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CIVIL AIR PATROL (CAP)
Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the Official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations.
3 MISSIONS OF CIVIL AIR PATROL:
- Aerospace Education for youth and the general public
- Cadet Programs for teenage youth
- Emergency Services (includes Search & Rescue (by Air & Ground) & Disaster Relief Operations)
In addition, CAP has been tasked with Homeland Security and Courier Service missions. CAP also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies, such as local law enforcement and the American Red Cross. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code and its purposes defined by Title 36. While CAP is sponsored by the USAF, it is not an operating reserve component under the Air Force or the federal government. Since CAP is not a reserve component of a uniformed service of the military and its membership is made up of volunteer civilians, CAP members are not subject to the laws governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Membership in the organization consists of Cadets ranging from 12 to 21 years of age, and Senior Members 18 years of age and up. These two Membership groups each have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of pursuits; the Cadet program contributes to the development of the former group with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks and pay grades, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, mentors, and operators. All members wear uniforms while performing their duties.
Nationwide, CAP is the largest operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft, used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and the provision of significant emergency services capabilities. Because of these extensive flying opportunities, many CAP members become licensed pilots.
The hierarchical and quasi-military organization is headed by the National Headquarters (with authority over the National organization) followed by 8 Regional Commands and 52 wings including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Each Wing supervises the individual Groups and Squadrons that comprise the basic operational unit of the organization.
To serve America by developing our Nations youth; accomplishing local, state & national emergency & humanitarian missions; and educating our citizens on the impact of aviation & space.
- CAP Mission Statement
Civil Air Patrol began as an idea by aviation enthusiasts and pilots who were concerned about the future of general aviation in America in the years before World War II. In the mid to late 1930s, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, & Imperial Japan created an alliance called the Axis, & were taking over much of Europe, North Africa and Indochina. Their actions were beginning to threaten America’s allies and vital interests.
The concept of a Coastal Patrol was first created by John Hays Hammond, Jr in 1913. The Civil Air Patrol was first envisioned in 1915 by Trubee Davison & Gill Robb Wilson, while both were serving with the French Ambulance Corps in France during World War I. While there, he noticed Germany’s aggressive intentions first-hand with the 163rd Aero Squadron, 2nd Day Bombardment Group. Upon his return to his home state of New Jersey, he reported his findings to Governor Edison and pleaded that New Jersey organize & use its civil air fleet as an augmentive force for the war that he was convinced would come.
During 1936-41, United States civilian aircraft pilots, aviation mechanics and aviation enthusiasts became increasingly concerned about the international situation. They began to understand as many Americans did that if the Axis powers were even marginally successful in their plans for conquests, America would be forced to intervene. If so, they concluded that the government would most probably severely limit aviation in an attempt to reduce the risk of sabotage. These air-minded Americans realized that the United States & the aviation community would be better suited if civil aviation could be put to use when hostilities opened instead of being restricted by the government. During that period, there were approximately 25,000 light aircraft, 128,000 certified pilots, & over 14,000 aircraft mechanics in America.
Fearing these repercussions, many of these aviation enthusiasts searched for ways to both serve their country & preserve civil aviation’s strength. While many pilots and mechanics entered the Royal Air Force or the Royal Canadian Air Force to get on with it, others joined the US armed services. Those who could not join a military service because of age, physical condition or for other reasons still had the desire to help. They were prepared to endorse any plan whereby they and their aircraft could be put to use when the time came in defense of the nation.
THREE CIVIL AIR PATROL MISSIONS:
- AEROSPACE EDUCATION: To provide Knowledge, Skills & Attitudes leading to understanding of the total impact of Air & Space upon our Society.
- CADET PROGRAMS: To Motivate & provide the means for Cadets to become dynamic Americans & Aerospace Leaders.
- EMERGENCY SERVICES: To Provide Search & Rescue, Disaster Relief Services & Homeland Security.
