Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. It is a volunteer, non-profit, benevolent organization made up of aviation-minded adult and cadet members committed to serving the nation.

HISTORY

Civil Air Patrol was organized Dec. 1, 1941, as part of the U.S. Office of Civilian Defense. During World War II, its members provide orientation flights to thousands of prospective aviation cadets and recruits. Members also flew more than 24 million miles on coastal patrol. They summoned help for 91 ships in distress and 363 survivors of submarine attacks. Patrol crews spotted 173 enemy submarines, dropped bombs or depth charges on 57 of them and received credit for sinking or seriously damaging at least two. Others were destroyed by planes and ships summoned by Civil Air Patrol radios.

Civil Air Patrol crews flew many other wartime missions, including a courier service for airlift of personnel and light cargo; target towing and tracking flights for training anti-aircraft gunners; powerline and pipeline surveillance; forest fire patrol; and patrol along the southern U.S. border. Sixty-four members died while performing wartime operations.

The organization became a permanent peacetime institution on July 1, 1946. On that date, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 476 of the 79th Congress, incorporating Civil Air Patrol in its present form.

Civil Air Patrol became a permanent civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force in May 1948 with the enactment of Public Law 557 of the 80th Congress.

"After the German surrender, one of Hitler's high-ranking naval officers was asked why the Nazi U-boats had been withdrawn from U.S. coastal waters early in 1943. The answer was exploded in a curt guttural: 'It was because of those damned little red and yellow planes!'"

MISSIONS

As an official auxiliary of the Air Force, CAP has three principal missions--emergency services including communications, aerospace education and training, and a cadet training and motivation program.

EMERGENCY SERVICES:

This is CAP's best-known activity. It entails air and ground search and rescue, local disaster relief, as well as cooperation with and assistance to other emergency services agencies. CAP members fly 80 percent of all the hours flown on search and rescue missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The center coordinates search and rescue efforts within the inland search and rescue region (48 contiguous states). Civil Air Patrol is also active in Alaska where it is directed in its search operations by the Alaskan Air Command Rescue Coordination Center. In Hawaii, the patrol works under the direction of the Pacific Air Forces Joint Rescue Coordination Center. In Puerto Rico, Civil Air Patrol works in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and local civil authorities.

In the last five years, CAP crews have been involved in more than 5,500 search and rescue or other emergency service missions. During this time, these volunteers were credited with saving the lives of more than 425 persons and with locating the objects of their searches nearly 2,500 times. These missions required more than 92,000 hours of flying time.

CAP, as well as members who fly their own airplanes on these missions, are reimbursed by the Air Force for fuel, oil, and communication expenses. In addition, the Air Force now provides maintenance costs for these as well as for certain training missions.

Often, CAP members also help out in missions which may involve airlifting blood or donor organs, medication and civil or relief officials to disaster areas. Disaster relief missions may also involve air surveillance of disaster areas, as well as the air evacuation of the stranded, sick or injured. Rescue work and aid are provided during floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other emergencies.

CAP maintains a nationwide network of over 20,000 radio stations which provides an invaluable backup to state, local civil defense and Air Force communications. Locally, the stations support state disaster plans and provide communications for CAP search and rescue and other disaster relief missions.

Ground Assets

In addition to aircraft, the CAP Corporation owns 950 ground vehicles to support their missions.

Many of these vehicles are equipped with sophisticated communications equipment that becomes invaluable during disasters or extended SAR missions.

The counterdrug mission is supported by airborne video and thermal imaging equipment.

Communications

The Civil Air Patrol operates one of the largest communications systems in the country with more than 6,000 fixed land stations and more than 10,000 land and airmobile radios operated by over 20,000 trained communicators. This system consists of voice and automatic digital communications capabilities on long and short circuit paths. Hundreds of individual networks are linked together to form a highly flexible and survivable nationwide traffic handling system.

The CAP National Digital Radio Network has drawn particular interest from other organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency which has joined the network and included it in their emergency communications planning.

The NDRN consists of more than 2,000 computer based radio stations which take advantage of leading edge technology to automatically establish links as necessary and pass error-free message traffic throughout the system.

Because the system doesn't rely on telephone lines, it is highly survivable in the event of natural or man-made disasters and--also because of its radio-based architecture--it is extremely flexible allowing end-users to "plug" into the system from anywhere within radio range of one of the 500-plus system nodes across the country.

Supplies & Equipment

CAP screens mission-essential property from Defense Reutilization and Marketing Offices as a federal agent.

Air Power Advocates

AEROSPACE EDUCATION

America'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.

The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous educational program is tied to promotions at every level in the CAP organization.

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.

Each year, CAP sponsors nearly 200 workshops in colleges and universities across the nation which reach more than 5,000 educators.

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.

The Civil Air Patrol has more than 53,000 members: 34,000 in senior-member and 19,000 in cadet programs. They come from varied backgrounds from police chiefs to schoolteachers and from big cities and small towns. These differences matter little. What does though is that all of these people want to be involved in their community -- they want to help others -- and they share a love of aviation.

Aviation Assets

The CAP Corporation owns 535 light aircraft, primarily Cessna 172s and 182s. Additionally, CAP members own another 4,700 aircraft that can be used to support assigned missions.

When all of these assets are combined, CAP operates the world's largest fleet of civil aircraft and flies nearly 130,000 hours each year.

An often overlooked resource is the number and experience of CAP pilots. One-third of all CAP members are FAA-qualified pilots.

"Civil Air Patrol's accomplishments are increasing; membership is stabilizing; flying hours, assigned missions and 'saves' are looking good; and the accident rate-- none better."

