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The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). It was created on 1 December, 1941 (just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor), and is credited with sinking at least two German U-boats during World War II. Today, CAP is no longer called on to destroy submarines, but is instead a benevolent entity dedicated to education and national service. It is a volunteer organization with a strongly aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It performs four key missions: emergency services (including search and rescue), aerospace education for youth and the general public, cadet programs, and recently added is homeland security.

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 Great Britain.) The organization eagerly 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, the Civil Air Patrol became a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The incorporation charter declared that CAP would never again be involved in direct combat activities, but would instead be of benevolent nature. CAP still actively performs search and rescue missions within the United States. The September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center demonstrated the importance of the Civil Air Patrol, as it was this organization's aircraft that flew blood to victims of the attack; they also provided the first aerial pictures of the World Trade Center site.

History

Origin

The general idea of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) originated with a collective brainstorm of pilots and aviators during the start of World War II. In the later half of the 1930s, the Axis Powers became a threat to the United States, its allies and its interests. As the Axis steadily took control of the greater part of Europe and South-East Asia, aviation-minded Americans noticed a trend: in all of the conquered countries and territories, civil aviation was more or less halted in order to reduce the risk of sabotage. Countries that were directly involved in the conflict strictly regulated general aviation, allowing military flights only. American aviators did not wish to see the same fate befall themselves, but realized that if nothing was done to convince the Federal government that civil aviation could be of direct and measurable benefit to the imminent war effort, the government would likely severely limit general aviation.

The concrete plan for a general aviation organization designed to aid the U.S. military at home was envisaged in 1938 by Gill Robb Wilson. Wilson, then aviation editor of The New York Herald Tribune, was on assignment in Germany prior to the outbreak of World War II. He took note of the actions and intentions of the Nazi government and its tactic of grounding all general aviation. Upon returning, he reported his findings to the New Jersey governor, advising that an organization be created that would use the civil air fleet of New Jersey as an augmentative force for the war effort that seemed impending. The plan was approved, and with the backing of Chief of the Army Air Corps General Henry H. "Hap" Arnold and the Civil Aeronautics Authority, the New Jersey Civil Air Defense Services (NJCADS) was formed. The plan called for the use of single-engine aircraft for liaison work, as well as coastal and infrastructure patrol. General security activities regarding aviation were also made the responsibility of the NJCADS.

Other similar groups were organized, such as the AOPA Civil Air Guard and the Florida Defense Force.

During this time, the Army Air Corps and the Civil Aeronautics Administration initiated two separate subprograms. The first was the introduction of a civilian pilot refresher course and the Civilian Pilot Training Program. The motive behind this step was to increase the pool of available airmen who could be placed into military service if such a time came. The second step was concentrated more on the civil air strength of the nation in general, and called for the organization of civilian aviators and personnel in such a way that the collective manpower and know-how would assist in the seemingly inevitable all-out war effort. This second step was arguably the Federal government's blessing towards the creation of the Civil Air Patrol. It was followed by a varied and intense debate over organizational logistics, bureaucracy, and other administrative and practical details.

Thomas Beck, who was at the time the Chairman of the Board of the Crowell-Collier Publishing Company, compiled an outline and plan to present to President Franklin D. Roosevelt that would lead up to the organization of the nation's civilian air power. Beck received peer guidance and support from Guy Gannett, the owner of a Maine newspaper chain. On May 20th, 1941, the Office of Civilian Defense was created, with former New York City mayor and World War I pilot Fiorello H. LaGuardia as the director. Wilson, Beck, and Gannett presented their plan for a national civil air patrol to LaGuardia, and he approved the idea. He then appointed Wilson, Beck, and Gannett to form the so-called "blueprint committee" and charged them with organizing the national aviation resources on a national scale.

By October of 1941, the plan was completed. The remaining tasks were chiefly administrative, such as the appointment of wing commanders, and Wilson left his New York office and traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with Army officials as the Civil Air Patrol's first executive officer. General Henry "Hap" Arnold organized a board of top military officers to review Wilson's final plan. The board, which included General George E. Stratemeyer (presiding officer of the board), Colonel Harry H. Blee, Major Lucas P. Ordway, Jr., and Major A.B. McMullen, reviewed the plan set forward by Wilson and his colleagues and evaluated the role of the War Department as an agency of the Office of Civilian Defense. The plan was approved, and the recommendation was made that Army Air Forces officers assist with key positions, such as flight training and logistics.

With the approval of the Army Air Corps, Director LaGuardia signed the order that created the Civil Air Patrol on December 1, 1941.

World War II

On December 8, 1941, Director LaGuardia published Administrative Order 9. This order outlined the Civil Air Patrol's organization and named its first national commander as Major General John F. Curry. Wilson was officially made the executive officer of the new organization. Additionally, Colonel Harry H. Blee was appointed the new operations director.

The very fear that sparked the Civil Air Patrol "movement"–that general aviation would be halted–became a reality when the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. On December 8, 1941, all civil aircraft, with the exception of airliners, were grounded. This ban was lifted two days later (with the exception of the entire West Coast), and things went more or less back to normal.

