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66-593: Civil Air Patrol ( CAP ) is a congressionally chartered , federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes members from all backgrounds. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code and its purposes defined by Title 36 . Membership in

132-574: A case-by-case basis by the AFRCC . Civil Air Patrol is well known for its search activities in conjunction with search and rescue (SAR) operations. CAP is involved with approximately three quarters of all aerial inland SAR missions directed by the United States Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base , Florida . Outside of the contiguous United States, CAP directly supports

198-561: A charter does not include congressional oversight . World Peace Prize Robert L. Leggett was a nine-term United States Congressman . While visiting Korea in 1961, he met Dr. Han Min Su who was an elder clergyman of the Korean Christian churches . He was also an ex- public relations officer of Pacific Air Forces , and the author of Goodbye John . The two men became friends, and Congressman Leggett continued to be inspired by

264-624: A chief of staff, a national legal officer, a national comptroller , the chief of the CAP Chaplain Service, and the CAP inspector general . The national commander holds the grade of CAP major general , the national vice commander holds the grade of CAP brigadier general . The rest of the national commander's staff hold the grade of CAP colonel . CAP is governed by a board of governors, established by federal law in 2001 and consisting of 11 members: four Civil Air Patrol members (currently

330-506: A few exceptional cases, senior members are promoted to the grade of CAP colonel only upon appointment as a Region Commander, responsible for overseeing multiple states, or Wing Commander, responsible for the administration of CAP units across an entire state . Only the vice national commander holds the rank of brigadier general , and only the national commander holds the rank of major general . Former military enlisted personnel from E-4 up may choose to retain their grade as senior members in

396-517: A flight is formed by a mix of senior members and cadets, at least three of the flight's personnel must be senior members. A wing commander may direct a flight to report to a squadron, directly to a group, or directly to the wing itself. A CAP flight is a semi-independent unit that is used mainly as a stepping-stone for a new unit until they are large enough to be designated a squadron. Due to their transitory nature, there are very few flights within CAP structure at any one time. A flight will be assigned to

462-569: A new senior professional development program called Volunteer University. The Volunteer University provides education and training to CAP senior members through modules and instruction, replacing the previous system including the: Officer Basic Course, Squadron Leadership School, Region Staff College, and National Staff College. The Civil Air Patrol University senior member professional development awards recognize those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in CAP. These awards include: Civil Air Patrol's cadet program

528-1086: A squadron "parent", and it is the job of the flight and squadron commanders to work together to build the flight into a full and independent squadron. Flights are also used as temporary units within a squadron. These flights are dismissed after the activity or meeting they were created for. A flight within a squadron is assigned a letter , so a flight could be designated "Charlie Flight, Thunderbolt Squadron", for example. In larger squadrons, flights are permanent subunits and cadets are assigned to them. Civil Air Patrol has five congressionally mandated missions: The organization condenses these mandates into three core program areas, which are aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services. Civil Air Patrol covers several emergency services areas. The principal categories include search and rescue missions, disaster relief, humanitarian services, and United States Air Force support. Other services, such as homeland security and actions against drug-trafficking operations, are becoming increasingly important. CAP missions are assigned on

594-546: A yearly financial statement. Until the District of Columbia was granted the ability to issue corporate charters in the late 1800s, corporations operating in the District required a congressional charter. With few exceptions, most corporations since created by Congress are not federally chartered but are simply created as District of Columbia corporations. Some charters create corporate entities, akin to being incorporated at

660-436: Is a category of Aerospace Education Member available to educators and these AEMs do not wear uniforms or attend meetings, but take advantage of professionally generated textbooks, lesson plans and other CAP-provided resources, in their capacity as educators. Nationwide, CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and

726-547: Is a traditional military-style cadet program with over 28,000 cadets nationwide and is one of the three main missions of the Civil Air Patrol. CAP cadets wear modified versions of United States Air Force uniforms, hold rank and grade, and practice military customs and courtesies . They are required to maintain physical fitness standards and are tested on their knowledge of leadership and aerospace subjects at each promotion opportunity. The current CAP Cadet Program

