Mission
The Civil Air Patrol performs three main functions -- emergency
services, aerospace education, and cadet training.
Emergency Services
CAP's emergency services include air and ground search and rescue,
disaster relief and civil defense for natural disasters. Its members fly
approximately 85 percent of the search and rescue mission hours directed
by the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center at Langley Air Force
Base, Va. Civil Air Patrol was credited with saving 89 lives in 1999.
On Nov. 14, 1985, CAP agreed to assist the U.S. Customs Service in its
counterdrug efforts by flying air reconnaissance missions along U.S.
boundaries. In early 1989, similar agreements were made with the Drug
Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Forest Service. CAP
participation only involves reconnaissance, transportation and
communications support. Members do not carry firearms, make arrests or
give chase to suspected drug traffickers. In 1999, CAP aircrews flew
more than 6,500 missions in support of the nation's war against drugs.
Aerospace Education
The Civil Air Patrol's aerospace education programs provide its members
and the educational community information about aviation and space
activities. Each year it supports about 200 aerospace education
workshops for teachers at approximately 100 colleges and universities
around the country, preparing an estimated 5,000 teachers to teach
aerospace-related subjects in their classrooms. The National Congress on
Aviation and Space Education, an annual national convention for
aerospace teachers is one of CAP's major contributions to the nation's
aerospace education. The organization also develops curriculum and
publishes aerospace educational materials for use in the nation's
schools.
Cadet Program
The purpose of the Cadet Program is to inspire the country's youth to
become leaders and good citizens through their interest in aerospace. It
is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents of the United States, its
territories and possessions. Candidates for the program must be 12 to 21
years of age, or have satisfactorily completed the fifth grade.
Through studies and other activities, cadets progress through
achievements that include special activities, aerospace education,
leadership programs, moral leadership and physical fitness. As cadets
progress they earn increased rank, awards or certificates. They may
become eligible for CAP national or international special activities and
compete for academic and flying scholarships. Upon completion of their
initial training phase, cadets receive the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award,
which entitles them to enter the Air Force as an Airman First Class,
should they chose to enlist.
Organization
Civil Air Patrol has eight geographic regions composed of 52 wings --
one wing for each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Wings
are subdivided into groups, squadrons and, sometimes, flights. There are
approximately 1,700 individual units.
Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force at Maxwell Air
Force Base, Ala., is staffed by military and civilian personnel, as
authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force. HQ CAP-USAF personnel
provide advice, liaison and oversight to the more than 61,000 CAP
members throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico and on Air Force
installations overseas. Additional CAP-USAF liaison personnel are
assigned to CAP regions and wings to advise and assist field units. Air
Force Reserve members also assist the Civil Air Patrol through the
Reserve Assistance Program.
Membership consists of approximately 26,000 cadets and more than 35,000
adult volunteers. They wear the Air Force uniform, but with distinctive
CAP emblems and insignia. Members operate more than 3,700 privately
owned aircraft and 530 CAP aircraft and more than 950 CAP ground
vehicles in support of the organization's programs.
History
Civil Air Patrol was founded Dec. 1, 1941. During World War II, its
principal purpose was to allow private pilots and aviation enthusiasts
to use their light aircraft and flying skills in civil defense efforts.
In 1943, the organization came under control and direction of the Army
Air Forces. Civil Air Patrol became a permanent peacetime institution
July 1, 1946, when President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 476
establishing it as a federally chartered, benevolent, civilian
corporation.
In May 1948, Public Law 557 made the organization the official auxiliary
of the Air Force. This law, known as the CAP Supply Bill, authorized the
Secretary of the Air Force to assign military and civilian personnel to
liaison offices at all levels of CAP.
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