Earle E. Johnson took notice of the lack of security at general aviation airports despite the attack on Pearl Harbor. Seeing the potential for light aircraft to be used by saboteurs, Johnson took it upon himself to prove how vulnerable the nation was. Johnson took off in his own aircraft from his farm airstrip near Cleveland, Ohio, taking three small sandbags with him. Flying at 500 feet (~150 meters), Johnson dropped a sandbag on each of three war plants and then returned to his airstrip. The next morning he notified the factory owners that he had "bombed" their facilities. The CAA apparently got Johnson's message and grounded all civil aviation until better security measures could be taken. Not surprisingly, the Civil Air Patrol's initial membership increased along with the new security.CAPP 50-5, page 7, "Early Days and Wartime Activities", paragraph 4-6

With America's entrance into World War II, German U-boats began to operate along the East Coast. Their operations were very effective, sinking a total of 204 vessels by September of 1942. The Civil Air Patrol's top leaders requested that the War Department give them the authority to directly combat the U-boat threat. The request was initially opposed, for the CAP was still a young and inexperienced organization. However, with the alarming numbers of ships being sunk by the U-boats, the War Department finally agreed to give CAP a chance.

On March 5, 1942, under the leadership of the newly promoted National Commander Johnson (the same Johnson that had "bombed" the factories with sandbags), the Civil Air Patrol was given authority to operate a coastal patrol at two locations along the East Coast. They were given a timeframe of 90 days to prove their worth. The CAP's performance was outstanding, and before the 90 day period was over, the coastal patrol operations were authorized to expand in both duration and territory.CAPP 50-5, page 8, "Coastal Patrol Authorized", paragraph 1

Coastal Patrol
Originally, the Coastal Patrol was to be unarmed and strictly reconnaissance. The aircrews of the patrol aircraft were to keep in touch with their bases and notify the Army Air Forces and Navy in the area when a U-boat was sighted, and to remain in the area until relieved. This policy was reviewed, however, when the Civil Air Patrol encountered a turkey shoot opportunity. In May, 1942, a CAP crew consisting of "Doc" Rinker and Tom Manning were flying a coastal patrol mission off Cape Canaveral when they spotted a German U-boat. The U-boat crew also spotted the aircraft, but not knowing that it was unarmed, attempted to flee. The U-boat became stuck on a sandbar, and consequently became an easy target.

Rinker and Manning radioed to mission base the opportunity and circled the U-boat for more than half an hour. Unfortunately, by the time that Army Air Corps bombers came to destroy the U-boat, the vessel had dislodged itself and had escaped to deep waters. As a result of this incident, CAP aircraft were authorized to be fitted with bombs and depth charges. Some of CAP's larger aircraft had the capability to carry 325 pounds (147 kg) in depth charges or bombs. Most light aircraft, however, could only carry 100 pounds (45 kg), which was equivalent to one small bomb. In some cases, the bomb's flight fins had to be removed so they would be able to fit underneath the wing of a light aircraft.

The CAP's first kill was claimed with one of the larger aircraft. The Grumman G-44 Widgeon, armed with two depth charges and crewed by Captain Johnny Haggins and Major Wynant Farr, was scrambled when another CAP patrol radioed that they had encountered an enemy submarine but were returning to base (due to low fuel). After scanning the area, Farr spotted the U-boat cruising beneath the surface of the waves. Unable to accurately determine the depth of the vessel, Haggins and Ferr radioed the situation back to base and followed the enemy in hopes that it would rise to periscope depth. For three hours, the crew shadowed the submarine, but it didn't rise. Just as Haggins was about to return to base, the U-boat rose to periscope depth, and Haggins swung the aircraft around and aligned with the submarine and dove to 100 feet (30 m). Farr released one of the two depth charges, literally blowing the submarine's front out of the water. As it left an oil slick, Farr released the second charge and debris appeared on the surface, confirming the U-boat's demise and the Civil Air Patrol's first kill.

The kill was perhaps the crowning achievement for CAP's Coastal Patrol, which continued to operate for about 18 months (from March 5, 1942 to August 31, 1943) before being officially retired. In this timeframe, the Coastal Patrol reported 173 U-boats, 57 of which were attacked by CAP aircraft with 83 ordnance pieces, and two of which were confirmed sunk. For a group of volunteer civilians, this is without a doubt a monumental achievement. In addition, the Coastal Patrol flew 86,865 missions, logging over 244,600 hours. Coastal Patrol aircraft reported 91 ships in distress and played a key role in rescuing 363 survivors of U-boat attacks. 117 floating mines were reported and 5,684 convoy missions were flown for the Navy.CAPP 50-5, page 10, "Coastal Patrol Authorized", paragraph 4

Border Patrol
Between July, 1942, and April, 1944, the Civil Air Patrol Southern Liaison Patrol was given the task of patrolling the border between Brownsville, Texas, and Douglas, Arizona. The Southern Liaison Patrol logged approximately 30,000 flight hours and patrolled roughly 1,000 miles (~1,610 kilometers) of the land separating the United States and Mexico. Southern Liaison Patrol tasks included looking for indications of spy or saboteur activity, and were similar to counterdrug missions executed by Civil Air Patrol today. Aircraft piloted by the Southern Liaison Patrol often flew low enough to read the license plates on suspicious automobiles traveling in the patrol region.

During its time of operation, the Southern Liaison Patrol, more commonly known as the "CAP Border Patrol", reported almost 7,000 out-of-the-ordinary activities, and 176 suspicious aircraft' descriptions and direction. During the entire operating period, only two members lost their lives. Considering the fact that the Border Patrol was one of the most dangerous missions CAP flew (along with Coastal Patrol), this is an exceptionally low number.

Target towing
In March of 1942, CAP aircraft began towing targets for air-to-air (fighters) and ground-to-air (anti-aircraft batteries) gunnery practice. Targets would be trailed behind the aircraft (similar to the way an aircraft trails a banner) and simulate strafing attacks. CAP aircraft would also climb to various altitudes and would trail two targets for heavy AA guns to practice on. Although uncommon, an antiaircraft round would occasionally hit the aircraft. Surprisingly, no deaths resulted from errant shots.