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792-436: Is an optional level of command in CAP below that of wing. A wing commander may form a group within his or her wing when he or she deems a geographic area or the number of subordinate units to be too large for effective control by the wing alone. If a CAP group is formed, it must include no fewer than five squadrons . Local units are called squadrons . Squadrons are the main functioning bodies and primary operational commands in

858-798: Is no mandatory retirement age for CAP members, and there are no physical requirements for joining. Members may enter retired status after twenty years of service. The only physical requirements senior members must follow are the weight and grooming standards required to wear the United States Air Force-style uniforms. Senior members who do not meet the weight and grooming standards of the United States Air Force may wear alternative uniforms known as CAP Corporate uniforms. Officer grades up to lieutenant colonel reflect progression in training and organizational seniority, rather than command authority. Because of this, it

924-506: Is not uncommon for senior members commanding groups and squadrons to have members of superior grades serving under them. Current, retired and former members of the United States Armed Forces may be promoted directly to the CAP grade equivalent to their military grade, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training, although some choose to follow the same standards as non-prior-service members. Except for

990-506: Is used in training exercises to prepare USAF pilots to intercept enemy aircraft over the Continental United States . Civil Air Patrol aircraft are flown into restricted airspace, where United States Air Force pilots may practice low-speed intercepts. Civil Air Patrol also provides non-emergency assistance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection , Drug Enforcement Administration , and United States Forest Service in

1056-751: The 113th United States Congress , both the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to the World War II members of Civil Air Patrol. The medal would be presented "in recognition of their military service and exemplary record during World War II." In October 2021, Civil Air Patrol was awarded the Master's Trophy for

1122-542: The District of Columbia , and one in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico . Each wing has a commander who is a CAP colonel and is the sole corporate officer for that state, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Each wing commander oversees a wing headquarters staff made up of experienced volunteer members. The regions and their subordinate wings are: CAP-USAF assigns active-duty U.S. Air Force personnel to each CAP region and wing to provide liaison for them. The group

1188-627: The Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) are the only congressionally chartered universities in the United States. More common is a charter that recognizes a group already incorporated at the state level. These mostly honorific charters tend "to provide an 'official' imprimatur to their activities, and to that extent it may provide them prestige and indirect financial benefit". Groups that fall into this group are usually veterans’ groups, fraternal groups, youth groups or patriotic groups like

1254-826: The Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska , Hawaii , and Puerto Rico . CAP is credited with saving an average of 100 lives per year. CAP is active in disaster relief operations, especially in areas such as Florida , Mississippi and Louisiana that are frequently struck by hurricanes as well as Oklahoma and Texas which are frequented by large, damaging tornadoes. CAP aircrews and ground personnel provide transportation for cargo and officials, aerial imagery to aid emergency managers in assessing damage, and donations of personnel and equipment to local, state and federal disaster relief organizations during times of need. In 2004 , several hurricanes hit

1320-1075: The National Academy of Public Administration , The National Academy of Sciences , the National Ski Patrol , the National FFA Organization , the National Safety Council , National Park Foundation , the Disabled American Veterans , Veterans of Foreign Wars , National Trust for Historic Preservation , the United States Olympic Committee , the National Conference on Citizenship , and NeighborWorks America . American University , Gallaudet University , Georgetown University , George Washington University , Howard University , and

1386-910: The National Recording Preservation Foundation under the National Recording Preservation Act of 2000, and the American GI Forum , the Korean War Veterans Association, the Military Officers Association of America , and the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition in 1998, 2008, 2009, and 2010 respectively under laws passed with the sole purpose of issuing the charters. The granting of

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1452-620: The Recruiting, Retention, and Reservist Promotion Act of 2000 that CAP and similar programs "provide significant benefits for the Armed Forces, including significant public relations benefits". Congressional charter A congressional charter is a law passed by the United States Congress that states the mission, authority, and activities of a group . Congress has issued corporate charters since 1791 and

1518-704: The September ;11 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City when all general aviation was grounded, one of the first planes to fly over the World Trade Center site was a CAP aircraft taking photographs. CAP performs several missions that are not combat-related in support of the United States Air Force , including damage assessment, transportation of materials, transportation of officials, communications support (as "Highbird" repeaters) and low-altitude route surveys. The CAP fleet

