Professional Documents
Culture Documents
atrof
Core'l/o[ues:
IntegriQr
E4ceffence Kesf ect
Civil Air Patrol
Where Inugination Take s Ftight!
'l/ofunteer Seraice
sirtu yeqrs oJ Humanitarian, seruice
Almost sixty years ago America was involved in a World War. As young men and women said goodbye to home, family and friends and prepared to travel to distant shores to defend their homeland, a group of dedicated citizens led by aviator Gill Robb Wilson had a vision. This vision combined a love of aviation with the desire of these concerned and dedicated citizens to put their flying skills to use in defense ofAmerica. Today, that vision part of it' - the Civil Air Patrol - is approximately 60,000 members strong and you can be Instead of defending America's coastline from enemy attack, CAP has gone to battle in
the war on drugs.
Among the resources that may be available to members through the squadrons are 530 corporate CAP aircraft, over 900 ground vehicles and one of the most extensive communications networks in the nation; however, our greatest asset is our members.
Please review the information contained in this booklet. When you decide that CAP
Our cadet program is one of the premiere youth volunteer programs in the country. Our members are trained and ready to assist the American Red Cross qnd FEMA, as well
as other agencies when disaster strikes our communities.
And through our aerospace education progrdm, the love of aviation is shared with more than 300,000 students each Year.
These are just a few examples of the service to your community that CAP membership affords. By joining today, you will cast your vote towards the future of CAB
membership is the best path to achieve your personal or professional goals, complete the appropriate membership application, which can be obtained from a local squadron. CAP is worth your time and effort. We offer you the opporhrnity to become involved with us so that we can utilize yow talents and you can know that you are making a real contribution. Membership is not automatic but, if we are right for each other, we welcome you and appreciate your willingness to contribute to the execution of our very important missions.
Most Sincerely,
Squadron Commander
future that nurtures our youth and provides them with opportunity; -a future that will unfold before our eyes as CAP grows, adapts and changes according to the needs of our country and membership;
-a -a
and,
future that promotes service to your community; a future that helps ensure this valuable service lo America continues.
I am looking forward to the years ahead and I sincerely hope you will join us and enjoy the
benefits and privileges of CAP membership. Thank you ficr your interest in Civil Air Patrol membership. We look forward to having you become part ofour team ofdedicated volunteers.
My Best Regards,
Y4t4fi$,f*,* l'
Richard L. Bowling BrigadierGeneral, CAP Commander
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,t .
thankful nation understood that Civil Air Patrol could continue providing valuable services to both local and national agencies. On July 1,1946, President Harry Truman signed Public Law 47 6 incorporating Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent,
nonprofitorganization. OnMay26,lg48,CongresspassedPublicLaw55Tpermanently establishing Civil Air Patrol as the arxiliary ofthe new U.S. Air Force. Three primary missions areas were set forth at that time: aerospace education, cadet programs, and
emergency services.
page 3)
Growing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency-services and
operational missions.
of all federal inland search'and-rescue missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at LangleyAir Force Base, Va. Outside the continental United
States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and
Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? Nearly 100 people are saved
each year by
CAP members!
Disaster Relief
Another important service CAP performs is disaster-relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. Volunteer members fly disaster-relief officials to remote locations and provide manpower and
leadership to local, state and national disaster-relief organizations. CAP has formal agreements with many government and humanitarian relief agencies including the
American Red Cross, Federal Emergency ManagementAgency, FederalAviation Administration, National Transportation Safefy Board and the U'S. Coast Guard.
Cadet Prosrams
While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a comerstone. Thousands of young people from 6ft grade through age 2l are introduced to aviation through CAP's cadet program. The program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a l6-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership. Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others. Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the Air Force as an F3 (airman first class) rather than an E I (airman basic). Whatever your interests-survival training, fl ight training, photography, astronomythere's aplace for you in CAP's cadet program. Each year, cadets have the opportunity to participate in special activities atthe local, state, regional ornational level. Many cadets will have the opporhrnity to solo fly an airplane for the first time through a flight encampment or academy. Others will enjoy traveling abroad through the InternationalAir Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air shows throughout the nation.
