Emergency Services

Civil Air Patrol air and ground teams perform 85 percent of inland search-and-rescue missions for the Air Force's Air Rescue Coordination Center. These volunteers donate their time and labor, receiving reimbursement for fuel and oil only, thus saving the taxpayers millions of dollars. More than 100 lives are saved every year by CAP members on search and rescue missions!

CAP’s disaster relief missions, such as those during hurricanes and floods, often don't make headlines, but CAP provides both air and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. CAP members also fly disaster relief officials to remote locations and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower and leadership. CAP ground teams provide vital assistance to disaster relief operations.

The CAP Emergency Communications Network spans the country with a data and voice net built to survive the loss of civil communications. With one of the most sophisticated communications networks in the nation, CAP supports local, state, and federal agencies during disaster relief, search and rescue and many other emergencies. The fleet of 530 CAP-owned aircraft communicates on CAP's own dedicated frequencies, while new systems coordinate and track search flights via sophisticated datalink.

Cadet Program

For more than 50 years, CAP has provided America's youth with exciting and challenging opportunities through the Cadet Program. Tens of thousands of young people, ages 12 to 21, have participated in hands-on activities at the local,state,and national level.

The CAP Cadet Program provides you the opportunity to develop leadership skills through your love of aviation. You will progress through a 15-step program with exciting aviation and aerospace activities occurring on both a local and national level. Some of the local activities you may be able to participate in are:

Survival Training
Search and Rescue
Disaster Relief
Radio Communications
Land Navigation
Model Rocketry
Flight Training (powered and glider)
Leadership Training
Public Speaking
First Aid & CPR
Physical Fitness
Sports Activities
Orientation Flights (aboard CAP or Military aircraft)
Astronomy

In addition to the wide range of local activites, you will have the opportunity to qualify for special national activities such as travel to encampments which focus on a variety of aviation, aerospace,search and rescue, and pararescue courses. One of the many highlights of your cadet career will be attending Cadet Leadership School, National Color Guard Competiton, Cadet Officers School, and the International Air Cadet Exchange program.

Cadets compete annually for special CAP admission into the U.S. Air Force Academy preparatory school. Military officer mentoring and guidence helps to inspire and encourage cadets who are interested in aviation industry or military careers. CAP is proud to report that 10% of U.S. Air Force Academy appointees are former CAP cadets. Additionally, both West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy admit many CAP cadets each year.

Aerospace Education