1584-568: The USO . Congress has chartered about 100 fraternal or patriotic groups. Eligibility for a charter is based on a group’s activities, whether they are unique, and whether or not they are in the public interest . If this is the case, a bill to grant a charter is introduced in Congress and must be voted into law. There had been questions regarding the federal government's power to manage corporations which have received charters. Amid dissatisfaction with

1650-600: The United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary . The Civil Air Patrol routinely drills for emergencies through Search and Rescue exercises ( SAREX ). CAP also requires members to renew their qualifications for emergency services usually done during SAREXs. The Aerospace Education Program provides aviation-related education and educational activities for members, including formal, graded courses about all aspects of aviation including flight physics, dynamics, history, and application. Courses covering

1716-474: The United States government for their service. Rather, members are responsible for paying annual membership fees and must pay for their uniforms and other related expenses. Senior membership is open to all U.S. citizens , and U.S. legal permanent residents aged 18 and over who can pass an FBI background check. There is no upper age limit, nor membership restrictions for physical disabilities, due to

1782-682: The War on Drugs . In 2005, CAP flew over 12,000 hours in support of this mission and led these agencies to the confiscation of illegal substances valued at over US$ 400 million. Civil Air Patrol makes extensive use of the Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance system, mounted on the Gippsland GA8 Airvan. The system is able to evaluate spectral signatures given off by certain objects, allowing

1848-875: The 1-star level, to a subordinate unit of 1st Air Force at the 3-star level with Civil Air Patrol–U.S. Air Force as a stand-alone unit lead at the Colonel (O-6) level. Since its incorporation charter, CAP has maintained its relationship with the USAF and has continued its three congressionally mandated missions. On 14 June 2011, Civil Air Patrol was awarded the Roving Ambassador of Peace by the World Peace Prize Awarding Council for its positive impact in American communities, its lifesaving efforts, and for "preserving liberty for all". During

1914-485: The Air Force civil service personnel at CAP-USAF also are CAP members, and 22 of whom are stationed at National Headquarters, staff CAP-USAF. These members ensure CAP is organized, trained, and equipped to fulfill Air Force-assigned missions; advise, assist, and oversee Civil Air Patrol's operations; and provide liaison between CAP and the U.S. Air Force and other United States Government agencies. As of August 2019,

1980-408: The CAP. Reporting directly to the wing, or to a group if the wing commander chooses to form one or more groups, squadrons have the responsibility to carry out plans and programs formulated by higher echelons of CAP. Civil Air Patrol squadrons are designated as either cadet, senior, or composite squadrons. A CAP composite squadron consists of both cadets and senior members, who may be involved in any of

2046-478: The Civil Air Patrol, with grades E-5 (CAP staff sergeant) through E-9 (CAP chief master sergeant) available, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. Former CAP national commander, Major General Carr, unveiled plans to restructure the CAP NCO program to allow individuals to "enlist" as NCOs and progress through a specific professional development program. According to a U.S. Air Force article on

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2112-596: The North America Region for that year by the Honourable Company of Air Pilots . The award citation noted the auxiliary's service during the COVID-19 pandemic and disaster relief response to Hurricane Ida . Although a civilian organization, Civil Air Patrol is organized along military lines, with a streamlined and strictly hierarchical chain of command and a rank system patterned on that of

2178-766: The Senior Member Professional Development Program. CAP encourages its senior members to learn about aviation and its history, although this is not mandatory. Those who complete the Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members may earn the Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Award. Through outreach programs, including the External Aerospace Education program, CAP helps school teachers integrate aviation and aerospace into

2244-491: The U.S. Air Force. There are several distinct echelons in its structure: National Headquarters, regions, wings , squadrons and flights . An additional group echelon may be placed between a wing and its squadrons and flights, at the wing commander's discretion. The volunteer leadership of the CAP consists of the National Commander of the Civil Air Patrol and their staff, comprising a Vice National Commander,

