsheet:

This is good stuff, but for a lot of units, you can deduct some of the costs for BDUs, belts, hats, and occasionally wing patches and Civil Air Patrol tapes, for those who turn in uniforms with the insignia still attached. Zip off the name and you're good to go. Some other units can afford to have a stash of grade insignia, and the only cost is the difference between the C/A1C stripe and the C/SrA, or the C/Tsgt and the C/Msgt, about forty cents or less.

But for those in less advantaged areas that don't have a good venue for BDUs, this is a good indicator to the parent as to what they can expect. Of course, it's not an immediate outlay of cash, but they have about 2 months to obtain the items, which is what we generally give them. The sooner the better, of course, but also figure in a seamstress, since not all parents know how to sew. Sometimes in a crunch, I'll sew the patches on for the cadet if he just got his/her stuff and wants to go on a weekend activity. That way, I know they are on properly and won't come off.

[JC004]

...
but also figure in a seamstress, since not all parents know how to sew. Sometimes in a crunch, I'll sew the patches on for the cadet if he just got his/her stuff and wants to go on a weekend activity. That way, I know they are on properly and won't come off.

In our case, I do their sewing.  $5 for new cadets, just to cover my supply costs.  I also do uniforms for other units by drop-off or mail. 

I laid out the costs to identify where we could help and what the highest priority items would be.  One thing I did was knock out the need for someone to sew their uniform. 

[KelleyF]

Yeah and my squadron has a big, I dunno, glass thing with a bunch of stuff in it.

[JC004]

Sounds mysterious.  Just print that spreadsheet, take it with you, and see what they can knock off.  Then work from there.  They might also be able to get something from a member who doesn't need an item anymore.

[KelleyF]

Wow you guys respond quick!