Volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol

About the Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. While the CAP is sponsored by the Air Force, it is not an operating reserve component under the Air Force or the federal government. CAP is a non-profit volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations.

It performs three Congressionally assigned key missions: emergency services, which includes search and rescue (by air and ground) and disaster recovery operations; aerospace education for youth and the general public; and cadet programs for teenage youth. In addition, CAP has recently been tasked with homeland security and courier service missions.

CAP increases our nation’s security capabilities by providing airborne reconnaissance and imagery, disaster and damage assessment, airborne transportation of personnel, equipment and critical supplies, and multi-layered communications support. CAP can provide manpower for communications and emergency operations centers, search and rescue teams, and ground support teams. Read more.. CAP Fact Sheet

Civil Air Patrol Vision --- “America’s Air Force Auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol, building the nation’s finest force of citizen volunteers - performing Missions for America”

Civil Air Patrol Mission --- “To serve America by performing Homeland Security and humanitarian missions for our communities, states, and nation; developing our country’s youth; and educating our citizens on the importance of air and space power.“

Civil Air Patrol Motto -- Semper Vigilans (Always Vigilant)

Civil Air Patrol Core Values are Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect

Our volunteers come from all walks of life:

• Students
• Retirees
• Delivery Drivers
• Flight Instructors
• Information Technologists

• Counselors
• Pastors
• Mechanics
• Teachers
• Law Enforcement Officers

Everyone has something they can bring to the table!

If you are interested in joining CAP, please stop by one of our regular training meetings. You can contact a staff member on the Contact Us or feel free to drop by a Squadron near you during its schedule meetings. Click Here for contact information for Maryland Squadrons.