America's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and continues unabated during this century. World War II showcased the important role aviation would play in the future and national leaders recognized the importance of simulating public intrest in aerospace activities.

CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was most suited to perform this mission. Their efforts focused on two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public.

The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous education program is tied to promotions at every level in the CAP organization.

Aerospace educators working out of CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Ala., provide materials that are current and reflect the highest standards of educational excellence.

The congressional charter also tasked CAP to stimulate public intrest in aerospace issues. These external programs are primarily conducted through our nation's education systems.

Each year, CAP sponsors nearly 200 workshops in colleges and universities across the nation which reach more than 5,000 educators.

These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology. Textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids geared to stimulate intrest in aerospace matters also are provided for teachers to use in their classrooms.

Started in 1951, these workshops have reached hundreds of thousands of young people.

CAP also plans and executes the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education. NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation. The NCASE is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education to motivate and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education into their curriculum. It also encourages aerospace leaders to speak out on aerospace issues facing our nation today.

During World War II, CAP trained thousands of young men to fly before they joined the Army Air Forces. This training, coupled with positive values instilled by role models, resulted in the AAF having a pool of aviators virtually ready to do battle.

After the war, the success of the wartime cadet program convinced Congress that a peacetime cadet program would pay great dividends.

For the past half-century, CAP's Cadet Programs has provided young people between 12 and 18 the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through their interest in aviation. For many, it has also offered them the oppertunity to learn to fly.

A knowledge of aerospace-related information is one of the pillars of the program. Cadet progress at their own pace through a 15-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.

As cadets make progress, they have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including encampments on military bases, orientation flights, and a variety of national and international activities.

Through its National Scholarship Program, CAP provides scholarships to cadets to further their studies in such areas as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics and aerospace medicine. Scholarships leading to solo flight training are also provided.

The U.S. Air Force recognizes the high standards the cadets must meet. When CAP cadets enlist in the Air Force, they now enter as an E-3 (Airman First Class) instead of as an E-1 (Airman Basic).

CAP cadets are also well represented at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Usually 8-10 percent of the academy class is composed of former CAP cadets.

Disaster Relief:

In fact, CAP has formal agreements with many humanitarian relief agencies such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Managment Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, and Coast Guard.

This is an actual photo of a Civil Air Patrol pilot flying over the Statue of Liberty.  Following 9/11, CAP was the first to fly over "Ground Zero."  Since then our pilots have been performing important missions for America's homeland security.

Search and Rescue (SAR):

Humanitarian Services: