Civil Air Patrol was founded just a week before Pearl Harbor. From its infancy CAP was very active. Civil Air Patrol took on duties such as: Coastal Patrol, Border Patrol, Target Towing, and many others. After the war ended CAP was no longer needed for many of these missions so a major change was in order. CAP was turned into a benevolent organization and the official Auxiliary of the Air Force and took on three missions:

• Emergency Services
• Aerospace Education
• Cadet Programs

The Cadet Program is full of opportunities for young people ages 12-21. It is structured so that cadets work through a series of 16 achievements including 5 milestone awards: the Wright Brothers Award (c/Staff Sergeant), the Mitchell Award (c/Lieutenant), the Earhart Award (c/Captain), the Eaker Award (c/Lieutenant Colonel), and finally the Spaatz Award (c/Colonel). Through each of the achievements the cadets will gain knowledge about leadership and receive increased responsibilities.

The opportunities that are available through CAP are extensive. Every year there are dozens of National Cadet Special activities and a statewide encampment. The encampment provides general knowledge of CAP and many great experiences. The National Cadet Special Activities (NCSAs) provide excellent opportunities to cadets over a broad range of interests. There are Emergency Services camps, Aviation Camps, Space related camps, Engineering camps, Music related camps, and several others. For those looking at a military career the CAP program is a huge benefit! If you achieve the Mitchell Award when you enlist you will automatically be given a two pay grade promotion!

Just because the Cadet Program is listed as its own mission does not mean that cadets are excluded from the other two. On the contrary, cadets are encouraged to participate in all three missions of CAP .I, for instance, am currently the cadet Aerospace Officer and Ground Team qualified (part of Emergency Services). Because of risks there are a few areas cadets under 18 are not able to participate in.

Before a cadet is allowed to join they must visit for three weeks. During this time we encourage you to learn as much as possible about CAP and ask lots of questions. I hope you will decide to come and join us at Civil Air Patrol!