For more than 50 years, the Civil
Air Patrol has aggressively performed the missions Congress mandated in
1946: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.
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
charteralso tasked CAP to stimulate public interest in aerospace
issues. Theseexternal 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.
Started in 1951,
theseworkshops have reached hundreds of thousands of young people.
The
Civil Air Patrol is a civilian organization but, as the civilian
Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, it comes as no surprise that it is
organized along military lines.
CAP
is organized into eight geographic regions. These regions are
subdivided by the states falling within their boundaries and each state
has a CAP wing. Additionally, the District of Columbia and Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico have CAP wings.
These
52wings are then subdivided into groups, squadrons, and flights
depending on their size. There are more than 1,700 CAP 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
isone key position on the National Board that ties the CAP
Corporation to the U.S. Air Force - the Senior Air Force Advisor.
The
advisor'sposition is held by an active-duty Air Force Colonel who, in
addition toserving as the Senior Air Force Adviser, is responsible for
all active dutyand DoD civilian employees who provide liaison oversight
and advice to theCAP organization.
In
this capacity, the Senior Air Force advisor is also the CAP-USAF
Commander.
Sound
confusing? It's really not. When Congress enacted Public Law 557
in 1948, they determinedthat active-duty Air Force personnel should be
assigned to provide advice and assistance to the organization. Hence,
Headquarters CAP-USAF was established.
Civil Air
Patrol can assist you! Cadets and senior CAP members provide a wealth
of talent you can draw upon for many different projects and events.
Special Events
Having
an Open House/Airshow? Call the Civil Air Patrol to conduct your
air show survey.
Need
assistance directing traffic, giving directions, handing out flyers or
manning booths during your open house celebration? Call the Civil Air
Patrol.
Exercise
Manpower
Having
an exercise and need people to play wounded or casualties? Call
the Civil Air Patrol.
Operations Support
Need
to complete a low-level route survey? Call the Civil Air Patrol. They
can also help out with support for airfield photography.
Need
to survey a crash site or environmental problem at your base? Call the
Civil Air Patrol.
Need
a backup communication source for your base disaster/reconstitution and
recovery plan? The Civil Air Patrol can help.
Problems
with ELTs sending a signal from your flight-line/base? Contact
the Civil Air Patrol.
Community
Ambassadors
Wondering
who to call in the local community to help get the word out
about a base project or initiative? Call the Civil Air Patrol.
"Your efforts
in theCivil Air Patrol reflect the commitment to voluntary community
service thatwill 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
Air Power
Advocates
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
AirPatrol flight and academic scholarships are available for
deserving young people at your installation.
Civil
AirPatrol 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!
For
more than 50 years, the Civil Air Patrol and the U.S. Air Force have
worked closely together contributing to the welfare of the nation. This
partnership, founded in Public Law 557, authorizes the U.S. Air Force
to provide resources and equipment to support the Civil Air Patrol
missions.
If
you have any questions about what you can or cannot provide, call your
state liaison officer or National Headquarters Civil Air Patrol at
1-800-FLY-2338.
