Answer:
The minimum age to join Civil Air Patrol's cadet program is 12. However, if you attend a Civil Air Patrol middle school, then you may join upon graduation of 5th grade. You may stay in the cadet program until your 21st birthday, or choose to become a senior member at age 18. Any prospective member already 18 must join the senior program. Senior members can be 18+ and are allowed to retire if desired after 12 years of service.