Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a federally chartered, non-profit corporation that serves as the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). Founded on December 1, 1941, originally to utilize civilian aviation resources for national defense during World War II, CAP has evolved into a leading public service organization in the United States.

Mission and Purpose

Civil Air Patrol's mission is dedicated to supporting America's communities through emergency response, aviation services, youth development, and education in aerospace fields. The organization is guided by its core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. CAP's purpose is defined by three primary congressionally mandated core program areas:

• Aerospace Education: CAP provides educational resources and workshops focused on aviation and aerospace topics for adults and youth.
• Cadet Programs: CAP offers leadership and character development opportunities for youth, emphasizing citizenship, STEM education, and physical fitness.
• Emergency Services: CAP conducts search and rescue operations, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and other emergency service missions across the United States.

Structure and Operations

Civil Air Patrol operates in all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. The organization is structured hierarchically with eight geographical regions, each comprising wings that correspond to states, and further divided into groups, squadrons, and flights. The national headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama, co-located with the CAP-USAF headquarters. As of recent reports, CAP comprises over 38,000 adult members and more than 28,000 cadets, totaling nearly 60,000 members nationwide.

Missions and Activities

Some of CAP's notable activities include:

• Search and Rescue: Conducting operations to locate missing persons and aircraft.
• Disaster Response: Providing support during natural disasters with aerial assessments and delivery of critical resources.
• Counterdrug Operations: Assisting federal agencies in surveillance and monitoring activities related to drug enforcement.
• Aerial Assessment and Reconnaissance: Utilizing advanced systems to evaluate disaster impacts and support homeland security efforts.
• Aviation Education: Offering introductory flights to students and military cadets, promoting aviation awareness and education.

History and Achievements

During World War II, CAP played a pivotal role by performing antisubmarine patrols and other critical wartime missions. In recognition of its World War II service, CAP was collectively awarded a Congressional Gold Medal in December 2014. Over the years, CAP has continued to evolve and expand its mission capabilities, serving as a vital component of the U.S. Air Force's total force structure.

Recognition and Integration with the U.S. Air Force

CAP is organized similarly to the U.S. Air Force with a rank structure and chain of command mirroring that of the USAF. CAP-USAF provides critical support and oversight for CAP operations and serves as the liaison between CAP and other federal agencies. As a recognized partner in the Air Force's total force doctrine, CAP contributes significantly to national defense and community service initiatives.