Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF).[4] CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes members from all backgrounds. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code[5] and its purposes defined by Title 36.[6]
Not to be confused with Civil Reserve Air Fleet.Civil Air Patrol
1 December 1941
United States
- Search and rescue
- Disaster relief
- Aerospace education
- Cadet programs
Semper Vigilans
Always Vigilant
"The C.A.P. Is on the Go"[3]
1 December
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Maj Gen Edward D. Phelka
Brig Gen Regena Aye
CMSgt Todd H. Parsons
Membership in the organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. These two 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, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. Most members wear uniforms while performing their duties. However, there is a category of Aerospace Education Member available to educators. These AEMs do not wear uniforms or attend meetings, but do take advantage of professionally generated textbooks, lesson plans and other CAP-provided resources, in their capacity as educators.
Nationwide, CAP is a major 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 military auxiliary organization is headed by the National Headquarters (with authority over the national organization) followed by eight regional commands and 52 wings (each of the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico). Each wing supervises the individual groups and squadrons that comprise the basic operational unit of the organization.[7]
Relationship to the military[edit]
While CAP is chartered by Congress and is the auxiliary of the Air Force, it is not an operating reserve component under the United States Air Force or the federal government. The Secretary of the Air Force may use the services of Civil Air Patrol to fulfill the non-combat programs and missions of the Department of the Air Force.[76]
Civil Air Patrol members are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and do not have command or authority over any members of the United States military. Similarly, military officers have no command authority over CAP members. As part of recognition of CAP's service to the USAF, however, senior members in the grade of second lieutenant and above are allowed to wear the "U.S." collar insignia as an official part of their dress blue uniform. All CAP members are required to render military courtesies to all members of the US military and those of friendly foreign nations; however, as CAP officers are not commissioned by the President of the United States, military personnel are not required to render military courtesies to CAP personnel, though this can be done as a courtesy. CAP members, however, are expected to render military courtesies to one another.
Although CAP retains the title "United States Air Force Auxiliary" this auxiliary status only applies when CAP members and resources are on a United States Air Force-assigned mission with an Air Force-assigned mission number.[76] When CAP resources are engaged in a USAF mission they are reimbursed by the Air Force for communications expenses, fuel and oil, and a share of aircraft maintenance expenses. In addition, CAP members are covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) in the event of injury while participating in the mission.[31] At all other times, such as when aiding civilian authorities, CAP remains and acts as a private, non-profit corporation.[77]
The USAF's Air Combat Command (ACC), through 1st Air Force, is the parent command of CAP.[25] In October 2002, the USAF announced plans to move CAP "operational" mission activities from the Air Force's operations directorate (HAF/A3) to the Air Force's newly created homeland security directorate.
In an announcement on 28 August 2015 by Gen. Mark Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, Civil Air Patrol is included in the U.S. Air Force's definition of the "total force". To accomplish this, the USAF updated Doctrine Volume 2, Leadership, to expand the descriptions of total force and "Airmen" to consist of active duty Air Force, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve, Air Force Auxiliary, and Air Force Civilian Service members.[78][79] Part of that Total Force inclusion was a realignment in the responsible command which moved Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) from Air Education and Training Command through the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accession and Citizen Development at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, to Air Combat Command through 1st Air Force. This change took place on 24 June 2016.[80][22]
Civil Air Patrol's uniforms provide a distinctive and standard set of uniform items intended to provide a positive public image, build morale, and enhance the professionalism of the organization's membership.[49]
CAP members wear the same uniforms as active duty, guard, and reserve members, but worn with distinctive emblems, insignia, and badges to identify them as CAP members; these are categorized as "USAF-style uniforms". USAF-style uniforms may be worn by all cadets under age 18, and by cadets over age 18 and senior members who meet height and weight standards set by CAP's uniform manual.[49]
In addition, CAP has a series of what are categorized as "Corporate-style uniforms" which may be worn by all senior members, and also by those cadets over age 18 who do not meet height and weight standards set for the USAF-style uniform.[49]
Uniforms are categorized in CAP's uniform manual by the environment in which the uniform is to be worn or the work to be accomplished.
These uniform types are composed of:[49]
Funding[edit]
Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit corporation established by Public Law 79-476. It receives its funding from four major sources: membership dues, corporate donations, Congressional appropriations, and private donations.
Squadron and group financial support comes from donations and fundraising. Some units charge their own membership dues above and beyond CAP membership dues. These donations and fundraisers are how the squadrons and groups pay for their equipment, rent for facilities, and activities at the local level. A portion of funds are proceeds made during fundraisers. These are organized by individual squadrons and often include prizes for the cadets who sell the most tickets.[92] Cadets that sell tickets will receive 50% of the proceeds they made in a personal CAP "bank" in that squadron. These funds do not transfer if a cadet transfers to a different squadron or wing.[93]
Today, apart from member dues, Civil Air Patrol receives funding from donations and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations; from grants and payments from state governments for patrolling and other tasks as agreed by memorandums of understanding; and from federal funding for reimbursement of fuel, oil and maintenance plus capital expenses for aircraft, vehicles and communications equipment.
There are few paid positions in Civil Air Patrol. Most are located at National Headquarters, although some wings have paid administrators or accountants.[94] During 2011, Civil Air Patrol had 182 paid employees.[95]
