Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is made up of both adults and young men and women (ages 12 – 21, or in sixth grade) who have an interest Leadership, Aerospace Education, Emergency Services, or just having a good time! Everybody is welcome! CAP is dedicated to three missions.

The first, cadet programs, involves leadership training, activities, and physical training, and enables you to work your way up through a rank structure similar to that of the United States Air Force. Cadets advance by testing, learning, following and leading! The cadet program presents a unique opportunity for cadets to learn both followership and leadership skills in a fun, relaxed environment – skills which will benefit them for the rest of their lives. The Second, Aerospace Education, is closely tied to Civil Air Patrol’s other missions. Aerospace Education, or AE, is the study of flight! AE includes powered aircraft, non-powered aircraft (gliders), and even spacecrafts! Cadets will not only have the opportunity to build rockets, model planes, read about aerodynamics (how air moves), weather, and the history of flight, but all cadets are given the opportunity to fly in real CAP planes! What’s more: Scholarships and encampments are even available for cadets who wish to learn to fly and become pilots!

The Third, Emergency Services, is perhaps the most complex mission we have, involving all types of skills. CAP is most often called to conduct search and rescue missions for missing hikers and airplanes. We also assist in disaster relief missions, counter drug operations, emergency blood and organ transports, and numerous other situations. Emergency Services, or ES, has a number of specialties that you can train for, in a wide range of areas.

CAP National Headquarters Our Location