Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol, established in 1941, serves as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. It plays a vital role as a member of the Total Force, conducting a variety of operations relevant to national security and community service. Historically, the Civil Air Patrol was formed by Gill Robb Wilson in response to the impending threats of World War II, aiming to augment military efforts with a civilian air fleet. Notably, from 1942 to 1943, the CAP actively participated in coastal patrol operations, reporting sightings of enemy submarines and aiding in the war effort by sinking U-boats. In 1946, CAP was chartered by Congress as a non-combat organization and was subsequently designated as the volunteer civilian auxiliary to the United States Air Force upon its establishment in 1947.

Today, CAP operates a robust fleet of 555 single-engine aircraft and 2,250 small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), performing approximately 90% of all search and rescue operations in the contiguous United States, as directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. In the past year alone, CAP has been credited with saving 108 lives through its operations, which often employ innovative techniques like cellphone forensics and cutting-edge radar analysis software. Beyond search and rescue, the organization is involved in homeland security, disaster relief, and drug interdiction missions in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies.

Civil Air Patrol is also dedicated to education and youth development, offering national academic standards-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) resources. With a membership exceeding 60,000, CAP serves as a mentor to over 23,000 young people involved in its Cadet Programs, fostering future generations of leaders in aviation and emergency response. Its unique blend of community service, aviation education, and active support of national defense initiatives underscores its commitment to fostering a safer and more informed society.