The Civil Air Patrol’s Tidewater Composite Squadron is recruiting new members.

The volunteer organization will hold an open house from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Hampton Roads Executive Airport, 5172 W. Military Highway, Chesapeake. The event will be a chance for prospective members to get a glimpse into what the CAP — an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force — does, said Capt. Ed Wilkinson, commander of the Tidewater squadron.

“I want to expand our membership in the area,” he said. Currently, the Tidewater squadron has 24 senior members and 22 cadets, Wilkinson said. “The open house will let people who think they might be interested come see what we are all about.”

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 can join CAP as cadets; adults — who are typically retired Navy and Air Force pilots — come in as seniors and usually act as mentors to the cadets, Wilkinson said.

Often, cadets end up going into the military after high school.

“It’s an opportunity for qualified pilots to fly CAP aircraft and for cadets to acquire leadership skills, aerospace education and emergency service training,” Wilkinson said.

CAP squadrons are called to assist with search and rescue operations, both from the ground and air; to provide aerial photography of disaster scenes, such as the coastline after Hurricane Sandy; and to help with communications at emergency incidents, Wilkinson said. They are activated through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.

“This is an opportunity for cadets to develop strong leadership skills,” Wilkinson said. “We also place a heavy emphasis on community service.”

Cadets climb through the ranks, with some taking advantage of opportunities to attend an intensive flight academy that ultimately allows them to earn their pilot’s license.

Before working with the cadets, senior members have to pass background checks and go through special training to work with youth, Wilkinson said.

For more information, email Wilkerson at tcs.recruiting@vawg.cap.gov, or call 535-8152.