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Humanitarian Services
CAP flies humanitarian missions-usually in support of the Red Cross-transporting time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue, in situations where
other means of transportation are not available.
Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts light transport, communications support, and
low-altitude route surveys. CAP also provides orientation flights foTAFROTC cadets. Joint U.S. Air Force and CAP search-and-rescue exercises provide realistic training for
missions.
Counterdrug
CAP joined the "war on drugs" in 1986 when, pursuant to congressional authorization, CAP signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Customs Service offering
CAP resources to help stem the flow of drugs into and within the United States.
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Membership Options
Senior Membershin CAP senior membership is open to adults 18 years old or older. Adult membership provides opportunities to serve in many ways: -Participate in search and rescue -Assist federal agencies when disaster strikes -Work with youth through cadet programs -Support CAP's communications network-the most extensive in the nation -Assist federal agencies in the war on drugs -To prepare CAP adult members for CAP's special missions, extensive training and education in more than2} different fields is provided. Technical training is offered to members in related areas, such as flight operations, emergency services and communications. Additional training in management and executive leadership is available as members progress through the CAP ranks. The categories of senior membership include Active, Patron, Retired, Aerospace Education Member, Business Member, Affiliate Member, AFROTC Affiliate Member, and Cadet Sponsor. A description ofeach ofthese can be found on page 6. Qualifications forAEMs can be found below.
is a membership category for organization members or special groups of individuals who desire to support CAP financially or through special selices, but who are not required to attend regular meetings, wear a uniform, or participate in the active program. Privileges and restrictions vary from group to
group.
Business. A business member is any US corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or organization which applies for CAP membership in the name ofthe corporation, partnership, proprietorship, or orgatization. This category of membership is designed for members of the business community who demonstrate desire to financially support the CAP missions and associated programs.
CadetMembership CAP cadet membership is open to young people 12 years through 18 years old. Children younger than 12 who are attending 6'h grade may join as well. A cadet can remain in the program until age 2 1. The cadet piogram provides opportunities to develop leadership skills using the member's interest in aviation. Cadets progress through a 16-step program ofaviation and aerospace activities at the local, regional and national levels. CAP national activities focus on a variety of aviation, aerospace, search and rescue, and pararescue courses. CAP cadets can compete for scholarships to help fi.rther their education. CAP is proud to report that 10 percent ofAir Force Academy appointees are former CAP cadets. In addition, both West Point and Annapolis admit many CAP cadets each year.
Aerosnace Education Membership
AFROTC Affiliates.AFROTC senior cadets at selected detachments mayjoin CAP as affiliate members under a joint operating instruction (JOI) between CAP and
AFROTC. The primary goals of this initiative are to explore the possibilities of each organizationto: (1) increase recruiting and retention opportunities (2) share available
resources (3) instilljoint activities in air and space education (4) conduct a flight orientation program for AFROTC cadets
Qualifications forAF Membership includes the following: ( 1) a citizen of the United States or an alien admitted for permanent residence (2) must never have been convicted ofor pled guilty to any felony (federal or state) or be currently charged with a felony; (3) must have been discharged under honorable conditions if served in the Armed Forces; (4) must be connected with the educational community in one ofthe following capacities: (a) administrator, counselor, or teacher in a public or private school at any level; (b) junior or senior in a college or university who is majoring in the education field; (c) member of the instructional staffdirectly involved in teaching in an approvedAE project or activity; (d) an individual who is attending or has attended an approved AE workshop within the past 2 years and received credit; (e) an individual in the aerospace industry; (f) an individual in a recognized aerospace organization or association who participates in aerospace education programs
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Cadet Sponsor Members. Cadet Sponsor is a special membership category that allows parents, grandparents, and legal guardians to participate with their cadets. Cadet sponsors serve as chaperons, provide transportation, and supervise cadets during squadron activities. Cadet sponsors are offered discounted membership dues and have a limited volunteer commitment.
