CAP

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GO Civil Air Patrol

CIVIL AIR PATROL  ...Performing Missions for America

The Civil Air Patrol was founded in December 1941, one week before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, by over 150,000 citizens concerned about the defense of America's coastline. Flying under the jurisdiction of the Army Air Forces, CAP pilots flew over one-half million hours, were credited with sinking two enemy submarines and rescued hundreds of crash survivors during World War II. On July 1, 1946, President Truman established CAP as a federally chartered benevolent civilian corporation, and Congress passed Public Law 557 on May 26, 1948, which made CAP the auxiliary of the new U.S. Air Force. CAP was charged with three primary missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services.

CAP CORPORATE INFORMATION

• Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation
• Eight geographic regions consisting of 52 wings
• Almost 1,700 units nationwide
• More than 62,000 members
• Over 550 CAP owned aircraft - the largest fleet of single-engine, piston aircraft in the world
• National Headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

CIVIL AIR PATROL'S MISSIONS

• Trains members to perform inland search and rescue
• CAP saves average of 100 lives per year
• Homeland Security and disaster-relief support to local, state and national disaster relief organizations
• Maintains its own communications network, the most extensive in the nation

• Search and Rescue (SAR): Perhaps best known for its search and rescue efforts, CAP now flies 95% of all inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Virginia. Outside of the continental United States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? More than 100 people are saved every year by CAP members!

• Disaster Relief (DR): Often overlooked but vitally important is the role CAP plays in disaster relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communications network. They fly disaster relief officials to remote locations, and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower, leadership and other valuable and needed resources.

• Humanitarian Services: Closely related to disaster relief is CAP's support of humanitarian missions. Usually in support of the Red Cross, CAP air crews transport time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue in situations where other means of transportation are not possible

• Air Force Support: It's hardly surprising that CAP performs several missions in direct support of the U.S. Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts damage assessment, radiological monitoring, light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys.

• Almost 27,000 Cadet members from ages 12 - 21
• Encompasses multi-step program that includes aviation and aerospace education
• Orientation flights in powered and glider aircraft and flight training scholarships
• Activities and competition for cadets at local, state, regional and national levels
• College scholarships in several disciplines

AEROSPACE EDUCATION

• Educates CAP members and the community
• Classroom provides training and support for membership
• Field trips add to learning experience with hands on programs

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CAP SAFETY PLEDGE
"I pledge to do my part to foster a safe environment during all CAP activities, to be a responsible steward of all CAP resources and to fully prepare myself for the challenging missions that serve America."

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As a federally chartered nonprofit organization, Civil Air Patrol is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. This entitles members to claim various expenses as charitable contributions to the extent allowed by law. These include the Following:

• Membership dues
• Expenses for uniforms and training materials
• Out of pocket expenses while participating in CAP activities
• Mileage on personal vehicles
• Travel and Living expenses while participating in CAP activities

Other CAP Member Benefits

CAP Cadets can earn Military Benefits

Cadets who receive the Mitchell Award are eligible for advanced placement in the grade of E-3 (Airman First Class) should they choose to enlist in the US Air Force. It's worth about $150 more a month in pay and it puts you up to 18 months ahead of your peers when it comes to promotions! Mitchell Award cadets may also apply for a variety of scholarships and CAP special activities.

CAP Cadet Airman & NCO Grade Insignia

CAP Cadet Officer Grade Insignia

CAP Senior Member Officer Grade Insignia

Join the Civil Air Patrol

We have a place for you . . . mission observer, communications specialist, public affairs, personnel, safety, working with youth, training . . . there are over 25 specialties. More than likely, there is a unit near your home waiting for you to join.

INITIAL CADET MEMBERSHIP:
All applicants for cadet membership must meet the following prerequisites:
Twelve years old through 18 years old. Enrolled in or graduated from a public or private school or college with a satisfactory record of academic achievement. Not married. Not a member of the active duty Armed Forces. United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.. Good moral character.

INITIAL SENIOR MEMBERSHIP:
All applicants for senior membership must meet the following prerequisites:
Possess the desire, willingness, and capability to promote the objectives and purposes of Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the US Air Force. Must be at least 18 years old. Active duty members of the Armed Forces can join CAP as a senior member at any age. United States citizen or alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.. No felony conviction by any court of record whether federal, state or military. No pattern of arrests and/or convictions including but not limited to sex offenses, child abuse, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI), dishonesty and violence. If you were previously in the active duty military, you must have been discharged under honorable conditions. REMEMBER - YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A PILOT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF CAP!

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS REWARDS & RECOGNITION:

As a CAP volunteer, your rewards are not monetary, but they are as tangible as money in the bank. Nothing compares to the sense of satisfaction that comes with a job well done, particularly if that job is saving lives or aiding communities. As a CAP member, you will be recognized as a vital member of a national team with a tremendous heritage of serving those in need and doing it well. Advancement in Civil Air Patrol is clearly visible to your friends, family and business associates by the distinctive CAP uniforms with their military-style grade insignia, ribbons and badges. Some members choose to quietly serve and not wear a uniform.

TRAINING:
Civil Air Patrol offers aerospace education and a wide variety of leadership and technical training opportunities for all CAP members, including Air Force courses. Special training is also conducted for those participating in search and rescue as mission pilots, observers or ground team members. Communications training is highly specialized and presents unique opportunities to network with other communicators from around the country. These new skills, and the self-confidence that goes with them, make you even more valuable in the workplace and in other community activities.

UNIFORMS:
Civil Air Patrol members are easily recognized in the community since they wear a variety of distinctive uniforms. Since CAP is the official US Air Force auxiliary, members are also authorized to wear the Air Force uniform with distinguishing CAP badges and insignia. Wearing Air Force blue is a tremendous way to publicly demonstrate support and affiliation with this branch of our Armed Forces.

MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS:
CAP members gather regularly at meetings and conventions around the country. There is also a national convention held in a different city every year. Air travel to and from the convention may be provided by the Air Force if available.

INTERNATIONAL CADET EXCHANGE PROGRAM (IACE):

Each year a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts travel to a variety of foreign countries as part of an aviation cadet exchange program to further a program of international goodwill and understanding.

RENTAL CAR DISCOUNTS:
The Hertz Corporation offers rental car discounts to CAP members for both business and pleasure travel. A special Hertz identification card is furnished to each member upon request. Rates and discounts may be obtained by calling Hertz at 1-800-654-3131.

CIVIL AIR PATROL VISA CREDIT CARD:
The CAP affinity VISA card offers senior members and the parents of cadets an opportunity to apply for a credit card that actually supports CAP. Each time the card is used in a transaction, a donation is made by the bank to support CAP. The CAP emblem and the member’s grade are embossed on the front of this distinctive credit card.

MAXWELL-GUNTER CREDIT UNION:
Civil Air Patrol members and their families are eligible to join the Maxwell-Gunter Credit Union (located at Maxwell AFB, AL). MAX offers a variety of services including:

• VISA and MasterCard with no annual fee and lower interest
• Interest-paying checking accounts
• Low interest loans
• Money Markets, CDs, and IRAs

TAX BENEFITS:

As a Federally chartered non-profit organization, Civil Air Patrol is tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code. This entitles members to claim various expenses as charitable contributions. These include:

• Membership dues
• Expenses for uniforms and training materials
• Out of pocket expenses while participating in CAP activities
• Mileage on personal vehicles
• Travel and living expenses while participating in CAP activities

What to expect as a new cadet

Question:

I am interested in joining CAP as a cadet and was wondering what to expect and what rank will I be when I first join?

Answer:

You would begin as a Cadet Airman Basic and have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities and learning experiences as you complete the achievements and progress through the ranks up to Cadet Colonel. See below for details on what can be expected when you first join CAP.

See Paragraph 2-5 and 2-4(below)of CAPR 52-16 CAP REGULATION 52-16(E) CADET PROGRAM MANAGEMENT.

Paragraph 2-5. CADET ORIENTATION & MEMBERSHIP. Introduction to the Cadet Program is a two-step process: orientation and membership. The orientation process is where the prospective cadet becomes acquainted with the goals, requirements, and procedures of CAP. The membership process is where the prospective cadet applies for membership.
a. Orientation. It is vital that the orientation process introduce potential cadets to CAP and present an overview of the Cadet Program. Refer to CAPP 52-9 Vol II CAP Cadet Orientation Course-Student Guide (Converted from CAPP 50-9 Vol II) which provides an excellent orientation program.

1) The local unit should assign a cadet mentor for each potential cadet. This mentor will accompany the potential cadet during the meetings, introduce the individual to squadron personnel, assist in the orientation, and generally make the potential cadet feel welcome.
2) The unit should demonstrate an active, worthwhile program, in which the new cadet will want to participate.
a) The first meeting is crucial. At this meeting, the cadet is especially sensitive to first impressions. Accordingly, the welcome should be warm and sincere, the mentor competent and alert, and the material interesting and challenging.
b) The cadet’s parents should be invited to the first meeting. The squadron commander (or deputy commander for cadets) should personally meet with the parents and answer their questions. The squadron commander may assign the public affairs officer, or other qualified senior member, to

 present a brief introduction of CAP to the parents.
3) The squadron commander may assign the deputy commander for cadets or the cadet commander the task of continually analyzing the effectiveness of these orientations and to recommend changes to the commander.
b. Membership. Potential cadets may apply to join the Cadet Program at any time by making a formal application for membership using CAPF 15. The initial membership fee includes the cost of texts and study materials required for the initial part of the Cadet Program.
1) The squadron commander may delegate the responsibility for ensuring that the cadet membership application is complete before the cadet submits the application to the Unit Membership Board
2) After the Unit Membership Board approves the application, and the squadron commander concurs by signing the application, the new cadet sends the application and fee to NHQ CAP/DP.
3) The squadron commander will follow the guidelines found in CAPM 39-2 in initiating the active records for those approved by the Unit Membership Board.
4) Depending on the availability of USAF funding, cadets may be eligible to receive a free Air Force-style blue uniform upon joining. To request a free cadet uniform (FCU), complete the FCU voucher, which is part of the CAPF 15. For more information, see Free Cadet Uniform (FCU).
5) Cadets are officially members of CAP when NHQ CAP/DP has processed their application and their name appears on the national cadet database. Unit commanders can check the national CAP web site ( www.cap.gov ) to see if the cadet’s application has been processed. CAP Mart will send the new member the Phase I and Phase II study material packet and CAPF 52-l, Phase I Certification. This form will be placed in the cadet’s personnel records until phase completion.

2-4. PROMOTIONS
a. A new cadet grade is earned when the cadet completes each achievement (except achievement 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, or 16, which confer no promotion in grade) and the squadron commander (or deputy commander for cadets) signs the CAPF 52-1 (or 52-2, 52-3, 52-4 as appropriate). When the squadron commander or the deputy commander for cadets signs a cadet’s CAPF 52, they are attesting to the cadet’s ability to assume the next grade. By promoting a cadet, the squadron commander is recognizing that the individual is capable of accepting increased responsibility.

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LINKS OR REFERENCES TO INDIVIDUALS OR COMPANIES DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF ANY INFORMATION, PRODUCT OR SERVICE YOU MAY RECEIVE FROM SUCH SOURCES.  PER CAPR 110-1.

Copyright firearsn © 2007, 2008.

Last revised: 10 June 2008.