CIVIL AIR PATROL What have I gotten myself into?

Why did it start? Civil Air Patrol began 1 December 1941 CAP was started as a way to keep Americans flying Europe lost much of its civilian aviation and the US did not want to lose its as well CAP began as a way for civilians to help train cadets to fly so that at the age of 18 they could enter the Army as pilots CAP dropped bombs on German U-Boats during WWII CAP also helped in other ways, such as target towing.

The Three Missions of CAP Aerospace Education Emergency Services Cadet Programs

Aerospace Education CAP provides aerospace teaching materials to both squadrons and teachers All members can participate in the Aerospace Program through the Aerospace Excellence Program Cadets may also participate in the Rocketry program and earn their rocketry badge

Emergency Services Search and Rescue – CAP does about 95% of all the inland search and rescue for the Air Force Disaster Relief – CAP aids in disaster relief and recovery after disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes Reconnaissance – CAP aids other agencies in search and recovery such as during the Columbia Recovery effort

Cadet Programs Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, Respect are the Core Values by which we live Teaches teens to take responsibility for their actions – both good and bad Provides experiences and knowledge that you won’t get anywhere else Builds Servant Leaders

The Mission of the Cadet Program The Cadet Program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and aerospace leaders. CAP accomplishes its Congressionally-mandated Cadet Program (Title 36, U.S.C. § 40302) through a curriculum of leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character. The program follows a military model and emphasizes Air Force traditions and values. Today’s cadets are tomorrow’s aerospace leaders.

What does that mean? Basically, it means that we prepare the leaders of tomorrow to be such We help those in need when we can We support our military and other agencies as much as we can

What will CAP do for me? If you dedicate yourself to the work, it will make you more disciplined It will help you get into college if that is where you want to go It will get you an E3 rating (higher pay) in the military if you get to your Mitchell It will allow you to get scholarships for flying and college if you get to your Mitchell

What will it do for me? It will provide you experiences that you won’t find anywhere else You will get opportunities that you can’t find anywhere else It will allow you to grow as an individual As you promote you will understand the true meanings of the words integrity, warrior spirit, teamwork, servant, loyalty respect and leadership.

How do I promote? Promotions are based on passing tests in the following areas: Leadership Aerospace Physical Fitness and Participation in Character Development discussion

Is it all tests then? No, tests decide when you promote You will discover early that there is a lot of drill A lot of Aerospace Activities And lots of leadership labs to help you grow in your leadership abilities

What do I get for promotions? Cadets earn a ribbon for each promotion Cadets earn a new grade in each promotion Cadets gain new responsibilities at each promotion And cadets gain new privileges with each promotion Promotions open new doors for other activities

What is there to do outside the squadron? Airman Leadership Schools Encampment Cadet Training and Education Program (CTEP) Flight Academy Air Shows Field Training Exercises Advance Training Squadron Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) National Cadet Special Activities (NCSA) National Blue Beret (NBB) Hawk Mountain Ranger School National Emergency Services Academy (NESA) National Flight Academy And dozens of others