2310-528: The USA and 4-H to fulfill the education goal set down in the organization's Congressional charter – to "encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities." As of 30 September 2023, CAP had 65,531 members – 36,119 senior members and 29,332 cadets – in over 1,600 local units in all fifty states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico , and at numerous overseas United States Air Force installations. CAP members are civilians and are not paid by

2376-766: The award in 2001, there was controversy about the World Peace Prize in the Taiwanese press. A spokesman for Lu denied that the prize was a hoax. Congressman Lester Wolff , the Chief Judge of World Peace Prize Award Council, held a press conference in Taipei where he showed what he said was a letter from the Prime Minister of Tonga apologizing for inaccuracies reported in the Tongan press. Wolff received

2442-602: The classroom by providing seminars, and course materials and through sponsorship of the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education . Members also provide their communities with resources for better management of airports and other aviation-related facilities and promote the benefits of such facilities. The organization also works with other groups, such as the Boy Scouts of America , the Girl Scouts of

2508-495: The commander of CAP-USAF is Colonel Mark A. Wootan, USAF. Below the national headquarters level are eight geographic regions and a handful of overseas squadrons at various military installations worldwide. Each region, commanded by a CAP colonel, encompasses several statewide organizations referred to as wings . There are 52 CAP wings, one in each of the 50 U.S. states , one (known as the National Capital Wing) in

2574-404: The disputes of political, diplomatic and economic matters; or by developing new inventions to minimize threats and confusions within mankind. The prize's stated core spirit is to advance peace and justice and inter-religious collaborations. In 1997, the award was presented to Taufa'ahau Tupou IV , King of Tonga. The group who presented the prize also said that they were going to provide Tonga with

2640-775: The faithful Christians in Korea. Inspired by the success of the United States Peace Corps initiated by U.S. President John F. Kennedy , the two co-founded the World Peace Corp Mission as a civilian organization co-opting the name and attempting to emulate the spirit of that program. Two awards are given - the Main Prize and the Top Honor Prize. The first Top Honor Prize was awarded to former U.S. President Ronald Reagan for "Winning

2706-649: The federal level. Examples of such charters are the Federal Reserve Bank , Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation , Civil Air Patrol , Fannie Mae , Freddie Mac , and the Tennessee Valley Authority . Other national-level groups with such charters are the American Chemical Society , American Legion , American Red Cross , the Boy Scouts of America , the Girl Scouts of the USA , Little League Baseball Inc ,

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2772-551: The former Continental Air Command in 1959, the former Headquarters Command, USAF in 1968, to the Air University (AU) in 1976. Following Air University's reassignment as a subordinate command to the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) in 1993, USAF oversight of CAP has flowed from AETC at the 4-star level, to AU at the 3-star level, to AU's Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizen Development at

2838-458: The individual groups and squadrons that comprise the basic operational unit of the organization. Civil Air Patrol was conceived in the late 1930s by aviation advocate Gill Robb Wilson , who foresaw general aviation's potential to supplement America's military operations. With the help of New York Mayor Fiorello H. LaGuardia , in his capacity as then-Director of the Office of Civilian Defense , CAP

2904-573: The laws that issue them are codified in Title 36 of the United States Code . The first charter issued by Congress was for the First Bank of the United States . The relationship between Congress and an organization so recognized is largely symbolic, and is intended to lend the organization the legitimacy of being officially sanctioned by the U.S. government . Congress does not oversee or supervise organizations it has so chartered, aside from receiving

2970-695: The national commander, national vice commander, and two members-at-large appointed by the CAP National Executive Committee), four U.S. Air Force representatives appointed by the United States Secretary of the Air Force , and three members from the aviation community jointly appointed by the CAP national commander and the Secretary of the Air Force. The board of governors generally meets two or three times annually and primarily provides strategic vision and guidance to

3036-562: The number of different tasks which members may be called on to perform. Cadet membership is open to those aged between 12 and 18 who maintain satisfactory progress in school, as determined by the cadet's unit commander; upon their 18th birthday, cadets may become senior members or remain in the Cadet Program until they are 21. The Civil Air Patrol motto, to which all members subscribe, is "Semper Vigilans", Latin for "Always Vigilant". All CAP members are also obligated by their service to

