The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). It was created on 1 December 1941. It is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds and walksof life. It performs three key missions: emergency services (search and rescue), aerospace education, and cadet programs (for youth ages 12-18).
During World War II, the Civil Air Patrol was seen as a way to actively use America's civil aviation resources to aid the war effort instead of grounding them (as was the case in the United Kingdom). The organization assumed many missions, including anti-submarine patrol and warfare, border patrols, and courier services. Despite being a volunteer force that was largely untrained in combat and military science, the organization's performance far exceeded expectations. After the end of World War II and the founding of the United States Air Force as a separate military service, the Civil Air Patrol became the official auxiliary of the USAF.
Today, its membership is over 58,000 across all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC. CAP performs Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief missions within the United States. It is tasked with 95% of all inland search and rescue performed in the US by the US Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB. CAP National Headquarters is located at Maxwell AFB in Alabama. The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center demonstrated the importance of the Civil Air Patrol, as it provided the first aerial pictures of the World Trade Center site and flew blood to victims of the attack.
Missions
The Civil Air Patrol has three key missions: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education. Cadet and adult members have to opportunity to play important roles in all three areas. Members
CAP has members in over 1,700 local units across the United States. CAP members are civilians and are not paid by the U.S. government for their CAP service. They wear a modified version of the USAF uniform, and must follow military courtesy and customs.
CAP's cadet membership program is open to those between 12 and 18 years of age. Those age 18 and over may join CAP as senior members, but must undergo screening, and complete a Cadet Protection Training course before they are allowed to work with cadets.
How We Are Organized
Locally, a Civil Air Patrol group is called a "Squadron ", and as a new member of CAP, you would become affiliated with you closest area Squadron. The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Squadron is called a "Composite" Squadron because it has members who are both Seniors (adults) and youths (Cadets). A Senior Squadron consists of only of adult members - many of whom are usually pilots.
At the state level, the organization is directed by a "Wing ", and in Maryland, our Wing serves as the lead organization for over a dozen Squadrons throughout the state, including the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Squadron.