cap chartered federally supported non profit corporation serves official civilian auxiliary united_states_air_force cap volunteer organization aviation minded membership includes people backgrounds lifestyles performs assigned key missions emergency services includes search rescue air ground disaster relief operations education youth general public cadet programs teenage youth addition cap recently tasked homeland security service missions cap performs non auxiliary missions governmental private agencies local law enforcement program established organization title united states code purposes defined title membership organization consists cadets ranging years age senior members years age groups opportunity participate wide variety pursuits cadet program contributes development group structured organization based united states air_force ranks pay grades older members serve instructors operators members wear uniforms performing duties nationwide cap major operator single engine general aviation aircraft execution missions including orientation flights cadets provision significant emergency services capabilities extensive flying opportunities cap members licensed pilots military auxiliary organization headed authority national organization followed regional commands wings states plus washington puerto_rico wing individual groups squadrons comprise basic operational unit organization history conceived late 1930s aviation advocate general aviation potential supplement america military operations help new_york mayor capacity director cap created signed december published december days prove congress major general appointed national commander texas founder cap world war cap seen way use america civilian aviation resources aid war effort instead grounding organization assumed missions including anti submarine patrol warfare border patrols services world war cap coastal patrol flew million miles found enemy boats attacked hit sank dropping total bombs depth charges conflict end war cap members lost lives line duty end world war cap civilian auxiliary united_states_air_force incorporating charter declared involved direct combat activities nature organization overseeing cap changed times included following subordinate command oversight cap flowed star level star level star level subordinate unit star level stand unit lead colonel level incorporation charter cap maintained relationship continued mandated missions congress united_states senate united_states house_of_representatives voted pass bill award members medal presented recognition military service record world war missions mandated missions emergency services education cadet programs emergency services covers emergency services areas principal categories include search rescue missions disaster relief humanitarian services united_states_air_force support services homeland security actions drug trafficking operations increasingly important known search activities conjunction search rescue operations cap involved approximately quarters aerial inland missions directed air force base florida outside continental united_states cap directly supports alaska hawaii puerto_rico cap credited saving average lives year cap active disaster relief operations especially areas florida mississippi louisiana frequently struck hurricanes oklahoma texas frequented large damaging tornadoes cap ground personnel provide transportation cargo officials aerial imagery aid emergency managers assessing damage donations personnel equipment local state federal disaster relief organizations times need hurricanes hit southeast coast united_states florida worst damaged cap instrumental providing help affected areas conducts humanitarian service missions usually support red_cross cap transport time sensitive medical materials including blood human tissue means transportation practical possible following september attacks new_york_city general aviation grounded planes fly site cap aircraft taking photographs cap performs missions combat related support united_states_air_force including damage assessment transportation officials communications support low altitude route surveys cap fleet training exercises prepare pilots intercept enemy aircraft continental united states aircraft flown restricted united_states_air_force pilots practice high speed humanitarian service organization cap assists federal state local agencies preparing responding homeland security needs red_cross civilian agencies frequently ask aircraft transport vital supplies including medical technicians medication vital supplies rely cap provide communications disaster relief operations cap assists united_states_coast_guard coast guard auxiliary assists war drugs cap flew hours support mission led agencies illegal substances valued million makes extensive use airborne real time enhanced reconnaissance system mounted system able evaluate signatures given certain objects allowing system identify example possible marijuana crop education provides aviation related education educational activities members including formal graded courses aspects aviation including flight physics dynamics history application courses covering space program new technologies advances aviation space exploration available programs cap pilots improve flying skills earn ratings mandatory education program order progress cadet number courses tests relating aviation cadets educational opportunities museum tours military civilian orientation rides guest speakers senior members study cap encourages senior members learn aviation history mandatory complete earn education award outreach programs including program cap helps school teachers integrate aviation classroom providing course materials sponsorship members provide communities resources better management airports aviation related facilities promote benefits facilities organization works groups usa fulfill education goal set organization congressional charter encourage foster civil aviation local communities cadet programs cadet program started world war way provide training future pilots program flourished combining education leadership career training today cap cadets members join age age cadets turn senior member remain cadet 21st birthday discretion cadets join military wish remain cap senior members begin active duty cadets join remain cadets activated purpose training cadet progresses cadet program earns achievements successfully passing leadership tests test questions derived reading materials supplied cadets program designed allow cadets fill