3102-571: The organization and membership support for the 1,700-plus volunteer field units across the United States. Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) is an active-duty U.S. Air Force unit that operates under the joint jurisdiction of CAP National Headquarters and the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command , First Air Force . Commanded by an aeronautically rated Air Force colonel, Headquarters CAP-USAF consists of approximately 75 active-duty Air Force, United States Air Force Reserve , Air National Guard , and civilian U.S. Air Force personnel; all of

3168-904: The organization and to provide opportunities for senior members to take advantage of skills they have from their private lives. Available Specialty Tracks include Logistics , Communications , Cadet Programs, Public Affairs , Legal , Administration , Emergency Services, Finance , and many more. Additionally, senior members with specific civilian professional qualifications may be awarded grades based on their professional qualifications. Examples include FAA Certified Flight Instructors, Certified Ground Instructors, attorneys, medical professionals, Certified Public Accountants, clergy, and licensed educators or administrators who are often promoted directly to second lieutenant , first lieutenant or captain , after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. Additional promotion may be available after one year time in grade. In 2020, Civil Air Patrol introduced

3234-521: The organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. These two groups each have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of pursuits; the cadet program contributes to the development of the former group with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. Most members wear uniforms while performing their duties. However, there

3300-551: The organization to abide by its core values: integrity, volunteer service, excellence, and respect. Senior members are members who joined CAP for the first time past the age of 18, or who are former cadets who transferred to the senior member program, which must happen by the cadet's 21st birthday. Senior members who have not yet turned 21 years are eligible for flight officer grades, which include flight officer, technical flight officer, and senior flight officer, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. There

3366-621: The program, they are given additional responsibility for scheduling, teaching, guiding and commanding the other cadets in their units. They also assist their senior staff in executing the Cadet Program. It is not unusual for a cadet officer to command an encampment of hundreds of junior Cadets. Cadets are given many opportunities to lead and to follow; they may hold leadership positions at squadron and wing activities and are often involved in planning these activities. Cadets may complete paperwork, command other cadets, and teach at weekly meetings and at weekend and summer events. The U.S. Congress stated in

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3432-506: The provision of significant emergency services capabilities. Because of these extensive flying opportunities, many CAP members become licensed pilots . The hierarchical and military auxiliary organization is headed by the National Headquarters (with authority over the national organization) followed by eight regional commands and 52 wings (each of the 50 states plus Washington, D.C. , and Puerto Rico ). Each wing supervises

3498-485: The southeast coast of the United States, with Florida being the worst damaged; CAP was instrumental in providing help to affected areas. Civil Air Patrol conducts humanitarian service missions, usually in support of the Red Cross . CAP aircrews transport time-sensitive medical materials, including blood and human tissue , when other means of transportation (such as ambulances ) are not practical or possible. Following

3564-586: The space program, and new technologies and advances in aviation and space exploration , are also available. There are several programs for CAP pilots to improve their flying skills and earn Federal Aviation Administration ratings. The Cadet Program has a mandatory aerospace education program; to progress, a cadet must take several courses and tests relating to aviation. Cadets also have educational opportunities through museum tours, National Cadet Special Activities , military and civilian orientation rides, and guest speakers. Senior members may study aerospace through

3630-597: The star wars against the Russia and the UAS National stability". The prize is not awarded every year; the next prizes were not issued until 1995. The Top Honor Prize has been issued posthumously to Mahatma Gandhi in 2003. The prize has the stated intention to promote world peace and inter-religious understanding, and is awarded periodically to individuals considered to have contributed to the causes of world peace by preventing regional conflicts or world war; by settling

3696-1101: The subject, "The current design of the NCO corps in the CAP only allows former active-duty NCOs to be a part of the corps, with no upgrade training for promotion within the ranks. The newly signed corps structure will mirror the Air Force NCO force structure with an established process to promote and develop NCOs." By 2018 a professional development and promotion pathway was in place for former military enlisted personnel who joined CAP at their previous rank. Senior members are provided with an optional Senior Member Professional Development program and are encouraged to progress within it. The professional development program consists of five levels, corresponding with grades from second lieutenant to lieutenant colonel. Each level of development has components of leadership training, corporate familiarization and aerospace education, and also professional development within chosen "Specialty Tracks". There are many Specialty Tracks and they are designed both to support

