What's a Civil Air Patrol?
What is it?
Civil Air Patrol is the all volunteer Auxiliary to the United States Air Force . CAP was chartered by Congress on the First of December, 1941, since then we have carried out our three missions; Emergency Services, Cadet Programs and Aerospace Education.
Perhaps best known for its search and rescue efforts, CAP now flies 95% of all federal inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Virginia. Outside of the continental United States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? More than 100 people are saved every year by CAP members!
Often overlooked but vitally important is the role CAP plays in disaster relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communications network. We fly disaster relief officials to remote locations, and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower, leadership and other valuable and needed resources.
CAP’s cadet program trains young men and women in teamwork, moral leadership, aerospace education, technical skills to support emergency services, and military history and customs. Through national encampments, a college and flight training scholarship program, and the International Air Cadet Exchange, CAP cadets broaden their horizons, learn to assume responsibility, feel self-confidence, and set goals for their lives.
The Civil Air Patrol's aerospace education programs provide its members and the educational community information about aviation and space activities. Each year it supports about 200 aerospace education workshops for teachers at approximately 100 colleges and universities around the country, preparing an estimated 5,000 teachers to teach aerospace-related subjects in their classrooms. The National Congress on Aviation and Space Education, an annual national convention for aerospace teachers is one of CAP's major contributions to the nation's aerospace education.
How to Join
Come visit us any Tuesday night from 630-900PM at the Fort Funston Armory. If you are between the ages of 12 and 18 you can join as a Cadet Member, if you are over the age of 18 you must join as a Senior Member. For more information please contact us and visit our national web site.