Lt. Gen. Jay W. Kelley, U.S. Air Force
Commander, Air University
Maxwell AFB, Alabama

CAP aerospace education programs help inform the public about air and space matters. Over the past 30 years, CAP has supported about 4,000 aerospace education workshops for teachers and education officials at more than 250 colleges and universities around the country. These programs have prepared nearly 200,000 teachers to teach aerospace education courses in their schools or to enrich the usual classroom subjects.

Other important services offered include assistance in curriculum planning at all levels and educational materials for use by teachers in their classrooms. CAP's Center for Aerospace Education Development develops, publishes and distributes materials to teachers. These materials range from pamphlets and activity booklets to a complete high school elective course. They are produced and sold at a cost far below commercially available products.

CAP keeps in close contact with education departments at all levels and with agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Air and Space Museum, and the Air Force Association. These contacts promote and expand aerospace education in the nation's schools.

Also, the patrol provides yearly scholarship funds to cadet and senior members. These funds help finance college studies in engineering, the humanities, education, science and other fields relating to air and space.

CADET PROGRAM:

The cadet program is designed to inspire the country's youth to become leaders and dynamic American citizens through an interest in flying. Young men and women who are American citizens or aliens "lawfully admitted for permanent residency" may become Civil Air Patrol cadets. They must have completed the sixth grade or be at least 13 years old to become members. The maximum age for entering the cadet program is 18.

Cadets take part in a number of programmed and special activities. From these they develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand the total impact of air and space operations on society. They learn discipline by studying leadership and by learning military drill and courtesies. They become physically fit through a special physical training program.

Through studies and other activities, cadets work their way through a series of 15 achievements. As cadets progress, they earn increased rank, ribbons or certificates and also become eligible for nationally sponsored special activities and may compete for academic scholarships.

Cadets are assigned to squadrons staffed by senior members who guide and assist them through the program. A popular activity is the flying program. It promotes an interest in aviation by providing orientation flights and scholarships to cover flying training through solo qualification.

The most sought-after activity of advanced cadets is the International Air Cadet Exchange. Each summer, about 120 cadets and their adult escorts travel to one or the other of some 20 foreign countries. In return, cadets from foreign lands visit the United States as guests of Civil Air Patrol and the Air Force. Such trips promote goodwill and understanding among the world's youth who share a common interest in aviation.

Additional activities include cadet summer encampments at nearly 75 U.S. military bases and a cadet officer school. There are also familiarization courses at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, and eight geographical regions, each with from five to nine wings. There are 52 wings in all, one in each state plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Wings are divided in groups, squadrons, and sometimes flights. There are about 1,700 individual units. Half of which are composite squadrons or squadrons that have both senior and cadet members.

The highest governing body of CAP is the National Board, chaired by a member of the CAP Corporation whose title is National Commander. This position is held by a CAP Brigadier General elected by the members. Other members of the Board include the eight region and 52 wing commanders.

This governing body also includes an elected National Vice Commander, Chief of Staff, Legal Officer, Finance Officer, and Controller - all civilian volunteers who have no active duty Air Force obligations or privileges.

There is one key position on the National Board that ties the CAP Corporation to the U.S. Air Force - the Senior Air Force Advisor.

The advisor's position is held by an active-duty Air Force Colonel who, in addition to serving as the Senior Air Force Adviser, is responsible for all active duty and DoD civilian employees who provide liaison oversight and advice to the CAP organization.

In this capacity, the Senior Air Force advisor is also the CAP-USAF Commander.

AIR FORCE ASSISTANCE

Besides providing advisors and liaison officials, the Air Force provides equipment from Department of Defense excess items. Examples include aircraft and spare parts, motor vehicles, office supplies, communications equipment, rescue equipment and training aids.

When it is possible, the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve provide airlift for many CAP programs and, less often, for cadet orientation flights. Air Force and other DOD agency housing, medical and dining facilities, classrooms, offices, training aids and teachers are also provided to insure the success of CAP summer encampments. In addition, Air National Guard, Air Force and Army Reserve personnel also may serve as instructors and advisors to CAP units.

PERSONNEL

CAP has nearly 52,000 volunteer members. They include more than 17,000 teenage cadets and nearly 35,000 adult senior members. They wear a uniform similar to that of the Air Force but with special CAP insignia.

Members fly some 9,000 privately owned aircraft and nearly 600 aircraft owned by CAP. They drive some 1,700 trucks, jeeps, ambulances and sedans. They also maintain licensed shortwave radios as part of a network of fixed, mobile and airborne systems across the nation.

Nearly 11,000 senior members are FAA-licensed pilots. Thousands more are qualified observers and fly on various CAP missions.

Time served in CAP does not count toward military service--nor does it obligate members to any active military duty.

How do I find CAP?

Squadron information also may be posted at your airport, or look in the phone book under CIVIL AIR PATROL or in the government listings under UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AUXILIARY.

Looking for speakers for local school activities or civic groups? Call the Civil Air Patrol.

Drill & Ceremony

Need an honor guard or drill team for a local event or ceremony? Call the Civil Air Patrol.

Education Force Multipliers

Develop closer ties with local schools by helping them sponsor aerospace education workshops.

Education Programs

Civil Air Patrol flight and academic scholarhips are available for deserving young people at your installation.

Civil Air Patrol cadet programs provide Air Force recruiters with a pool of quality young men and women who have shown an interest in aviation. Close communications between U.S. Air Force recruiters and CAP units pay big dividends.

What You Can Do!

"Your efforts in the Civil Air Patrol reflect the commitment to voluntary community service that will be essential to solving our nation's most pressing social problems. By reaching out to those in need, you are setting an outstanding example for your fellow Americans. I commend you for your generosity and concern for others."

Former President George Bush