OUR PROGRAMS
The Primary Missions of Civil Air Patrol
In 1946, Congress granted a charter to Civil Air Patrol,
charging its members with three missions. First, CAP was to
promote aviation. As years passed, that mission expanded to
include aerospace education as well. Second, CAP was to provide
a training program to support the nation’s youth in contributing
to society and preparing for successful adult lives. Finally,
CAP was to continue its emergency services, the work for which
CAP is still best known today. |
 |
Aerospace Education
CAP maintains both internal and external aerospace
education programs. CAP members, both adults and cadets, follow a
rigorous program to learn about aviation and aerospace principles. CAP
also reaches out to the general public through a special program for
teachers at all grade levels. Through this program, CAP provides free
classroom materials and lesson plans for aerospace education and each
year sponsors the premier national conference in this field.
Cadet
Programs
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.
Operations
Best known for its members’ work in search and rescue
and disaster relief missions, CAP is expanding its role in the
21st century to include an increasing number of homeland security
operations and exercises. CAP also performs counterdrug
reconnaissance missions at the request of law enforcement agencies
and can do radiological monitoring and damage assessment. CAP members
undergo rigorous training to perform these missions safely and
cost-effectively.
|