Aerospace Education Members. This membership category is designed for members who are interested in aerospace education. CAP Aerospace Education members (AEMs) receive more than 33 free educational products for grades K through 12. AEMs are also provided additional materials such as lesson plans, teaching strategies and techniques, and a newsletter. CAP sponsors the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE), an annual gathering of educators dedicated to furthering aerospace education. Recognized as the premier educational symposium of its kind in the nation, NCASE is held in a different part of the country each year.
Specialty Tracks and Job Opportunities (cont'd from, page 7) Standardization/Evaluation Officer. Technician: Performs duties as a CAP instructor pilot and
for flight and ground instruction as well as flight evaluation in CAP aircraft. Senior: Performs duties as a CAP check pilot, administers check flights, written examinations, and maintains pilot training folders. Master: Wing pilot designated to administer check flights, written examinations, and develop wing training and evaluation procedures.
check pilot, responsible
Pubtic Affairs Officer. Assists the commander on all media relations and intemal information matters. Plans, develops, and implements a public affairs programbased on media relations, community relations, and internal information activities. Acts as liaison with other organizations and agencies as required in the performance of these activities. Finance Officer. Responsible for posting ledgers and preparing vouchers, checks, and deposits, for unit accounts. Prepares unit budget, controls monies, monitors transactions, and prepares monthly activity reports. Keeps commander advised in all financial matters.
Prepares inspection checklists for all of inspection and prepares written reports of inspection as required. Reviews publications, plans, policies, and statistics to determine areas of special interest. Briefs commander and staff on
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Emergencv Services Officer. Assists the commander by managing and directing emergency service activities. Flstablishes working relationships with local agencies responsible for search and rescue, disastcr rclicl, arrd other local emergencies. Develops emergency service plans, training programs, and standard opcrating procedures and maintains a rapid alerting system to assemble emergency service
resourccs as needed.
Communications Oflicer. Maintains and operates radio equipment. Familiarizes communications trainees with the basic concept of CAP communications operations. Operates CAP radio stations. Develops and implements communications plans, programs, and directives. Plans and conducts communications conferences, meetings, and workshops.
Aerosnace Education Officer. Implements aerospace education activities and duties involving
cadets, seniors, asrospace education members, communities and schools. Develops materials and activities and promotes aerospace education programs for the local community. Assists the commander in making aerospace education related policy decisions.
Senior Program Officer. Plans, coordinates. and schedules senior member training activities. Maintains unit training records, training libray, and opelates audio-visual equipment. Prepares documentation in support of training awards for the commander's review. Coordinates member training accomplishments with other staff members. Instructs at training courses. Advises the commander on training required to meet unit staffing needs.
Maintains master publications library. Prepares correspondence, reports, ichedules, inventories, and requisitions. Operates centralized correspondence and message distribution center. Reviews locally developed publications to ensure they are administratively correct prior to publication. Provides management assistance when required.
Cadet Prosram Officer. Conducts cadet training in aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness, moral leadcrship and other activities. As special assistant to the commander, implements and monitors programs in cadet personnel and administration, cadet activities, aerospace education or
leadership laboratory.
Administration Officer.
Plans and Programs Officer. Gets programs started and completed, and keeps the commander informed on the progress of each program. Develops plans and programs to accomplish assigned tasks. Coordinates activities of other staff sections and assigned units in accomplishing goals and
objectives set out by the commander. Assigns personnel, establishes suspense dates, and follows up to ensure task completion.
