A lot of people have asked me what Civil Air Patrol is. I have never taken the time to explain it well. So here I go.
As some of you know, I am a member of Civil Air Patrol. I have been a member for 4 and half years. Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the Air Force. It is a volunteer organization and not part of the military. (We don't carry or use weapons). There are three mission which we perform: Cadet Programs, Aerospace Education and Emergency Services.
Cadet Programs:
The cadet program is the basic structure for cadets. Cadets are teenagers aged 12-20. Cadet programs offers many opportunities for leadership, promotions and awards and other opportunities that no one can find anywhere else. Cadets generally meet for 2-2.5 hours every week. There are many activities that we participate in including community service, emergency services training, etc. There are many summer activities which we can participate in, relating to cadet programs.
Aerospace Education:
CAP has a mission to advance the importance of aerospace and teach it to cadets. When a cadet joins the program, they automatically receive five free flights in a Cessna 172. In these flights, cadets can be allowed to control the airplane, take off, land and even recover from a stall. In fact, CAP is the largest fleet of Cessna 172s. Addtionally, cadets can learn about rocketry and take a model rocketry course. Also, cadets can take flying lessons in an airplane or glider for a lot less money than normal.
Emergency Services:
CAP participates in emergency services. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center may contact CAP to search for a missing person or aircraft. At the same time, the AFRCC is alerted whenever an airplane's emergency transmitter goes off. 95% of the time these transmitters go off, its a false alarm. This is mainly due to the batteries dying or it being an old transmitter. Cadets do participate on these missions, usually on the ground.
This is only a small brief explanation. There are so many other things I didn't cover. But this gives you the basic overview. Any questions or confusions, feel free to ask.
-Gabe Heffernan
