National Patron

As a member of the National Patron Squadron, your annual dues will contribute to the many activities and programs of CAP.  The National Patron Squadron was created to allow people to stay connected to CAP, without the volunteer expectations of active membership.  People join the National Patron Squadron for many reasons -- former members, current members, corporate supporters, parents and community leaders who respect and wish to support the humanitarian missions, emergency response efforts and cadet programs of Civil Air Patrol.

Patron members may not participate in any activities, duty assignments, or in CAP professional development.  Patrons are not permitted to wear the CAP uniform at any time nor can they be promoted while a Patron.    Members of the National Patron Squadron do receive a membership card, the Civil Air Patrol Volunteer magazine, many discounts and benefits offered to all members, and website access to their membership information.  For a list of discounts of offers for members, please select “Member Benefits” from the menu across the very top of this page.  For more information on what Patrons may or may not do, please review CAP Regulation 39-2 Civil Air Patrol Membership, the patron information is listed in Chapter 3-1(b).

How to Join as a National Patron Member:

1.  If you are not yet a CAP Member - You can join the National Patron Squadron online here.  If you decide that you would like to be an active CAP member, you can transfer your membership to active status with just a few extra steps.  Transferring to active membership will require you to go through a local CAP unit, submit a fingerprint card and you may need to pay additional dues (depending on your membership expiration date and the date you intend to transfer).  

2.  If you are a current CAP Member -  You can transfer your membership to the National Patron Squadron.  Your commander should initiate a CAP Form 2A to transfer you from your current squadron to the National Patron Squadron, charter number NHQ 996.  No extra dues are required and when your renewal is due, you will be charged $35.00.   Current members (not yet expired) who transfer into the National Patron Squadron will retain their grade.  If you want to return to active status at a later date, you can transfer to a local squadron.  If you had no break in service, you will not be required to undergo an additional FBI screening provided you were already screened before transferring to patron status.
  
3.  Recently Expired Member – You can join the Patron squadron as a new member online here.  You will not have your last CAP grade reinstated.  If you transfer back to active status you will be required to undergo another FBI screening if the lapse in membership was six months or longer.   If you wish to retain your grade and avoid any additional background screening, then you can renew with your current squadron and after your membership is current, you may transfer into NHQ 996. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   Can I wear a uniform or participate if I’m a Patron member? 
No.  Patron members are not permitted to wear any uniform and cannot participate in any CAP activities except to attend Wing and Region Conferences and the annual National Board meeting.  Patrons are permitted to participate in social events by invitation of the commander.  For more information on what Patrons may or may not do, please review CAP Regulation 39-2 Civil Air Patrol Membership, the patron information is listed in Chapter 3-1(b).

2.  Can I receive a promotion while I’m a Patron member?

No.  Patron members cannot receive promotions or have grades reinstated.  If you are a current CAP member (membership not yet expired), you will retain the last grade you had before transferring to NHQ 996.

3.  Are Patron members allowed to ride or fly aircraft?

No.  Patron members are not permitted to ride or fly in corporate aircraft or member-owned aircraft on CAP flight activity.  They are allowed to ride in CAP ground transportation.

4.  Can I continue my professional development training while a Patron member?

No.  Patron members cannot take any professional development training or tests available to CAP members.
 
5.  Where can I find more information about being a Patron member?

CAP Regulation 39-2 Civil Air Patrol Membership, Chapter 3-1 provides the rules and guidance for Patron members.