Civil Air Patrol (CAP)

The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a 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 relief 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 also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies, such as local law enforcement and the American Red Cross. The program is established as an organization by Title 10 of the United States Code[4] and its purposes defined by Title 36.[5] Membership in the organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to just under 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. These two groups each have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of pursuits; the cadet program contributes to the development of the former group with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks and pay grades, while the older members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. All members wear uniforms while performing their duties.

Nationwide, CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft, used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and the provision of significant emergency services capabilities. Because of these extensive flying opportunities, many CAP members become licensed pilots.
The hierarchical and military auxiliary organization is headed by the National Headquarters (with authority over the national organization) followed by eight regional commands and 52 wings (each of the 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico). Each wing supervises the individual groups and squadrons that comprise the basic operational unit of the organization. 

Colorado Military Academy (CMA) earned their Civil Air Patrol Charter in 2017 and stood up the school squadron. The school squadron accepts Cadets as early as 11 years old (6th grade) through 12th grade. All 9th grade (freshman) are required to join and be active members in Civil Air Patrol in order to attend Colorado Military Academy. CMA has the largest squadron in the Colorado Wing as well as the most cadet flying hours over the past two years.  Cadets earn rank through accomplishing the tasks required through the Civil Air Patrol program and under daily instruction from their assigned Military Studies Instructors. Cadets are continually motivated through the various programs offered by Civil Air Patrol; Flying, Aerospace, Honor Guard, Search and Rescue,  Air Rifle, Cyber Patriot just to name a few.

Contact the Commandant at roberts.n@cmacs.org