What began on December 1, 1941, as a civilian effort to augment Americas
defenses has become a multifunctional volunteer organization that serves
America today with the same spirit of dedication and commitment. Since 1948,
CAP has worked arm-in-arm with our Air Force partners and each year provides
more than 85% of all inland search and rescue support as tasked by the Air Force Rescue
Coordination
Center at Langley AFB, Va. In addition, CAP volunteer members repeatedly respond to calls from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Red Cross when disaster strikes in the form of
floods, hurricanes, forest fires, or other natural and man-made disasters. They perform valiantly
and selflessly with little thought for their own comfort and well-being, spending endless hours
away from family and jobs to serve their fellow Americans. Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs
provides young men and women, ages 12-20, with a safe and motivating environment in
which to grow and explore opportunities in the military and aviation industries. CAP presents an
alternative life-style to drugs and teenage violence, thus giving thousands of young people the
opportunity to embrace the leadership roles of the 21st century with confidence and determination. Each year presents many memorable challenges and opportunities for CAP in all three of our
mission areas: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services. Our volunteer
members answer every challenge and meet each opportunity with an unparalleled strength of
character.
