Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). Founded on December 1, 1941, its primary role is to provide a cost-effective force multiplier for Air Force-assigned missions while engaging in community service, aerospace education, and youth development.

History

Civil Air Patrol was established during World War II to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense. Initially, CAP focused on coastal patrols to deter enemy submarines. After the war, it transitioned into a robust public service organization, expanding its roles in disaster relief, search and rescue, and emergency services.

Organization

CAP operates in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. It is organized along military lines, with a hierarchical structure that includes National Headquarters, regions, wings, groups, squadrons, and flights. Each component is led by volunteer officers who hold ranks similar to those in the U.S. Air Force.

Missions

CAP's five congressionally mandated missions are:

1. Aviation Education and Development: Encourage and aid citizens in developing aviation and maintaining air supremacy, especially through youth programs.
2. Community Support: Assist local communities in fostering civil aviation and preparing for emergencies.
3. Emergency Services: Provide resources to meet local and national emergencies.
4. Youth Development: Offer cadet programs focusing on leadership, STEM education, and character building.
5. Air Force Support: Assist the Department of the Air Force in non-combat missions.

These missions are condensed into three core program areas: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.

Activities

CAP conducts a wide range of activities, including:

• Search and Rescue (SAR) Exercises: Known as SAREX, these exercises train members in SAR techniques.
• Disaster Relief: CAP provides airlifts and communications support during natural disasters.
• Counterdrug Operations: CAP assists federal agencies by surveilling drug operations.
• Aerospace Education: Offers free educational resources to teachers, focusing on STEM subjects.
• Cadet Programs: Provides leadership training and aerospace education for youth.

Aircraft Fleet

CAP operates the world's largest fleet of single-engine aircraft, used primarily for search and rescue, disaster relief, and training exercises. These aircraft are also employed to support USAF training by simulating enemy aircraft for intercept exercises.

Leadership and Membership

CAP is led by a National Commander, with its headquarters co-located with the Air Force's CAP-USAF program office at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. The organization has more than 38,000 adult members and over 28,000 cadet members across more than 1,500 units.

Core Values

CAP's core values are Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect, guiding its members in all activities.

Motto and Traditions

The motto of Civil Air Patrol is "Semper Vigilans", meaning "Always Vigilant". The organization celebrates its founding on December 1 each year.