About Civil Air Patrol
About Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Founded on December 1, 1941, CAP serves communities throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
Mission
Volunteers serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Vision
Civil Air Patrol will be nationally known and recognized as the best place to lead and serve.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Volunteer Service
- Excellence
- Respect
What Civil Air Patrol Does
CAP’s volunteer members come from a wide range of backgrounds and serve through three congressionally supported program areas:
Emergency Services
Trained CAP members support authorized local, state, and federal agencies through search and rescue, disaster response, aerial reconnaissance and imagery, communications, homeland security operations, humanitarian missions, and other emergency-service capabilities.
Cadet Programs
CAP develops youth into responsible citizens and dynamic leaders through leadership education, aerospace education, physical fitness, character development, mentorship, and hands-on opportunities to lead and serve.
Aerospace Education
CAP promotes aviation, space, cyber, and STEM education through curriculum, flight experiences, classroom resources, hands-on activities, and educational opportunities for CAP members, educators, students, and communities.
A Legacy of Service
Civil Air Patrol began operations shortly before the United States entered World War II. CAP volunteers supported coastal patrols, courier missions, aircraft warning, disaster relief, forest patrols, and searches for missing aircraft.
CAP was federally incorporated in 1946 and established as the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force in 1948. Its World War II members were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014, and CAP became part of the United States Air Force Total Force in 2015.
Today, more than 60,000 CAP volunteers continue that legacy by serving their communities, developing future leaders, promoting aerospace and STEM education, and supporting missions across the nation.