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"Senior Members" are members who are over 21 years old, who joined CAP for the first time past the age of 18, or
who are former cadets that have decided to transition to the officer program at some point after their 18th birthday, but
before their 21st. Senior Members who have not yet turned 21 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 an officer 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).
Grades up to Lieutenant Colonel reflect progression in training and organizational seniority, rather than command authority.
Because of this, it is not uncommon for CAP officers commanding groups and squadrons to have members of superior grades serving
under them. U.S. military officers (current, retired and former) may be promoted directly to the CAP grade equivalent to their
military grade through Lieutenant Colonel. Current retired and former enlisted members of any branch of the US military may
elect to hold the Air Force equivalent of that grade (enlisted ranks not shown above) in CAP, or be appointed to CAP Officer
rank based on the same standards as non-prior service members.
Except for a few exceptional cases, CAP officers are only promoted to the grade of CAP Colonel upon appointment as wing
(state-level) commander. Wing Commanders who successfully complete their tour of duty as Wing Commander retain the grade of
Colonel. Region (geographic groups of wings) commanders are graduated Wing Commanders and hold the rank of CAP Colonels. Since
2003, National Vice Commanders have been promoted to Brigadier General upon their election to that office. Prior to December
2002, CAP National Commanders were appointed to the grade of Brigadier General. Since then, CAP National Commanders have been
appointed to the grade of CAP Major Generals upon their election as National Commander.
Senior Member Professional Development Program
Officers 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 officers 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 officers 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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