The grade on a member's uniform is one of the first things to catch someone's eye. Grade generally indicates a member's dedication to their personal development within the Civil Air Patrol.

Cadet Insignia

Cadets earn grade as they participate in the cadet program - studying and testing on Leadership and Aerospace, participating in Moral Leadership, completing physical fitness testing, and participating in unit activities.

Cadet Airman/NCO Insignia

Cadet Airman	Cadet Airman 1st Class	Cadet Senior Airman
Cadet Staff Sergeant	Cadet Technical Sergeant	Cadet Master Sergeant
Cadet Senior Master Sergeant	Cadet Chief Master Sergeant

Cadet Officer Insignia

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant	Cadet 1st Lieutenant	Cadet Captain
Cadet Major	Cadet Lieutenant Colonel	Cadet Colonel

Senior Member Insignia

Adult officer members earn advanced grade through their participation in the Civil Air Patrol professional development program. After completing Level I (an orientation outlining CAP history and missions) and six months time of service officers will be eligible for consideration for promotion to Second Lieutenant. Promotion after that is at the officer's own pace.

Sometimes, life or work experiences can give officers a head start in the professional development program. For instance, if an officer is a former cadet and has been out of the program for less than two years, they may be exempt from Level I and may be awarded the grades of Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, or Captain depending on how far they advanced in the cadet program.

If you are a current, former, or retired member of the armed forces - active duty, reserves, or National Guard, you may be able to transfer your military grade into your Civil Air Patrol service. Professional Military Education courses can usually be counted towards CAP training requirements. You may also be able to obtain a higher grade if you have a mission-related skill and related experience as a pilot, mechanic, or chaplain for example.

Senior Member Insignia

Flight Officer	Technical Flight Officer	Senior Flight Officer
Second Lieutenant	First Lieutenant	Captain
Major	Lieutenant Colonel	Colonel
Brigadier General	Major General