increasing leadership roles leadership studies questions cadets advance ranks progress stages development phase introduces cadets cap program cadets pass requirements receive wright brothers award second phase begins placing responsibility cadets leaders newer cadets cadets complete leadership phase receive eligible advanced promotion enlisting military phase places cadets directly command cadets allowing cadets accomplish tasks staff members time cadets complete awarded award phase cadet program focus cadets operations entire unit cadets completing awarded award highest cadet award awarded passing extensive cumulative test cadets progress program placed charge lower ranking cadets cadets aren given reign instead expected classes mentor senior members adults program play large role evaluating cadets numerous awards achievements opportunities available cadets allows foster leadership academic environment cadet squadrons located middle schools cap known ready use program teachers conduct leadership training classes students introduced principles flight model leadership cap program similar junior program cap units located classrooms country overseen administered senior members generally composite squadrons senior member programs cadet commander chain command passes deputy commander cadets reaching squadron commander cadet commander reporting directly squadron commander cadet squadrons director positions command levels higher squadron addition deputy commander cadets squadrons leadership officer senior member job military aspects cadet program uniforms customs membership august cap members senior members cadets local units states washington puerto_rico numerous overseas united_states_air_force installations cap members civilians paid united_states government service members responsible paying annual membership fees pay uniforms related expenses senior membership open citizens resident aliens aged able pass fbi background check upper age limit membership restrictions physical disabilities number different tasks members called perform cadet membership open aged maintain satisfactory progress school determined cadet unit commander 18th birthday cadets senior members remain motto members latin cap members service organization core values integrity respect excellence volunteer service senior members senior members members joined cap time past age cadets transferred senior member program happen cadet 21st birthday senior members turned years eligible flight officer grades include flight officer technical flight officer senior flight officer mandatory retirement age cap members physical requirements joining members enter retired status years service physical requirements officer follow weight standards required members wear united_states_air_force style uniforms apply members choose wear uniform designs unique officer grades lieutenant colonel reflect progression training organizational command authority uncommon senior members commanding groups squadrons members superior grades serving current retired members promoted directly cap grade equivalent military grade choose follow standards non prior service members exceptional cases senior members promoted grade cap colonel appointment wing commander responsible administration cap units entire state military enlisted personnel choose retain grade senior members grades cap sergeant cap chief master sergeant available current cap national commander recently unveiled plans cap program allow individuals enlist progress specific professional development program according article subject current design corps cap allows active duty corps upgrade training promotion ranks newly signed corps structure mirror force structure established process promote develop senior members provided optional senior member professional development program encouraged progress professional development program consists levels corresponding grades second lieutenant lieutenant colonel level development components leadership training corporate education professional development chosen designed support organization provide opportunities senior members advantage skills private lives available specialty tracks include public affairs legal administration emergency services finance additionally senior members specific civilian professional qualifications awarded grade basis professional qualifications examples include certified flight instructors attorneys medical professionals clergy licensed administrators promoted directly lieutenant captain cadet members cadet program traditional military style cadet program main missions cap cadets wear modified versions united_states_air_force uniforms hold rank grade practice military customs required maintain physical fitness standards tested knowledge leadership subjects promotion opportunity concept current designed jack held position director 1960s program composed phases learning leadership command executive divided achievements achievements generally correspond grade promotions phases tied levels responsibility operates local unit squadron level weekly meetings weekend activities national wing sponsored events including week long multi week summer activities camps cadets progress program given additional responsibility scheduling teaching guiding commanding cadets units assist senior staff executing unusual cadet officer command hundreds junior cadets cadets given opportunities lead follow hold leadership positions squadron wing activities involved planning activities cadets complete command cadets teach weekly meetings weekend summer events stated promotion act cap similar programs provide significant benefits including significant public relations benefits cadet program awards grade structure cadets rank structure similar united_states_air_force enlisted officer grades excluding general officers cadet starts cadet basic promoted completes achievement unlike regular armed forces possible enter directly commissioned following completion form officer training service academy college etc enlist eventually advance non commissioned officer petty officer status cap cadet promoted cap cadet enlisted grade order achieve rank cap cadet second lieutenant complete achievement cadet pass physical fitness test written tests leadership education exceptions rule promotions cadet cadet staff sergeant test achievements additional test drill proficiency required new promotion system effective drill test cap cadet enlisted grades wright brothers award general award general general august awards earned awarded went