What is Civil Air Patrol?
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, as a way to protect the nation’s shorelines from invading German U-boats, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.
What is Civil Air Patrol?
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, as a way to protect the nation’s shorelines from invading German U-boats, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.
Get Involved
Get Involved
Become a Cadet
The CAP Cadet Program is a year-round program where Cadets fly, learn to lead, hike, camp, get in shape, and push themselves to new limits. Learn how you can become a CAP Cadet.
Become a Senior Member
Looking for a way to give back? Adult volunteers have the opportunity to perform homeland security, disaster relief and counterdrug missions at the request of government agencies.
Become a Friend of CAP
Are you interested in supporting CAP but don’t have the time to make the commitment as a member? Become a Friend of CAP and support CAP’s service to our communities and nation.
CAP Core Values
Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, & Respect
The core values outlined above serve as the foundation for how CAP members treat one another; how they treat the recipients of CAP’s humanitarian service; and how they care for the corporate assets under their control. These basic commandments form CAP’s ethical centerline – a moral compass for the organization.
Latest News
Latest News
Remembering September 11th
On this anniversary of the heinous attacks on our Nation and her Citizens on September 11th 2001, we pause to mourn the fallen, support the survivors and families, show our gratitude to all that served our Nation in taking the fight to the enemy and we...
Don’t Miss the 11th Annual PAWG Cadet Conference, Sept. 29
The 2018 Pennsylvania Wing Cadet Conference is sure to be a day jam packed with activities, seminars, and other fun activities that will have cadets returning home, wishing that they never would have had to leave. Join the PAWG Cadet Programs team and the...
August Search & Rescue Mission Success
The Group 3 SAREX, held August 18-19, 2018 at Ridley Creek State Park, was a great success. Cadets participated in search and rescue missions including: land navigation, communications, emergency locating transmitters and K9 search. New cadets trained to...