Similarly, CAP aircraft also flew night missions to provide tracking practice for the crews of searchlights and radar units. These missions were dangerous in the sense that the pilot ran the risk of accidentally looking into the glare of a searchlight while performing evasive maneuvers, which would blind and disorient him. Such was the case of Captain Raoul Souliere, who lost his life after he went into a steep dive; witnesses surmised that he looked into the glare of a spotlight that had locked on to him, became disoriented, and did not realize he was in a dive.

Despite the dangerous nature of these missions, fatalities and accidents were rare. CAP flew target missions for three years with 7 member fatalities, 5 serious injuries, and 23 aircraft lost. A total of 20,593 towing and tracking missions were flown.CAPP 50-5, page 13, "Target Towing and Other Missions", paragraph 7

Search and Rescue operations (SAR)
During the period between January 1, 1942, and January 1, 1946, the Civil Air Patrol flew over 24,000 hrs. of federal- and military-assigned search and rescue missions, in addition to thousands of hours of non-assigned SAR missions. These missions were a huge success, and in one particular week during February of 1945, CAP SAR aircrews found seven missing Army and Navy aircraft.

The Civil Air Patrol had several decisive advantages over the Army Air Forces in terms of SAR ability. First, because CAP was using civilian aircraft, they could fly lower and slower than the aircraft of the AAF. Second, unlike AAF pilots, CAP pilots tended to be local citizens and therefore knew the terrain much better. Third, CAP utilized ground teams, which would travel to the suspected crash site (often by foot, although some wings had other ways of reaching a wreckage).

Courier service and cargo transportation
In the spring of 1942, the Pennsylvania Wing conducted a 30-day experiment with the intention of convincing the AAF that they were capable of flying cargo missions for the nation. The Pennsylvania Wing transported Army cargo as far as Georgia, and top Army officials were impressed. The War Department gave CAP permission to conduct courier and cargo service for the military.

Although not generally remembered as one of CAP's "glamorous" jobs, cargo and courier transportation was an important job for the organization. From 1942 to 1944, the Civil Air Patrol moved around 1,750 short tons (1,600 metric tons) of mail and cargo, and hundreds of military passengers.

Pilot training and the cadet program
In October of 1942, CAP planned a program to recruit and train youth with an emphasis on flight training. The CAP cadets assisted with operational tasks and began indoctrination and training towards becoming licensed pilots. Cadets were not exempt from being conscripted; however, the military atmosphere and general setting around them would provide an advantage to cadets who were subsequently called into service. To become a cadet, one had to be between the ages of 15 and 17, and be sponsored by a CAP member of the same gender. The cadet program called for physical fitness, completion of the first two years of high school, and satisfactory grades. It was open only to native-born American citizens of parents who had been citizens of the United States for at least ten years. These restrictions were intentionally imposed to hold down membership levels until a solid foundation could be established.

Perhaps the most astonishing fact of the cadet program's 20,000-plus initial membership was the lack of cost; it cost the Office of Civilian Defense less than $200 to get the program underway, and this was to cover administrative costs.CAPP 50-5, page 14, "Pilot Training and the Cadet Program", paragraph 5

Other wartime activities
CAP pilots were called on to provide a variety of missions that weren't necessarily combat-related, but still of direct benefit to the country. Some of the most notable of these missions were: flying blood bank mercy missions for the American Red Cross and other similar agencies; forest fire patrol and arson reporting; mock raids to test blackout practices and air raid warning systems; supporting war bond drives; and assisting in salvage collection drives. In the Northwestern states, Civil Air Patrol members, armed with shotguns, flew patrols hoping to spot Japanese balloon bombs.

Perhaps the most curious job for CAP was "wolf patrol". In the southwestern United States, the native wolf population had been disrupting ranching operations. One rancher alone lost over 1,000 head of cattle due to wolf predation. This represented a huge monetary loss to ranchers and an added restriction to the already low supply of beef due to wartime rationing. By the winter of 1944, Texas ranchers lobbied the Texan governor to enlist the aid of Civil Air Patrol to control the wolf populations. CAP pilots, armed with firearms, flew over wolf territory and thinned the population to lower levels.

Results of wartime activities

The Civil Air Patrol's success with the cadet program, along with its impressive wartime record, led the War Department to create a permanent place for it in the department. On April 29, 1943, by order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the command of the Civil Air Patrol was transferred from the Office of Civilian Defense to the War Department and given status as the auxiliary to the Army Air Forces. On March 4, 1943, the War Department issued Memorandum W95-12-43, which assigned the AAF the responsibility for supervising and directing operations of the CAP.

One of the direct outcomes of this transfer was the loaning of 288 Piper L-4 "Grasshopper" aircraft from the AAF to the CAP. These aircraft were used in the cadet recruiting program. By 1945, there was an oversupply of cadets, and CAP took over the responsibility of administering cadet mental screening tests.

Postwar

With the close of World War II, CAP suddenly found itself looking for a purpose. It had proved its worthiness and usefulness in wartime, but the ensuing peace had reduced CAP's scope of activities, for the AAF assumed a great many of the tasks that the CAP had performed. The very existence of CAP was threatened when the AAF announced that it would withdraw financial support on April 1, 1946, due to massive budget cuts. General "Hap" Arnold called a conference of CAP wing commanders, which convened in January of 1946 and discussed the usefulness and feasibility of a postwar Civil Air Patrol. The conference concluded with the plan to incorporate the Civil Air Patrol.

On March 1, 1946, the 48 wing commanders held the first CAP/Congressional dinner, honoring President Harry S. Truman, the 79th Congress of the United States, and over 50 AAF generals. The purpose of the dinner was to permit CAP to thank the President and others for the opportunity to serve the country during World War II.

