Cap History

CAP History

Our history dates back to World War II, when civilian pilots flew their private aircraft from the Atlantic coast, patrolling America's shores for German U-boats.

With most of the Army Air Corps aircraft deployed in Europe, Africa, and the Pacific, only the CAP were left to search for enemy subs. When a U-boat was found, CAP pilots called in air strikes against the subs. German U-boat commanders quickly recognized the threat of these tiny, civil, aircraft.

U-boats would crash-dive upon sighting a CAP aircraft. Many German sub crews would try to shoot down CAP aircraft. As a result, the Army Air Corps began arming CAP planes with bombs. Two German U-boats were sunk by Civil Air Patrol aircraft. But victory was not without its price. CAP aircraft that were shot down left their crews with little chance of survival in the cold Atlantic waters. As a result, CAP quickly learned the art of search and rescue, taking care of their own in the process. These early CAP pilots came to be known as the Flying Minutemen. These civilians, with no formal military training, would leave their homes and families in the morning, go to fight in war, and return home for supper. They were the only men to do this since the revolutionary war.

After the German surrender, one of Hitler's high-ranking naval officers was asked why the Nazi U-boats had been withdrawn from U.S. coastal waters early in 1943. The answer was exploded in a curt guttural: 'It was because of those damned little red and yellow planes!"
-- From Robert E. Neprud's The Flying Minute Men



The Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is charged with the successful implementation of three Congressionally mandated missions of Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.



Cadet Programs
For the past half-century, CAP's Cadet Programs has provided young people between 12 and 21 the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through their interest in aviation. For many, it has also offered them the opportunity to learn to fly. A knowledge of aerospace-related information is one of the pillars of the program. Cadets progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.

As cadets make progress, they have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of activities including encampments on military bases, orientation flights, and a variety of national and international activities.

Through its National Scholarship Program, CAP provides scholarships to cadets to further their studies in such areas as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics and aerospace medicine. Scholarships leading to solo flight training are also provided.

The US Air Force recognizes the high standards the cadets must meet. When CAP cadets enlist in the Air Force, they now enter as an E-3 (Airman First Class) instead of as an airman basic.

CAP cadets are also well represented at the US Air Force Academy. Usually 8-10 percent of the academy class is composed of former CAP cadets.



Emergency Services
Search and Rescue (SAR): Perhaps best known for its search and rescue efforts, CAP now flies more than 85 percent of all inland SAR missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Langley AFB, Va. Overseas, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. In Maryland, CAP works closely with State and local police forces for missing persons search.

Disaster Relief: Often overlooked but vitally important is the role CAP plays in disaster relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation, and an extensive communications network. We fly disaster relief officials to remote locations, and support local, state and national disaster relief organizations with manpower and leadership.

In fact, CAP has formal agreements with many humanitarian relief agencies such as the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, and Coast Guard.

Humanitarian Services: Closely related to disaster relief is CAP's support of humanitarian missions. Usually in support of the Red Cross, CAP air crews transport time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue in situations where other means of transportation are not possible.

Air Force Support: It's hardly surprising that CAP performs several missions in direct support of the US Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts damage assessment, radiological monitoring, light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys.

Counternarcotics: CAP joined the "war on drugs" in 1986 when CAP signed an agreement with the US Air Force and US Customs Service offering CAP resources to be used to stem the flow of drugs into and within the United States. Today, CAP has similar agreements with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the US Forest Service.

Aerospace Education

CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, supports Aerospace Education for two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public.

The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous educational program is tied to promotions at every level in the CAP organization.

At Carroll Squadron, we offer AE programs through attendance and support at airshows, flights in civil and military aircraft, and activities such as model rocket building classes.

CAP also plans and executes the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education. NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation. The NCASE is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education to motivate and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education into their curriculum. It also encourages aerospace leaders to speak out on aerospace issues facing our nation today.

[CFHSNJROTC]

thanks for the great tidbits of History.