Missions

For more than 50 years, CAP has performed the three missions mandated by Congress in 1946: Cadet Programs, Emergency Services and Aerospace Education. With more than 51,000 members, 535 light aircraft and an extensive communications capability, CAP is fully equipped to complete these missions.

The Programs

Cadet Programs

CAP’s Cadet Program provides young people between 12 and 18 the opportunity to develop their leadership skills through their interest in aviation. For many, it has also offered them a chance to learn to fly.

Cadets progress at their own pace through a 15-step program including leadership training, aerospace education, physical fitness and moral leadership.

Cadets 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 the aerospace sciences.

Emergency Services

Growing from it’s experiences in World War II, CAP has continued to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a variety of emergency service missions.

Search & Rescue

Disaster Relief

Humanitarian Services

Air Force Support

Counterdrug Program

Aerospace Education

CAP is best suited to stimulate interest in aerospace activities. Efforts focus on two different audiences – CAP members and the general public. The National Congress on Aviation and Space Education is sponsored annually by CAP.