On July 1, 1946, Public Law 476, 79th Congress, 2nd Session, was signed as law. The law incorporated the Civil Air Patrol, and stated that the purpose of the organization was to be "solely of a benevolent character". In other words, the Civil Air Patrol was to never participate in combat operations again. With the creation of the United States Air Force on July 26, 1947, the command of the Civil Air Patrol was transferred from the United States Army to the newly created Air Force. In October of 1947, a CAP board convened to meet with USAF officials and plan the groundwork of the Civil Air Patrol as the USAF auxiliary. After several meetings, the USAF was satisfied, and a bill was introduced to the United States House of Representatives. On May 26, 1948, Public Law 557, 80th Congress, Second Session, was signed into law, and CAP became an official auxiliary to the United States Air Force.

Missions

The Civil Air Patrol has three key missions: Emergency Services, Cadet Programs, and Aerospace Education.

Emergency Services

There are several Emergency Services areas that the Civil Air Patrol covers. The principal categories include Search and Rescue missions, Disaster Relief, Humanitarian Services, and Air Force Support. Others, such as Homeland Security and Counterdrug Operations, are becoming increasingly important.

Search and Rescue

Civil Air Patrol is arguably best known for its Search and Rescue (SAR) activities. CAP now flies about 95% of inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. Outside of the continental United States, CAP directly supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. CAP is credited with saving an average of 100 lives per year.

Disaster relief

CAP is particularly active in disaster relief operations, especially in hurricane-prone areas such as Florida and Louisiana. CAP aircrews and ground personnel provide transportation for cargo and officials. CAP aircrews often provide aerial imagery to emergency managers, in order to help them assess damage. In addition, squadrons and Wings often donate manpower and leadership to local, state, and federal disaster relief organizations during times of need. In late 2004, several hurricanes hit the southeastern part of the United States, Florida being the worst damaged. CAP was instrumental in providing help to areas that were hit.

Humanitarian Service

The Civil Air Patrol conducts Humanitarian Service missions, usually in support of the Red Cross. CAP aircrews transport time-sensitive medical materials, such as blood and human tissue, when other means of transportation (such as ambulances) are not practical or possible. Following the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, all general aviation was grounded. The first plane to fly over the destroyed World Trade Center was a CAP aircraft transporting blood.

Air Force support

CAP performs several missions that are not combat-related in support of the United States Air Force. Specifically, this includes damage assessment, radiological monitoring (particularly over areas such as Yucca Mountain), transportation of officials, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys.

Homeland Security

As a humanitarian service organization, CAP assists federal, state, and local agencies in preparing for and responding to homeland security needs.

CAP's Help with Other Agencies

The Red Cross, Salvation Army, and other civilian agencies frequently ask Civil Air Patrol to transport vital supplies, such as medical technicians, medications, and other vital supplies. They often rely on CAP to provide airlift and communications for their disaster relief operations. CAP also assists the US Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The Cadet Program

Grade Name
and Abbreviation 		Insignia Associated Award
or Achievement
Cadet Colonel
C/Col 		General Carl A. Spaatz
Cadet Lieutenant Colonel
C/Lt Col 		General Ira C. Eaker
Cadet Major
C/Maj 		None
Cadet Captain
C/Capt 		Amelia Earhart
Cadet First Lieutenant
C/1st Lt 		None
Cadet Second Lieutenant
C/2d Lt 		General Billy Mitchell
Cadet Chief Master Sergeant
C/CMSgt 		Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Cadet Senior Master Sergeant
C/SMSgt 		General Jimmy Doolittle
Cadet Master Sergeant
C/MSgt 		Charles A. Lindbergh
Cadet Technical Sergeant
C/TSgt 		Wright Brothers
Cadet Staff Sergeant
C/SSgt 		Capt Eddit Rickenbacker
Cadet Senior Airman
C/SrA 		Mary Feik
Cadet Airman First Class
C/A1C 		General H.H. "Hap" Arnold
Cadet Airman
C/Amn 		Maj Gen John F. Curry
Cadet Airman Basic
C/AB 		None
Each of the pips and the diamonds of the officer-grade ranks all have the same width.
Concept
Civil Air Patrol's cadet program is a traditional military-style cadet program. CAP cadets wear modified versions of Air Force uniforms, hold rank and grade, and practice military customs and courtesies. They are also required to maintain physical fitness standards and are tested on their fitness and their knowledge of leadership and aerospace subjects for each promotion. This program is similar to that of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), primarily because the Air Force JROTC program was 'cloned' from the CAP Cadet Program in the 1960s. However, there are several key differences between the two programs.

The current CAP Cadet Program was designed by John V. "Jack" Sorenson, who held the position of Civil Air Patrol's Director of Aerospace Education in the 1960s. This program is composed of four phases (Learning, Leadership, Command, and Executive), each of which is divided into several achievements. Achievements generally correspond to grade promotions, while phases are tied to levels of responsibility. The Cadet Program operates at a local unit (squadron) level with weekly meetings and weekend activities, but also has national and wing-sponsored week-long and multi-week summer activities, of which encampments are an example.

The Cadet Program is overseen and administered by senior members who generally specialize in the Cadet Program. At the squadron level, the Cadet Commander's chain of command passes through the Deputy Commander for Cadets before reaching the squadron commander. There are 'Director of Cadet Programs' positions at all command levels above squadron. In addition to the Deputy Commander for Cadets, squadrons also have a Leadership Officer; a Senior Member who's job is to see to the military aspects of the Cadet program, such as uniforms, customs and courtesies.

One of the strongest features of the CAP Cadet Program is that as Cadets progress, they are given additional responsibility for scheduling, teaching, guiding and commanding the other cadets in their units. They also assist their Senior Staffs in executing the Cadet Program. It is not unusual for a nineteen year-old Cadet officer to command an encampment of hundreds of junior Cadets. This, coupled with the fact that Cadets may also participate in CAP Emergency Services missions, sets CAP's Cadet Program even further apart from other cadet programs.

Structure
Cadets have a rank structure similar to the United States Air Force enlisted and officer ranks (excluding those of general officers). A Cadet starts as a cadet airman basic, and then is promoted as he or she completes each achievement. To complete an achievement, a cadet must pass a physical fitness test as well as two written tests; one for leadership and one for aerospace education. The only exceptions to this rule are the promotion to cadet airman and cadet staff sergeant, which have no aerospace test. The achievements and their corresponding grades are listed in the table, the C/ prior to each grade is read as 'Cadet', so C/AB is read as "Cadet Airman Basic".

The milestones in Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program are the Wright Brothers Award, the General Billy Mitchell Award, the Amelia Earhart Award, then General Ira C. Eaker Award, and the General Carl A. Spaatz Award. As of mid-2005 fewer than 1600 Spaatz Awards have been earned since the first was awarded to Cadet Douglas Roach in 1964. Cadet Roach went on to an Air Force career and later was a pilot on the USAF Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team.

Each milestone award in Civil Air Patrol confers upon a cadet various benefits. Upon earning the Mitchell Award and the grade of cadet second lieutenant, a cadet will automatically be given the grade of Airman First Class (E-3) upon enlisting in the United States Air Force or (E-2) upon enlisting in the Army, Navy, or Marine Corps, though the rank may only be worn after successfully completing Basic Training. Along with being awarded the Earhart Award and being promoted to C/Capt a cadet may attend International Air Cadet Exchange.

According to the CAP National website, the percentages for cadets receiving the milestone awards are as follows:

  • Mitchell 12%
  • Earhart 5%
  • Eaker 2%
  • Spaatz 0.5%

Activities
Orientation Flights

Cadets under the age of 18 are eligible for ten orientation flights in CAP aircraft including five glider or powered flights. Cadets over 18 years of age can still participate in military orientation flights. Some CAP wings have flight academies where cadets can learn to fly. The USAF and Army also frequently schedule orientation flights for CAP cadets in transport aircraft such as the KC-10 Extender, C-130 Hercules, and the C-17 Globemaster III or, in the case of the Army, UH-60 Blackhawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

National Cadet Special Activities

(Note: Course list as of 2006)

Civil Air Patrol's National Cadet Special Activities offer a broad range of largely aviation-related summer activities. Most are a week long and they are located in different parts of the country (IACE being the exception).

  • Aircraft Maintenance & Manufacturing Orientation Course - Sponsored by Cessna Aircraft, this activity shows aircraft construction and maintenance techniques and includes tours of the Cessna Aircraft factory.

  • EAA Air Academy - Not sponsored by CAP. In addition to orientation flight time, Cadets study the flight, weather, navigation, and aircraft construction.

  • National Blue Beret - Participants will help conduct EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the world's largest airshow. This is a 'working vacation' and duties include aircraft marshalling, crowd control and ELT deactivation.

  • National Flight Academies (Airplane & Glider) - An opportunity for older Cadets (14 for gliders and 16 for airplanes) to gain flight instruction and, in some cases, a solo flight.

  • Air Education and Training Command Familiarization Courses - A glimpse of the training that makes an Air Force pilot. Includes heavy academics, flight facilities tours and may include full-motion simulator time and flight time with an instructor pilot in a T-1A Jayhawk jet trainer.

  • Air Force Pararescue Orientation Course - In this physically demanding activity, Cadets work with actual Pararescuemen learning land navigation, wilderness survival, climbing and rapelling and other PJ skills.

  • AF Space Command Familiarization Courses - Designed for Cadets with an interest in space-related careers, this course provides an in-depth look at the Air Force Space Command, including missile operations, space command and control and orbital mechanics.

  • AF Weather Agency Familiarization Course - For Cadets interested in meteorology, this provides a chance to work with members of the Weather Agency and see how weather is forecast and interpreted using state of the art equipment.

  • Space Camp / Aviation Challenge - Also not sponsored by CAP. Conducted at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, this course focuses on space exploration, and features flight simulation, physiology, crew equipment and more.

  • Cadet Officer School - A course for Cadet officers based on Air Force Squadron Officer's School. It is held at the Air University at Maxwell AFB and teaches presentation skills, critical thinking, ethics and hands-on leadership.

  • Civic Leadership Academy - Held in Washington, D.C., this course explores the functions of our government and political processes.

  • Hawk Mountain Ranger School - The Colonel Phillip Neuweiler Ranger Training Facility at Hawk Mountain, Pennsylvania is the oldest continually operated school of search and rescue in the United States. This activity teaches basic and advanced CAP SAR techniques as well as survival, rope work, first aid, and leadership.

  • Honor Guard Academy - This activity teaches Air Force Honor Guard techniques and provides instruction on creating an Honor Guard at a Cadet's home unit.

  • International Air Cadet Exchange - Perhaps the premier NCSA, IACE is an opportunity for two weeks of international travel to countries around the world and meet cadets of other organizations, such as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. A CAP Cadet must have earned the Amelia Earhart award and have a minimum grade of C/Capt to apply for IACE. Cadets from 19 nations are sent to either Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the United States or the United Kingdom.