united states air force career later pilot air force aerial demonstration team milestone award cadet benefits earning mitchell award grade cadet second lieutenant cadet eligible promotion rank class united_states_air_force cadet earning award promoted age older selected attend according website cadets receiving milestone awards estimated follows mitchell cadets transfer senior member ages receive grade flight officer highest cadet award earned mitchell technical flight officer highest cadet award earned senior flight officer highest cadet award earned cadet waits 21st birthday point required transfer senior member program eligible grade second lieutenant highest cadet award mitchell lieutenant highest cadet award captain highest cadet award activities cadets age eligible orientation flights aircraft including airplane flights flights replaced powered flights discretion wing commander depending availability aircraft cadets years age participate military orientation flights cap wings flight cadets learn fly united_states_air_force united_states_army frequently schedule orientation flights cap cadets transport aircraft hercules iii case army helicopters core cadet activity summer typically day long event cadets intense military structured environment similar certain respects basic military training enlisted personnel weeks 4th class cadet training college air force summer officer training school officers emphasis physically mentally demanding tasks required classes activities classes include education united_states_air_force organization cadet programs drug demand reduction activities include classroom courses physical training leadership development drill ceremonies usually held wing state level available usually military installations active united_states_air_force installations military support region cadet leadership schools provide training increase knowledge skills attitudes leadership management eligible attend cadets serving preparing enter cadet leadership positions squadron conducted region level wing level region approval programs modeled upper programs college stages variation theme cap cadet officer schools cadet schools designed teach basic leadership principles cadet leaders earlier duty positions cadet program oath cadets following oath membership pledge serve attend meetings regularly participate actively unit activities obey officers wear uniform properly advance education training rapidly prepare service community state nation requirement promotion ability oath memory relationship military cap chartered congress auxiliary air_force operating reserve component united_states_air_force federal government stated secretary air_force use services fulfill non combat programs missions additionally shall deemed united_states respect act omission including member carrying mission assigned secretary air_force members subject uniform code military justice command authority members united_states military similarly military officers command authority cap members recognition cap service senior members grade second lieutenant allowed wear collar insignia official dress blue uniform cap members required render military members military friendly foreign nations cap officers commissioned president united_states military personnel required render military cap personnel courtesy cap members expected render military implementation varies widely squadrons military addressing rank informal cap retains title united_states_air_force auxiliary auxiliary status applicable cap members resources united_states_air_force assigned mission air_force assigned mission number cap resources engaged mission air_force communications expenses fuel oil share aircraft maintenance expenses addition cap members covered event injury participating mission times aiding civilian authorities cap remains acts private non profit corporation parent command cap october announced plans cap operational mission activities air_force operations air_force newly created homeland security announcement august air_force chief staff included definition total force accomplish updated doctrine volume leadership expand descriptions total force airmen consist regular civilian auxiliary members inclusion realignment responsible command moved cap officer accession alabama change took place june uniforms uniforms provide distinctive standard set uniform items intended provide positive public image build morale enhance organization membership cap members wear uniforms similar uniforms worn distinctive insignia identify cap members categorized style uniforms style uniforms worn cadets age cadets age senior members meet height weight standards set cap uniform manual addition cap series categorized corporate style uniforms worn senior members cadets age meet height weight standards set style uniform uniforms categorized cap uniform manual environment uniform worn work accomplished uniform types composed united_states_air_force style uniforms service dress uniform class united_states_air_force service dress uniform consisting dark blue trousers light blue shirt tie dark blue jacket flight service cap rank indicated cap distinctive gray shoulder marks senior member officers sleeve stripes senior member non commissioned officers cadet ranks shown shoulder marks pin insignia class identical service dress uniform dark blue jacket tie optional short cadet enlisted wear metal grade insignia collar current style united_states_air_force field uniform dark blue tapes silver text metal insignia collar enlisted grade cadets cloth insignia cadet officers senior members old style united_states_air_force woodland camouflage field uniform tapes metal insignia collar enlisted grade cadets cloth insignia cadet officers senior members flight duty uniform green piece flight suit worn united_states_air_force flight crews styled manner similar flight crews cap insignia worn cap flight personnel dark blue united_states air_force mess dress uniform cap distinctive insignia sleeve worn senior members corporate style cap distinctive uniforms corporate field uniform version battle dress uniform aviator aviator white shirt shoulder marks gray trousers corporate flight duty uniform dark blue version piece flight suit cotton material worn cap flight personnel dark blue jacket worn white shirt gray trousers cap united_states_air_force tie dark blue short sleeve golf shirt cap seal screened chest gray trousers worn senior members equipment operates maintains fixed wing aircraft training ground vehicles national radio communications