Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, non-profit organization that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP performs three congressionally mandated key missions: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs for teenage youth.
CAP also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies. Examples might include a missing persons search for local law enforcement or critical supply transport for the American Red Cross.
CAP also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies. Examples might include a missing persons search for local law enforcement or critical supply transport for the American Red Cross.
Cadet ProgramsCAP
cadets are those members who join between their 12th and 18th birthday.
Cadets who turn 18 may either become a Senior Member or remain a cadet
until 21 at their own discretion. Young adults joining at the age of 18
can choose to be a Cadet or Senior Member. Cadets are guided through five elements that make up the CAP cadet experience.
| Emergency ServicesEmergency Services consists of but may not be limited to missions involving Search And Rescue (by air and ground), Disaster Relief, Homeland Security and other public assistance related concerns. Many missions are in support of persons in distress and our highest priority is to ensure missions are conducted safely, competently, expeditiously, and in a professional manner. Learn More | Aerospace EducationThe objective of Aerospace Education is to teach future generations about the skills, knowledge, and endless possibilities of aerospace. We use flight simulators, model rockets, RC aircraft, and so much more as a part of the demonstrations allowing members and the public to interact and see the theories and concepts of aerospace at work. Come engage in some of the most interesting lessons you may ever find. Learn More |
What Makes Civil Air Patrol Different
Civil Air Patrol enjoys a proud legacy of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community that spans decades. The
first Civil Air Patrol members of 1941 were a heroic breed, men and
women who served their country by sinking or chasing away German
submarines off America's East and Gulf coasts. As a result of their
bravery, patriotism and tenacity, CAP subchasers effectively thwarted
German U-boat attacks and, in the process, saved countless lives.
Today, CAP handles 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central U.S., North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and Mexican border.
In addition, CAP members are dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our cadet programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to offer.
Unlike our founding CAP fathers, many of whom flew their own airplanes and performed life-threatening missions without any formal training, our more than 60,000 members are now provided with top-notch, year-round professional development training opportunities and with aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies available for search and rescue.
Indeed, Civil Air Patrol makes a huge impact each and every day, going above and beyond to make a profound difference in America's communities. As a vigilant CAP volunteer, you save lives and preserve liberty for all. Thank you for your service.
Semper vigilans!
Maj. Gen. Amy Courter
CAP National Commander
Today, CAP handles 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions, with approximately 75 lives saved each year. Our members are generally the first on the scene transmitting satellite digital images of the damage within seconds around the world and providing disaster relief and emergency services following natural and manmade disasters, including such phenomena as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Texas and Oklahoma wildfires, tornadoes in the south and central U.S., North Dakota flash flooding and the October 2006 earthquake in Hawaii, as well as humanitarian missions along the U.S. and Mexican border.
In addition, CAP members are dedicated to counterdrug reconnaissance and to teaching a new generation about aerospace and its impact on our future. And our cadet programs ensure our youth receive some of the finest leadership training the nation has to offer.
Unlike our founding CAP fathers, many of whom flew their own airplanes and performed life-threatening missions without any formal training, our more than 60,000 members are now provided with top-notch, year-round professional development training opportunities and with aircraft equipped with the most advanced technologies available for search and rescue.
Indeed, Civil Air Patrol makes a huge impact each and every day, going above and beyond to make a profound difference in America's communities. As a vigilant CAP volunteer, you save lives and preserve liberty for all. Thank you for your service.
Semper vigilans!
Maj. Gen. Amy Courter
CAP National Commander