  • National Emergency Services Academy - An in-depth SAR school teaching all aspects of the CAP Emergency Services mission.

  • Airline Careers Exploration - A hands on activity where cadets learn about careers within the airline industry including pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics and flight attendants.

Cadets and the military
Cadet members do not incur a military obligation upon leaving CAP, but may enter the Air Force as an Airman First Class (E-3) if they have earned the Mitchell Award. It is worth noting that the majority of Cadets choose not to go on to military careers and that among those that do there is a healthy share of entrants into branches of service other than the Air Force. CAP Cadets that do enter the military perform statistically better during recruit training and at the various service academies than their peers without CAP Cadet experience.

Scores of former CAP cadets have gone on to become military leaders, many achieving notoriety, including: Lt Shane Osborne, pilot of the United States Navy EP-3E Aries II aircraft which collided with a Chinese fighter in April 2001, Capt Scott O'Grady, whose F-16 was shot down over Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995, Lt Col Eric Boe, NASA Astronaut and space shuttle pilot, and General Michael E. Ryan, former U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff. Captain Nicole Malachowski, a former CAP cadet from Las Vegas, Nevada, has become the first woman pilot to join the USAF Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team beginning in 2006. Other notable former cadets include Jack Sarfatti. Some former cadets became more infamous than famous, including Lee Harvey Oswald, David Ferrie, Barry Seal, as well as David Graham and Diane Zamora, of the "Texas Cadet Murder" case, which later became a made-for-TV movie.

The Cadet Oath
Cadets ascribe to the following oath during their membership: "I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."

The Cadet Honor Code
The Air Force Academy Cadet Honor Code - "We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does. Furthermore, I resolve to do my duty and live honorably, so help me God." - is mentioned in Cadet Program materials and some units use it as an additional standard of behavior. However, it is not an official part or requirement of the CAP Cadet Program, and indeed, differs in slight variations between states.

Aerospace Education Program

Civil Air Patrol's Aerospace Education Program serves the CAP cadet and senior member population as well as the general public. Education for members includes formal, graded courses about all aspects of aviation, including flight physics, dynamics, history, application, and others. Courses cover the space program as well as new technologies that make advances in aviation and space exploration possible. There are several programs for CAP pilots to improve their flying skills and earn FAA ratings.

Through outreach programs, CAP helps school teachers integrate aviation and aerospace into the classroom, providing seminars, course materials, and sponsorship of the National Congress on Aerospace Education. CAP members also provide their communities with resources for better management of airports and other aviation-related facilities, and they promote the benefits of such facilities.

Cadet Aerospace Education

The CAP Cadet Program has a mandatory aerospace education program; in order to progress, a cadet must take courses and tests relating to aviation. Cadets also have educational opportunities through guest speakers, model building, and actual flight.

Senior Aerospace Education

Senior members of the CAP may study aerospace through the Senior Member Professional Development Program. CAP encourages its senior members to learn about aviation and its history, although this is not mandatory. Those who complete the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members may earn the Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Award.

External Aerospace Education

The purpose of the EAE, as stated in CAP's 1946 Congressional Charter, is to "encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities." CAP has focused on providing schools and teachers with materials and help for educating youth about aerospace. CAP members visit schools, host field trips, science competitions and fairs, and participate in other related activities. In addition to schools, CAP reaches out to other organizations, such as the Boy Scouts of America, the Girl Scouts of the USA, and 4-H.

Equipment

The Civil Air Patrol operates fixed-wing aircraft, training gliders, ground vehicles and a national radio communications network.

Aircraft

The Civil Air Patrol owns and operates the world's largest fleet of single-engine Cessna aircraft, predominantly Cessna 172 Skyhawk and Cessna 182 Skylane aircraft. Recently the Gippsland GA8 Airvan was added to the fleet. Other aircraft types include the Cessna 206 and the Maule MT-235. Some members use their own airplanes. CAP also has several dozen gliders, such as the L23 Super Blanik ASK-21 and the SGS-233, used mainly for cadet orientation flights. In addition to CAP's fleet of more than 530 aircraft, over 4,000 member-owned aircraft are made available for official tasking by CAP's volunteers should the need arise. Aircraft are crewed by a crew of three: A Mission Pilot, responsible for the safe flying of the aircraft, a Mission Observer, responsible for Navigation, Communications and coordination of the mission, and a Mission Scanner, who is responsible for looking out the window for crash sites and damage clues. Additionally, the Mission Scanner may double as an SDIS operator.

Ground vehicles

CAP owns and assigns roughly 1,000 vans, sport utility vehicles, utility vehicles, and trailered command posts to local- and wing-level units for use in the organizations missions. Members who use their own vehicles are reimbursed for fuel, oil, and communications costs during a USAF-assigned emergency services mission.

Communication

CAP operates a national radio network of HF (SSB) and VHF (FM) radios, repeaters, and packet radio computers. Radio communications is now facilitated under NTIA specifications, which has required replacement of a significant portion of the network's infrastructure. CAP's radio network is designed for use during a national or regional emergency when existing telephone and internet communications infrastructure is not available. Outside of such emergencies, most of CAP's internal communications is conducted on the internet.

Other

Some aircraft in the CAP Fleet are equipped with the Satellite Digital Imaging System (SDIS). This system allows CAP to send back real-time images of a disaster or crash site to the mission base, allowing the commanders to make better decisions.

The ARCHER Hyperspectral Imaging System, mounted aboard the GA-8 Airvan uses visible and near-infrared light to examine the surface of the Earth and find suspected crash sites, or evaluate areas affected by disasters.

