Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary

Written by Paul Wynns

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). It was created on December 1, 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor, marking America's entry into World War II. Initially, its missions were focused on homeland security and wartime efforts, such as conducting coastal patrols to spot enemy submarines. Over the decades, the CAP has evolved significantly, but its core mission areas remain emergency services, cadet programs, and aerospace education for both its members and the general public.

Emergency services constitute a significant part of CAP's mission today, involving search and rescue operations, disaster relief, humanitarian services, and Air Force support. CAP's fleet of light aircraft and its team of volunteer pilots and observers play a crucial role in these operations. The organization also leverages technology such as satellite and drone imagery to aid in search and rescue and disaster response efforts.

The CAP Cadet Program is designed to educate the youth (ages 12 through 20) in leadership, aerospace science, and character development. Cadets have opportunities to participate in a variety of activities, leadership encampments, flight scholarships, and other aerospace education initiatives. This program not only prepares cadets for potential military careers but also aims to instill in them a sense of civic duty and leadership qualities that serve them throughout their lives.

Aerospace education is another pillar of CAP, aimed at both its members and the broader public. CAP provides resources, training, and encouragement to educators across the United States who wish to incorporate aerospace into their classrooms. For its members, the program ensures that volunteers are well educated about aviation and its significance to the nation's security and prosperity.

As an auxiliary of the USAF, CAP operates with a volunteer membership base across the United States, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Members contribute their time, talents, and resources to serve their communities and their country. The CAP is often one of the first on the scene to provide aerial photography for disaster assessment, support local emergency responders, and engage in search and rescue missions. This dedication to service highlights the vital role CAP plays in bolstering the nation's civil defense and responding to community needs in times of crisis.


Scholarships:

CAP Cadet Academic Scholarships

Multiple awards worth
$1,000 - $2,500
Deadline
25-Jan
Grade Level
High School Seniors & College Students
Academic scholarships are monetary awards used to support CAP Cadets pursuing their undergraduate or graduate education. Monies are to be used for tuition, books, or room and board at any post-secondary school (i.e: college, university,...

Lt Col William E. Hanna, Jr. Memorial Flight Scholarship

Multiple awards worth
$5,000
Deadline
25-Jan
Grade Level
College Students

Lt Col Hanna’s family and CAP offer this flight scholarship to help cadets attain their Private Pilot's Certificate. This scholarship provides up to $5,000 which can be used for local flight training at a FBO (FAA part 61 or 141) or training...