Provides worship, liturgies, rites, and religious observations. Conducts pastoral counseling, spiritual nurture, and ethics and values instruction. Provides group pastoral care and spiritual renewal. Gives advice on religious, ethical, and quality of life concerns and maintains ecclaesiastical and clergy
Losistics Officer.
of
all CAP property held by the unit. Recommends allocation of motor vehicle records. Responsible for vehicle maintainance, marking, and painting. Ensures aircraft are painted and identified in accordance with current directives and makes sure aircraft are maintained in an airworthy condition in accordance with FAA requirements.
Responsible lor the management and control of unit aircrews. aircraft, and flight operations. Understands CAP flight management policies and procedures and the administrative procedures goveming flight operations. Assists in the preparation of plans, programs, and directoves to govern the unit.
Chanlain.
rei at i ons.
Responsible for unit historical program. Collects and prcserves historically significant material. Publishes general and special historics, nronogrtphs, and studies. Publishes material to inform the general public about CAP history. Attonds nrccting o{'historical and other learned
Historian.
societies.
operations policies and procedures to ensure mission accomplishment and provide guidance to unit personnel. These activities include developing standing operating procedures, evaluation methods, and accident prevention programs and
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'l'hc MLO perfbrms in a capacity similar to a chaplain, but is not rocluircd k) moct tlt0 occlesilstical ondorsement and education level prerequisites for a chaplaincy. 'l'hcro is no Ml,O study guidc at this time. Talk to the senior program officer and wing chaplain if you aro considoring this spocialty.
Safetv Officer. Manages the safety program. Develops safety plans, programs, and directoves. Coordinates with other staff agencies to develop accident prevention procedures and collects data to determine safety program effectiveness. Conducts accident investigations.
managing extemai and internal communications and informing both audiences of CAP's national importance, enabling the organization to grow, protecting the image and assets of the corporation and strengthening the relationships with key audiences and customers.
Through study and performance, cadets work through a series of achievements' As cadets progress, they may receive ribbons, certificates, and eligibility for nationally sponsored special activities, or eligibility to apply and compete for academic and flight scholarships. An increase in grade recognition that the individual is capable of accepting
increased responsibi lity.
ProsramElements
Although progam elements may vary from squadron to squadron, the following elements most likely will be incorporated into the cadet program: ( I ) Moral leadership forum; (2) Cadet physical fitness haining; (3) General safety briefing; (4) Aerospace education; (5) Operations/emergency services; (6) Leadership laboratory; (7) Testing Attendance
Regular and active participation in the local unit is required.
Membershin Potential cadets may apply to join the cadet program at any time by making a formal application for membership using the CAPF 15, or Application for Cadet Membership in Civil Air Patrol. Theinitial membership fee includes the cost of texts and study materials required for the initial part ofthe cadet program. Once the Unit Membership Board reviews the application, if it is approved, and the squadron concurs by signing the application, the new cadet sends the application and fee to HQ GAP/DR 105 South Hansell Street, Buildin g 7 | 4,Maxw ell Air Force Base, Alabama 3 6112-6332' Cadets are officially members of CAP when HQ CAP/DP has processed their application and their name appears on the national cadet database. The CAP Bookstore will send the new member the Phase I and Phase II study material packet and CAPF 59-1, Phase I and II
lrrd rnanagement.
Certification. This form will be placed in the cadet's personnel record until phase completion.
Prosression
Each achievement in the cadet program will be completed in sequence. Cadets can
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lnternationalAir Cadet Exchange Prosram. Cadets and senior members may apply for the Intemational Air Cadet Exchange and serve as "Ambassadors" to various countries that promote intemational understanding, gotldwill, and fiiendship among young people who have a common interest in aviation. You may explore these countries through gliding, mountain climbing, tours, orientation flights, museums, various sports activities, and meet cadets from abroad and their families. While being honored at various receptions, you may also meet famous celebrities or military/political dignitaries. This prestigious activity is a rewarding experience that lasts approximately 3 weeks. IACE is available to cadets who have reached a certain level oftraining and are at least 17 years old by 1 July ofthe ye ar thcy are attending IACE. Check the national website, CAP News or with your scluadr<ln commander to find out the specific requirements.