The ARCHER system has millions of color spectroms in its memory. When the system is looking for a target the operators tell the system what color to look for. Every time ARCHER finds that color it takes a snapshop and creates a flag for the operator to go back and look at. The ARCHER system can also be set up to look for abnormalities in the surrounding area. For example, if you are flying over trees the main color is green and green variants and the system sees this. If it spots a Yellow in a bunch of green it will also flag that area as a possible moving target.

Both the SDIS and ARCHER systems were used to great success in the response to Hurricane Katrina.

Members

CAP has over 58,000 Senior and Cadet members in over 1,700 local units across the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii), in Puerto Rico and at overseas Air Force installations. CAP members are civilians and are not paid by the U.S. government for their CAP service. They wear various USAF-styled or CAP-unique uniforms, and practice military customs and courtesies.

Senior membership is open to all U.S. Citizens and resident aliens aged 18 and over who are able to pass an FBI background check. There is no upper age limit, nor membership restrictions for physical disabilities. Cadet membership is open to those between 12 and 18 (a cadet may remain in the Cadet Program until he/she is 21) years of age who maintain satisfactory progress in school. (See * for CAP membership information.)

Senior members

Grade Insignia
Major General
Maj Gen
Brigadier General
Brig Gen
Colonel
Col
Lieutenant Colonel
Lt Col
Major
Maj
Captain
Capt
First Lieutenant
1st Lt
Second Lieutenant
2d Lt
Senior Flight Officer
SFO
Technical Flight Officer
TFO
Flight Officer
FO
Senior Member
SM

Senior members are those who are over 21 years old, or who joined CAP for the first time past the age of 18. Senior members who have not yet turned twenty-one years are eligible for Flight Officer ranks, which include Flight Officer (FO), Technical Flight Officer (TFO), and Senior Flight Officer (SFO). There is no retirement age for CAP members, and there are no physical requirements for joining.

U.S. military officers (current, retired and former) may be authorized CAP grade equivalent to their military grade through lieutenant colonel, and members who hold enlisted grade in any branch of the military may hold the Air Force equivalent of that grade (enlisted grades not shown above) in CAP. Colonels are typically current or former wing (state-level) or region (group of wings) commanders, brigadier generals are typically current national vice commanders or former national commanders, and major generals are typically current or former national commanders. The national commander is a volunteer CAP member. Grade is normally used as a sign of progression in training and experience. Because of the volunteer nature of CAP and its units, it is not uncommon for group, squadron or flight commanders to have members of superior grade serving under them.

Non-commissioned officers (active, National Guard, Reserve and retired) of the Armed Forces who do not desire to hold officer rank in CAP, are entitled to wear the Air Force equivalent of their current or highest grade held; i.e., an Army Sergeant can wear the insignia of a USAF Staff Sergeant on the CAP uniform.

Senior Member Professional Development Program
Senior members are provided with an optional professional development program and are encouraged to progress within it. Progression in the training program is required for promotion of those senior members who are not using their current or former military grades within CAP, or those with certain professional appointments (such as legal or medical).

The Senior Member Program consists of five levels, and each has components of leadership training, corporate familiarization, and aerospace education, as well as professional development within chosen "Specialty Tracks." There are many Specialty Tracks, and they are designed to both support the organization and to provide opportunities for senior members to take advantage of skills they have from their private lives. Available Specialty Tracks include Logistics, Communications, Cadet Programs, Public Affairs, Legal, Administration, Emergency Services and Finance, and many more.

Cadet Members

For information relating to cadets, see The Cadet Program

Relationship to the Military

Under the UCMJ, CAP members do not have command authority over 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, CAP Senior Member officers of the grade of 2d Lt and above are allowed to wear "U.S." as part of their uniform, and most members of the U.S. military will render military courtesy to these CAP officers, though it is not required. All CAP members are required to render military courtesy to all members of the U.S. military and of friendly foreign nations.

Uniforms

Historically, CAP members have worn slight variations of the uniforms worn by their military sponsor. Since the 1970s, CAP has created a series of 'corporate' (or 'CAP distinctive') uniforms for wear by Senior members who do not maintain Air Force-mandated grooming and fitness levels. The corporate uniforms are optional for all Senior members and all Cadet members wear military-style uniforms.

There are several basic uniform combinations as of 2006 that are worn by most members.

  • Air Force uniforms:
    • Battle Dress Utility uniform - The standard Air Force camouflage uniform with CAP-distinctive insignia.
    • Service uniform - The Air Force blue uniform, consisting of dark blue trousers, light blue shirt and dark blue jacket and tie.
    • Flight uniform - A green NOMEX one-piece 'jumpsuit' worn by flight crews.
    • Mess Dress uniform - The Air Force blue mess dress uniform with CAP-distinctive insignia.
  • Corporate uniforms:
    • Blue 'BDU' - A dark blue version of the Battle Dress Uniform often worn by Emergency Medical Technicians or police SWAT teams.
    • White Aviator shirt - A military-style white shirt worn with grey or blue trousers.
    • Flight uniform - A dark blue one-piece 'jumpsuit' worn by flight crews.
    • Blazer - A dark blue jacket worn with a white shirt, grey trousers and a tie.
    • Golf shirt - A dark blue short-sleeve polo-styled shirt with CAP markings worn with grey trousers.

Up until the early 1990s, CAP officers wore metal rank insignia and blue epaulettes (with the addition of "CAP" embroidered on the epaulettes) as for the USAF. Now, CAP senior members do not wear metal rank insignia on the Air Force-style uniform, although the CAP-distinctive double-breasted blue service dress uniform has metal rank insignia. Up until 1995, a highly unpopular maroon epaulette with the member's grade was instituted until replaced by a grey epaulette in 1995. At that time, the Air Force also authorized CAP officers to wear the same "U.S." collar insignia as Air Force personnel. Senior members without grade and cadets must still wear the "CAP" collar insignia.

