Civil Air Patrol

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For more than 50 years, the Civil Air Patrol has aggressively performed the missions Congress mandated in 1946: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.Aerospace EducationAmerica's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and continues unabated during this century. World War II showcased the important role aviation would play in the future and national leaders recognized the importance of stimulating public interest in aerospace activities.CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was most suited to perform this mission. Their efforts focused on two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public. Aerospace educators working out of CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Ala., provide materials that are current and reflect the highest standards of educational excellence. The congressional charter also tasked CAP to stimulate public interest in aerospace issues. These external programs are primarily conducted through our nation's education systems. These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology. Textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids geared to stimulate interest in aerospace matters also are provided for teachers to use in their classrooms. Started in 1951, these workshops have reached hundreds of thousands of young people. CAP also plans and executes the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education. NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation. The NCASE is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education to motivate and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education into their curriculum. It also encourages aerospace leaders to speak out on aerospace issues facing our nation today.

Civil Air Patrol

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). It was founded on December 1, 1941, to mobilize civilian aviation resources for national defense and has since evolved into a premier public service organization[1][2][3].

History

Civil Air Patrol has a rich history of service, beginning with its formation just before the U.S. entry into World War II. During the war, CAP played a significant role in anti-submarine patrols and rescue operations, logging over 500,000 flying hours, sinking two enemy submarines, and saving hundreds of crash victims. After the war, CAP was formally established as the Air Force auxiliary in 1948 with the signing of Public Law 557[3][4].

Missions

CAP is mandated by Congress to perform several key missions:

  • Aerospace Education: Providing aviation and space education to its members and the public, with a focus on K-12 programs.
  • Cadet Programs: Offering leadership, teamwork, and character development programs for young people.
  • Emergency Services: Engaging in search and rescue operations, disaster relief, and homeland security support. CAP also assists in counterdrug missions and provides communications support[3][4].
Organization

Civil Air Patrol operates in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, with a hierarchical structure that includes eight regions, 52 wings, groups, squadrons, and flights. Its national headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, and is co-located with the CAP-USAF command. CAP has over 38,000 adult members and more than 28,000 cadets[4][5].

Activities

CAP's activities are diverse and include:

  • Search and Rescue (SAR): Conducting missions to locate and assist persons in distress.
  • Disaster Relief: Providing aerial support and communications during natural disasters and emergencies.
  • Aerial Target Missions: Assisting in combat readiness training for Air Force units.
  • Aerospace Education: Promoting STEM education and aviation awareness through various programs and resources[1][4].
Aircraft and Equipment

Civil Air Patrol operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine piston aircraft for its various missions. In addition to its manned aircraft, CAP also utilizes unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for disaster assessment and surveillance tasks[2][4].

Core Values

CAP's core values are Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect, guiding its members in their commitment to service and community support[1][2][4].

Recognition

In recognition of its contributions during World War II, CAP's members were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014[4].

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