Civil Air Patrol
| Civil Air Patrol | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Active | 1 December 1941–present |
| Country |
 United States of America
|
| Branch |
 United States Air Force
|
| Type | Civilian auxiliary |
| Role |
|
| Size |
|
| Headquarters | Maxwell Air Force Base |
| Motto(s) |
"Semper Vigilans" Always Vigilant |
| March | "The C.A.P. Is On The Go" |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Decorations |
 AFOEA
|
| Commanders | |
| National Commander | Maj Gen Joseph R. Vazquez, CAP |
| Aircraft flown | |
|
Powered: Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 206, MT-7-235, de Havilland L-20, GippsAero GA8 Unpowered: LET L-23, Schweizer SGS 2-33 |
|
Powered: Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cessna 206, MT-7-235, de Havilland L-20, GippsAero GA8
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations. It performs three congressionally assigned key missions: emergency services, which includes search and rescue (by air and ground) and disaster relief operations; aerospace education for youth and the general public; and cadet programs for teenage youth. In addition, CAP has recently been tasked with homeland security and courier service missions. CAP also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies, such as local law enforcement and the American Red Cross. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code and its purposes defined by Title 36.
Membership in the organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. These two groups each have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of pursuits; the cadet program contributes to the development of the former group with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks and pay grades, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. All members wear uniforms while performing their duties.
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Wikipedia