network owns operates fleet exceed single engine aircraft predominantly aircraft aircraft phased refurbishment program began replacing engines interior paint lower cost new purchases australian designed built seat added corporate fleet fleet carry airborne real time enhanced reconnaissance archer system search aircraft wreckage based signature aircraft types include cap number super ask mainly cadet orientation flights addition cap corporate fleet member owned aircraft available official cap volunteers need arise aircraft search missions generally qualified members responsible safe flying aircraft mission observer responsible navigation communications coordination mission ground observation mission responsible looking crash sites damage clues additionally mission double operator larger aircraft additional aboard providing greater visual coverage additional archer equipment crew include operator archer system depending requirements mission capabilities aircraft cap owns vehicles carrying personnel assigns units use organization missions members use vehicles fuel oil communications costs assigned emergency services mission cap operates national radio network radio strategically located united_states radio communications facilitated specifications applied stringent standards cap radio network designed use national regional emergency existing telephone internet communications infrastructure available outside cap internal communications conducted internet cap frequencies specific locations designated official use information released individuals recognized need know aircraft cap fleet equipped system allows cap send real time images disaster crash site mail address allowing mission informed decisions approximately federally funded systems strategically located united_states additional systems funded state local governments archer imaging system mounted aboard uses visible near infrared light examine surface earth find suspected crash sites evaluate areas affected disasters examine foliage airborne perspective order flag possible marijuana plantations archer systems great success response hurricane katrina archer coordination system hand held radio direction ground teams search downed aircraft ground teams carry equipment person use field equipment includes signal mirrors tactical safety food hours equipment carried ground teams varies mission hand urban direction finding missions small kit gear intensive mountain search rescue require packs provide hours operational supplies tool location rescue extraction lost crashed parties gear includes plus additional water meals survival gear standardized list provided national command teams modify list match needs mission organization organized military model streamlined strictly chain command distinct structure regions wings squadrons flights additional group placed wing squadrons flights wing commander discretion headed national commander currently major general organization governed board governors established federal law consisting members members currently national commander national vice commander members large appointed united_states_air_force representatives appointed secretary air_force members aviation community jointly appointed cap national commander secretary air_force board governors generally meets times annually primarily provides strategic vision guidance volunteer leadership corporate staff volunteer leadership consists national commander staff comprising vice commander chief staff national chief cap inspector general national commander holds grade cap major general national vice commander holds grade cap brigadier general rest national commander staff hold grade cap colonel located outside montgomery alabama headquarters employs professional staff led cap executive director analogous corporate chief operating officer reports board governors national headquarters staff provides program management organization membership support volunteer field units country national headquarters level geographic regions handful overseas squadrons military installations worldwide region commanded cap colonel encompasses statewide organizations referred wings regions northeast middle_east southeast southwest rocky mountain cap units states puerto_rico district_of_columbia coordinated cap wing state wing commander cap colonel sole corporate officer state wing commander oversees wing headquarters staff experienced volunteer members larger wings optional subordinate groups discretion wing commander group encompasses squadrons flights local units called squadrons squadron broken flights squadrons main functioning body squadrons designated cadet senior composite squadrons cap composite squadron consists cadets senior members involved missions composite squadrons deputy commanders assist squadron commander deputy commander seniors deputy commander cadets senior squadron includes senior members participate emergency services education missions cadet squadron largely cadets small number senior members necessary supervision cadets proper execution cadet program overseas squadrons operate independently structure reporting directly cap flight semi independent unit mainly stepping stone new unit large designated squadron nature flights cap structure time flight assigned squadron parent job flight squadron commanders work build flight independent squadron flights temporary units squadron flights dismissed activity meeting created flight squadron assigned letter flight designated charlie flight example larger squadrons flights permanent cadets assigned cap active duty unit operates joint jurisdiction commanded rated cap consists approximately active duty air_force civilian united_states_air_force personnel air_force civil service personnel cap members stationed staff cap members advise assist oversee operations provide liaison cap august commander colonel funding non profit corporation established public law receives funding major sources membership corporate donations congressional private donations squadron group financial support comes donations fundraising units charge membership cap membership donations fund squadrons groups pay equipment rent facilities activities local level today apart member receives funding donations grants individuals foundations corporations grants payments state governments patrolling tasks agreed understanding federal funding fuel oil maintenance plus capital expenses aircraft vehicles communications equipment paid positions located wings paid administrators paid employees
Civil Air Patrol