Administration

Organization

Civil Air Patrol is organized along a military model, with lower levels of command reporting to higher levels. The CAP is not, however, an active branch of the United States Armed Forces nor are CAP members deployed into combat situations. The CAP also does not have jurisdiction or command over any active duty, National Guard, or Reserve U.S. forces.

There are seven distinct levels of command in CAP, although not all are used at all times.

The organization is governed by a Board of Governors established by federal law in 2001. The board consists of 11 members: four Civil Air Patrol members (currently the National Commander, National Vice Commander, and two members-at-large appointed by the CAP National Executive Committee), four Air Force representatives appointed by the Secretary of the Air Force, and three members from the aviation community jointly appointed by the CAP National Commander and the Secretary of the Air Force. The Board of Governors generally meets 2-4 times annually and operates primarily at the "macro" level, providing strategic vision and guidance to the volunteer leadership and corporate staff.

The volunteer leadership consists of the National Commander and his staff. This staff consists of a Vice Commander, Chief of Staff, National Legal Officer, National Comptroller, the Chief of the CAP Chaplain Service, and the CAP Inspector General. The National Commander holds the CAP rank of Major General, the National Vice Commander holds the CAP rank of Brigadier General, and the rest of the National Commander's staff hold the CAP rank of Colonel.

CAP National Headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base outside Montgomery, Alabama. The headquarters employs a professional staff of over 100 and is led by the CAP Executive Director (analogous to a corporate Chief Operating Officer), who reports to the Board of Governors. The National Headquarters staff provides program management for the organization and membership support for the 1,700+ volunteer field units across the country.

Below the National Headquarters level there are eight geographic Regions and a handful of overseas squadrons at various military installations worldwide. Regions, commanded by a CAP colonel, are comprised of several states (or 'Wings', in CAP parlance). The eight regions are Northeast, Middle East, Southeast, Great Lakes, Southwest, North Central, Rocky Mountain and Pacific.

Each of the fifty states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia are designated a CAP "Wing", each with a commander who is a CAP colonel and the sole corporate officer for each state. Each wing commander oversees a wing headquarters staff comprised of experienced volunteer members.

Many wings have the subordinate echelon of "group". Groups are comprised of at least five squadrons and/or flights. Groups are generally commanded by a member holding the grade of Major or Lieutenant Colonel.

At the local level are "Squadrons" and "Flights". Local communities may be served by one or more squadrons, or by a Flight, as smaller units are known. Squadrons are the true heart of the Civil Air Patrol, and it is at the squadron level where most of the missions of the organization are accomplished. Active members are assigned to a squadron (excepting the few assigned to higher echelons of command) and will generally attend a meeting every week. There will also be occasional weekend training activities. Squadrons will often work cooperatively on training activities and there is a great deal of coordination between squadron commanders. Squadrons are generally commanded by a CAP captain or major, but exceptions are common.

A CAP flight is a semi-independent unit that is used mainly as a stepping-stone for a new unit until they are large enough to be designated a squadron. There are very few flights in Civil Air Patrol, due to their usual temporary nature. A flight will be assigned to a squadron, and it is the job of the flight and squadron commander to work together to build the flight into a full squadron.

Overseas squadrons operate independently of this structure, reporting directly to the National Headquarters. Commanders of overseas units must be an active duty Air Force non-commissioned or commissioned officer holding the rank of E-6 (Technical Sergeant) or above, in addition to being a Civil Air Patrol member.

Funding

The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit corporation established by Public Law 476. It receives its funding from four major sources: membership dues, corporate donations, Congressional appropriations, and private donations.

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 very few paid positions in Civil Air Patrol. Most are located at National Headquarters, but a few wings have paid administrators or accountants.

Relationship between CAP and the Air Force

Although the CAP retains the title "United States Air Force Auxiliary", this Auxiliary status is only applicable when CAP members and resources are on an Air Force-assigned mission with an Air Force-assigned mission number. At all other times, such as aid to civilian authorities, the CAP remains a private, non-profit corporation.

Future changes

The USAF's Air Education and Training Command, through the Air University, has been the parent command of CAP. In October 2002, the USAF announced plans to move CAP into a new office for homeland security. Currently remaining under the AETC, CAP now has a Memorandum of Understanding with 1st Air Force. In addition, CAP's national commander was promoted to the grade of Major General from Brigadier General, reflecting back on CAP's first national commander, Major General John F. Curry.

In March, 2006, optional new uniforms were introduced for senior members with white shirts, Air Force blue trousers and Air Force officer epaulets without the "CAP" titling. Notably, this uniform has a nameplate that only says "Civil Air Patrol" with the member's last name; there is no mention of "United States Air Force Auxiliary." At the 2006 National Executive Committee meeting, a matching double-breasted blue service coat was approved. Metal rank insignia and "U.S." collar insignia are worn on this, along with the metal nameplate and CAP buttons, but only CAP ribbons and devices are permitted; prior-service military ribbons and devices are not be authorized for wear on this uniform. The service and flight caps will continue to be worn, though the CAP eagle on the flight cap is removed and metal grade insignia worn on the right side of the flight cap.

Media

Books

Television and movies

  • During the search for Fallon Carrington on ABC's Dynasty, the Civil Air Patrol was portrayed as the lead organization in the search. The episode featured actual CAP members.

Radio and podcast

Other

See also

References

External links

1941 establishments | Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol

 

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the "Civil Air Patrol".

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