Civil Air Patrol Cadets

The Civil Air Patrol, Inc. (CAP) is a Congressionally chartered organization that operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. CAP members became known as the “Minutemen” of World War II, performing many missions involving coastal patrol to search for enemy submarines and saving hundreds of crash victims. CAP performs services for the federal government as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and for states and local communities as a nonprofit organization. Its volunteer pilots have been most active in search and rescue work and disaster relief due to hurricanes, downed or missing aircraft, wildfires, or other disasters. CAP volunteers have transported cases of blood, needed medical supplies, and government officials; monitored airspace at many airports; and provided communications support to many state and local agencies. However, it also maintains a very extensive and active Civil Air Patrol Cadet program, which began on October 1, 1942–10 months after the formation of CAP itself. Today, CAP is known for its three humanitarian missions: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. CAP’s Cadet Program is designed for young people from age 12 to 20. In addition to volunteers, U.S. Air Force personnel are assigned to provide advice and guidance for CAP units, which are divided into wings and subdivided into groups, squadrons, and flights depending on their size. The chapter emphasizes the history, activities, benefits, and organization of CAP’s youth programs.