Dear Prospective Member
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a nonprofit volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force and is chartered by congress to conduct three missions: Search and Rescue (SAR), Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs. In the field of Search and Rescue, CAP conducts approximately 95% of the USAF SAR missions within the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. CAP also assists in emergencies and natural disasters and participates in Civil Defense activities. During actual missions, CAP is directly funded by the Air Force. Under Aerospace Education, CAP has a two-phased program to assist and encourage the aerospace education of both its own members and the general public. Finally, CAP performs Cadet Programs to motivate young men and women in the ideals of leadership and service through military style training, discipline, and education.
The squadron is the basic organizational unit within CAP and may be a cadet, senior, or composite squadron. Here in Colorado Springs the Pikes Peak Senior Squadron (PPSS) is an all adult group focusing primarily upon the SAR and Aerospace Education missions. We occasionally work with Colorado Springs Cadet Squadron at Peterson AFB and the Air Academy Cadet Squadron at the United States Air Force Academy for cadet training. Our membership is composed of aircrew (pilots, observers, and scanners), ground crew (team members with specialties such as medical assistance, radio communications or ground search and rescue), and mission base specialties. Although previous experience in any of these fields is a “plus” we train our members ourselves (with the exception of pilots who must already be licensed by the FAA) using volunteer CAP instructors qualified in the particular specialties concerned. FAA licensed pilots who want to become CAP mission pilots will receive the necessary advanced training. The USAF also funds special SAR training exercises. Our staff officers are also volunteers just like you and me who have received additional training or experience in specialties such as personnel management, finance, air or ground operations, public affairs, and emergency services.
As the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, we have the privilege of wearing the USAF style uniform with distinctive CAP insignia. Wear of the USAF style uniform is optional, but requires conformance to certain grooming standards (weight, hair style, beards, mustaches, etc.). Wear of the uniform is not normally required but is encouraged for meetings and special activities. A suitable uniform is required when flying in CAP aircraft, when participating in SAR missions, and a few other activities. Our squadron may have military surplus USAF style uniforms and flights suits, which you may obtain free from the Supply Officer once you become a member. Other CAP uniform items may be ordered from Vanguard or purchased at the Clothing Sales Store on Peterson AFB. If you become an air or ground crew member, you may be required to provide your own emergency survival kit. Many of us eventually buy other items such as hand-held radios, specialized equipment, and other special items. Such purchases for CAP purposes are tax deductible.
We give a very high priority to training ground and aircrews for SAR missions. In all our training and operations, our first consideration is SAFETY. Not only would it be undesirable to the persons concerned, but also it would be counterproductive to create a second emergency while dealing with the original one. We operate three specially equipped and well maintained aircraft for aerial search use and a ¾ ton Chevrolet Suburban for ground rescue operations.
In order to become a member of CAP and PPSS, you will be required to fill out a CAP Form 12, Senior Membership Application, have your fingerprints taken, and pay a one time membership fee of $71.00. Annual dues are as follows:
National $61.00 a year
Squadron $15.00 a year
When the CAP Form 12 and the fingerprint card are completed and the required signatures are obtained, mail them along with a $71.00 check (made payable to “Civil Air Patrol”) to Civil Air Patrol, 105 S. Hansell Street, Building 714, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6332.
Shortly after joining you will receive your membership card and a packet from National Headquarters containing some very important materials to help you get started. You will be required to complete Level One (introductory) training, Cadet Protection training, and Operations Security training. All of these training sessions can be completed on-line and you will be guided through the process. After you have completed these three training requirements you may then start work on the General Emergency Services (GES) training. This training can also be accomplished on-line and again, you will be guided through the process. Once you have your GES rating, we will help you determine what other training is required for the staff or mission role for which you want to qualify. Air crew and ground team training is provided locally on a recurring basis. How fast you complete the training is strictly up to you. All training is provided free of charge except for the pilot training; more on that when you get the initial training out of the way. We do not assign anyone to any specific job in the squadron. Every member chooses what he or she wants to do.
If this type of community service and activity appeals to you, please join us at one of our meetings or activities. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome. Our General Meeting is held the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M. at Peterson AFB in Hangar 119. Other Thursday evenings are reserved for training, activities, and administration.
Civil Air Patrol has a proud history going back more than 60 years during which it has helped save countless lives. It has also served the nation well in educating both the public and its own members on aerospace activities and in training cadets as leaders for tomorrow. If you are interested in participating in these activities, please accept my invitation to attend one of our meetings and learn more about how we train to serve our community and our nation.
EARL B. SHERWIN, LtCol, CAP
Squadron Commander