User:Fightin' Phillie/Civil Air Patrol rank structure

The Rank Structure of the Civil Air Patrol mirrors the ranks of the U.S. Air Force. CAP Members progress through the program by achieving various ranks.

Although not subject the the Uniform Code of Military Justice, CAP members are authorized to wear the uniforms of the United States Air Force so long as they meet the weight and grooming standards of the Air Force. Members who do not meet the Air Force standards wear CAP Distinctive uniforms.

CAP personnel are required to salute commissioned officers of the United States who are a higher grade than themselves. However, uniformed members of the United States are not required to salute CAP Senior Members, as CAP personnel do not receive a commission from the President of the United States.

Senior Members
Senior Members are the Adults in Civil Air Patrol. Promotion through the ranks is based upon completion of certain criteria, often including progression along a Specialty Track. CAP Specialty Tracks are similar to the Air Force Specialty Code, and include such vocations as Historian, Cadet Programs,

Senior Members are persons who join CAP after their 18th birthday, or cadets after their 21st birthday. Upon their 18th birthday, cadets may choose to remain as cadets or become Senior Members. Senior Members under the age of 21 hold the ranks of Flight Officers. A Flight Officer is roughly the equivalent of a Second Lieutenant, a Technical Flight Officer is the rough equivalent of a First Lieutenant, and a Senior Flight Officer is the rough equivalent of a Captain. Upon turning 21, Flight Officers are automatically promoted to the appropriate rank.

Because promotion from Lieutenant to Lt Colonel is based upon achievement, Squadron Commanders can be (and are) in charge of subordinate personnel who outrank them.

Cadet Members
On the Air Force Mess Dress uniform, officer rank insignia are embroidered in silver or gold thread on detachable shoulder boards which are attached to the mess dress jacket. No rank insignia are worn on the mess dress shirt.