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). Founded on December 1, 1941, CAP was initially established to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service. Over the years, it has evolved into a premier public service organization that supports various missions across the U.S.

Mission and Core Values

CAP's mission is to serve America's communities, save lives, and shape futures. The organization's core values include integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. These values guide the actions and decisions of CAP's volunteers, ensuring a commitment to ethical behavior, community service, achievement of high standards, and respect for all members and communities.

Organization Structure

Civil Air Patrol is organized in a military-style hierarchy with a streamlined chain of command. It is divided into several echelons, starting from the National Headquarters down to regions, wings, groups, squadrons, and flights. CAP has over 1,500 units across its eight geographical regions, covering all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia.

Missions and Activities

CAP is mandated by Congress to fulfill five primary missions:

1. Encourage and Aid Citizens: Support the development of aviation and promote air supremacy by encouraging voluntary contributions of private citizens to public welfare.
2. Aviation Education and Training: Provide education and training programs, especially for senior and cadet members, focusing on aerospace topics.
3. Foster Civil Aviation: Support and promote civil aviation within local communities.
4. Emergency Response: Assist in meeting local and national emergencies by providing aviation-related services.
5. Support Air Force Programs: Assist the Department of the Air Force in fulfilling non-combat programs and missions.

In practice, CAP condenses these missions into three core areas: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. CAP conducts humanitarian missions, supports disaster relief, and performs search and rescue operations. It also assists federal agencies like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

History

Civil Air Patrol played a significant role during World War II, contributing to antisubmarine patrols and logging over 500,000 flying hours. In recognition of their World War II service, CAP members were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in December 2014.

Current Operations

Today, CAP operates a large fleet of single-engine aircraft and unmanned aerial systems (drones), providing critical support for emergency services and educational programs. It has over 38,000 adult members and 28,000 cadets engaged in diverse activities, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and youth development initiatives.

Insignia and Motto

The Civil Air Patrol motto is "Semper Vigilans" (Always Vigilant), reflecting its commitment to constant vigilance and readiness. CAP's insignia and uniform are patterned after those of the U.S. Air Force, aligning with its role as an auxiliary entity.