• 12-18 years old
• Enrolled in or graduated from private, public or home school with a satisfactory academic record
• Single
• Not a member of the Active Duty Armed Forces
• Be a citizen of the United States of America or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States of America and its territories and possessions or any lawfully admitted non-citizen residing in the United States specifically approved by the National Commander
• Good moral character
• If a former member of Civil Air Patrol, they cannot have been terminated due to misconduct
• Be accepted by a unit
• Pay yearly membership dues to National Headquarters

In addition to the requirements outline above, Black Sheep also requires the following:

• Attend meetings each week for a minimum of two hours
• Be able to abide by the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Oath:
• "I pledge to serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation."
• The key components being:
• Serve faithfully
• Attend meetings regularly
• Participate actively in unit activities
• Obey Officers (and other cadets appointed over them)
• Wear the uniform and wear it properly
• Advance training and education rapidly
• Pay monthly squadron dues ($3.00 per month)
• Must have access to the internet and check the squadron website, calendar and message board regularly to check for important updates and information