What is it??

The Cadet Program affords our youth with many opportunities to develop leadership skills through a structured program. One way we are successful with this mission is through the activities and programs we sponsor Through Civil Air Patrol's Cadet Program, young people develop leadership skills, investigate the fundamentals of aerospace science, acquire the habit of exercising regularly, solidify their character, and participate in exciting hands-on activities that prepare them to become responsible citizens. Youth between the ages of 12-18 may join the CAP Cadet Program and remain in cadet status until they turn 21. Middle school students may join before turning 12, if their school participates in the CAP School Program.

"I am pushing myself to be a better person."Cadet Kristin Miller
"I made my first solo flight at a CAP encampment."Astronaut Eric Boe
"I've learned discipline -- something not stressed enough in today's society."Cadet Theresa Paredes

Cadet Oath

"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation."

Responsible Citizens Through Aviation and Leadership

Civil Air Patrol offers more than $200,000 in college scholarships each year, and about 10 percent of each year's freshman class at the U.S. Air Force Academy is comprised of former CAP cadets. Thousands of young people have their first orientation flights through the cadet program, and hundreds have soloed in gliders and powered aircraft. Tens of thousands have attended CAP encampments throughout the nation. At a national encampment, CAP cadets gather from throughout the nation. They may learn techniques for search and rescue and disaster relief. They may sample possible career choices by studying with a university engineering or technology department. They may learn teamwork and leadership through competitions in problem-solving and physical endurance. Cadets can enjoy overseas travel through the International Air Cadet Exchange, and CAP families can welcome foreign exchange students into their homes here in the states. For non-CAP members, the CAP School Program fills the gap between elementary school DARE and high school ROTC. CAP members, including cadets, volunteer their time in public schools, teaching respect, manners and personal accountability in a drug-free environment.

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Organization

Civil Air Patrol has eight geographic regions composed of 52 wings -- one wing for each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Wings are subdivided into groups, squadrons and, sometimes, flights. There are approximately 1,700 individual units. Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is staffed by military and civilian personnel, as authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force. HQ CAP-USAF personnel provide advice, liaison and oversight to the more than 61,000 CAP members throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico and on Air Force installations overseas. Additional CAP-USAF liaison personnel are assigned to CAP regions and wings to advise and assist field units. Air Force Reserve members also assist the Civil Air Patrol through the Reserve Assistance Program. Membership consists of approximately 26,000 cadets and more than 35,000 adult volunteers. They wear the Air Force uniform, but with distinctive CAP emblems and insignia. Members operate more than 3,700 privately owned aircraft and 550 CAP aircraft and more than 950 CAP ground vehicles in support of the organization's programs.

Emergency Services

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CAP's emergency services include air and ground search and rescue, disaster relief and civil defense for natural disasters. Its members fly approximately 85 percent of the search and rescue mission hours directed by the Air Force Rescue and Coordination Center at Langley Air Force Base, Va. Civil Air Patrol was credited with saving 89 lives in 1999. On Nov. 14, 1985, CAP agreed to assist the U.S. Customs Service in its counter drug efforts by flying air reconnaissance missions along U.S. boundaries. In early 1989, similar agreements were made with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Forest Service. CAP participation only involves reconnaissance, transportation and communications support. Members do not carry firearms, make arrests or give chase to suspected drug traffickers. In 1999, CAP aircrews flew more than 6,500 missions in support of the nation's war against drugs.

Aerospace Education

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. The organization also develops curriculum and publishes aerospace educational materials for use in the nation's schools.

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Cadet Programs

The purpose of the Cadet Program is to inspire the country's youth to become leaders and good citizens through their interest in aerospace. It is open to U.S. citizens and legal residents of the United States, its territories and possessions. Candidates for the program must be 12 to 21 years of age, or have satisfactorily completed the fifth grade. Through studies and other activities, cadets progress through achievements that include special activities, aerospace education, leadership programs, moral leadership and physical fitness. As cadets progress they earn increased rank, awards or certificates. They may become eligible for CAP national or international special activities and compete for academic and flying scholarships. Upon completion of their initial training phase, cadets receive the Gen. Billy Mitchell Award, which entitles them to enter the Air Force as an Airman First Class, should they chose to enlist.

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