3762-598: The supervision of cadets and the proper execution of the cadet program. Overseas squadrons operate independently of this structure, reporting directly to the National Headquarters. The lowest level of CAP organization is the flight . Flights are temporary units, usually formed in remote areas with too few CAP personnel to form a squadron, but with a goal of forming a new squadron as quickly as possible by recruiting additional CAP members locally to increase its membership. A flight may consist of no more than 14 CAP members. It may be formed by as few as eight CAP senior members, but if

3828-529: The system to identify, for example, a possible marijuana crop. As a humanitarian service organization, CAP assists federal, state and local agencies in preparing for and responding to homeland security needs. The Red Cross , Salvation Army and other civilian agencies frequently request Civil Air Patrol aircraft to transport vital supplies including medical technicians, medication, and other vital supplies. They often rely on CAP to provide airlift and communications for disaster relief operations. CAP also assists

3894-437: The system, the subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee decided not to consider applications for further charters in 1992. However, Congress issued corporate charters for the Corporation for the Promotion of Rifle Practice and Firearms Safety , the Fleet Reserve Association , and the Air Force Sergeants Association under the National Defense Authorization Acts for the 1996, 1997, and 1998 fiscal years respectively,

3960-405: The three missions of CAP. Composite squadrons have two deputy commanders to assist the squadron commander: a Deputy Commander for Seniors and a Deputy Commander for Cadets. A senior squadron includes only senior members, who participate in the emergency services or aerospace education missions of CAP. A cadet squadron is largely made up of cadets, with a small number of senior members as necessary for

4026-401: The volunteer leadership and corporate staff. CAP National Headquarters is located at Maxwell Air Force Base outside Montgomery , Alabama . The headquarters employs a professional staff of over 100 and is led by the CAP executive director (analogous to a corporate chief operating officer ), who reports to the board of governors. The national headquarters staff provides program management for

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4092-414: The war effort instead of grounding them. The organization assumed many missions, including anti-submarine patrol and warfare , border patrols , and courier services. CAP's coastal patrol reportedly flew 24 million miles and sighted 173 enemy U-boats , dropping a total of 82 bombs and depth charges during the conflict. Two submarines were reportedly destroyed by CAP aircraft, but later research found there

4158-444: The world's first plant that would turn sea water into natural gas, which did not materialize. The Tongan government later said that they had been scammed, and the New York Daily News expressing mystification at the "elaborate and, so far as anyone can see, totally pointless hoax". According to R.G. Crocombe , the Korean government made the Peace Corps issue an apology to Tonga. After Taiwanese Vice-President Annette Lu accepted

4224-402: Was created with Administrative Order 9 , signed by LaGuardia on 1 December 1941 and published 8 December 1941. Civil Air Patrol had 90 days to prove itself to Congress. Major General John F. Curry was appointed as the first national commander. Texas oilman David Harold Byrd was a co-founder of CAP. During World War II, CAP was seen as a way to use America's civilian aviation resources to aid

4290-609: Was designed by John V. "Jack" Sorenson who held the position of Civil Air Patrol's Director of Aerospace Education in the 1960s. This program has four phases (Learning, Leadership, Command, and Executive) each of which is divided into several achievements. Achievements generally correspond to grade promotions, while phases are tied to levels of responsibility. The Cadet Program operates at a local unit (squadron) level with weekly meetings and weekend activities but also has national and wing-sponsored events, including week-long and multi-week summer activities and camps. As cadets progress through

4356-490: Was no basis for this claim. By the end of the war, 68 CAP members had died in the line of duty. With the passing of the National Security Act of 1947 and the creation of the United States Air Force, CAP became the auxiliary of the USAF 26 May 1948, and its incorporating charter declared that it would never again be involved in direct combat activities, but would be of a benevolent nature. The "supervisory" USAF organization overseeing CAP has changed several times. This has included

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