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I ioin CAP?
Begin by visiting the local units, or squadrons in your area until you find the right one for you. Once you have decided on which one to join, complete the membership dpplication-including the unit commander's signature-and forward application and check made payable to CivilAir Patrol to National Headquarlers, 105 South Hansell Street, Building 7 1 4, Maxwell Air Force Base, AL 3 6112-6332. Anyone j oining as a senior member must submit a fingerprint card to headquarters as well. Cards and membership applications are only available from the local unit.
llow Much Will lt Cost IVle To Join? Annual membership dues are broken down on three levels: national, wing/region and Iooal. The national dues are $30 for senior members and $20 for cadets. Wing/region and kroal ducs vary. Please check with the individual unit to determine their dues.
l)o mcnrbers have to wear a uniform?
ludcts nrust woerr the Air Force-style uniform with special CAP patches. The cadet ntbcrship application contains a voucher for one fiee uniform. As long as they are lva i lablc, thc Air liorce provides a uniform for the cadets at no charge. Senior members nray bc rct;uirod to wear a uniform-typically the Air Force-style uniform with CAP pllclrcs or ono ol'the distinctive CAP uniforms. Some members choose to serve quietly witlrorrt wclling a uniform. ACAPuniform must be worn in order to fly in CAP aircraft.
(
rne
-Maintains a fleet of 950 emelgency service vehicles for training and mission
support chaplains provide counseling and ministry to cAP cadets
-Approximat ely
67 5
-Requires more than 260 corporate staff to support membership -Conducts over 85% of all inland search and rescue in the U.S. as tasked by the AFRCC -Average
of
-Transports time-sensitive medical materials, blood products and body tissue -Assists Federal agencies in the war on drugs -Provides damage,assessment, radiological monitoring, light transport, commu-
llm
I still ioin?
nications support, and low-altitude route surveys for the U.S. Air Force
-Develops, publishes and distributes aerospace curriculum for grades kindergarten through college
Ycs! 'l'lrcre are many'Jobs" in CAP. Whatever your talent or area of interest, there is a srluaclron or unit that needs you. Please refer to the page entitled "Specialty Tracks/ Job ( )pportunities" (page7) to find a list of some of the jobs available. l"or a more complete list, contact your local squadron.
What criteria mllst a pikrt mcct to ll), corporate aircraft? To be eligiblc to lly a oorporate aircraft, the pilot must possess a valid FAA private,
commercial or airlinr: transport pilot certificate; must be an active CAP member at least 17 years in age; must posscss a valid and a current medical certificate. The member must complete a flight chcck in an aircraft within the prece ding 12 months as well as an annual written examination and annual aircraft questionnaires for each aircraft authorizedto fly. To fly missions or be a cadet orientation pilot, additional flight time and training is required.
service academies
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For
More
Inf
ormation
Training
CAp offers aerospace education, ieadership and technical training, including Air Force correspondence courses, for all CAP members. Special training is also conducted for those participating in search and rescue as missiol pilots, observers or ground team members. Communications training is highly specialized and presents unique opportunities to network with other communicators from around the country.
prior to joining:
334-953-3121
Membership Development
Uniforms
When available, the
uniform includes shirt, pants (or skirt for female cadets), belt and buckle, shoes and hat. Since CAP is the offrcial U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, senior members are also authorized to wear the Air Force-style uniform with distinguishing CAP badges and insignia.
Air Force
Services
334-953-7148
CAp members gather regularly at meetings and conferences around the country. There is also a national convention held in a different city every year. Air travel to and from the conference may be provided by
Air
Force
if
available.
Each year a limited number of cadets and senior member escorts t(avel to several foreign countiies as part of an aviation cadet exchange to further intemational goodwill and understanding.
Local
Sq
Tax Benefits
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 the 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, travei and living expenses while participating in CAP activities.
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