History

Civil Air Patrol  was founded Dec. 1, 1941. During World War II, its principal purpose was to allow private pilots and aviation enthusiasts to use their light aircraft and flying skills in civil defense efforts. In 1943, the organization came under control and direction of the Army Air Forces.  In July 1, 1946,  it became a permanent peacetime institution when President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 476 establishing it as a federally chartered, benevolent, civilian corporation. In May 1948, Public Law 557 made the organization the official auxiliary of the Air Force.

Organization

Civil Air Patrol has eight geographic regions composed of 52 wings -- one wing for each state, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. Wings are subdivided into groups, squadrons and, sometimes, flights.

There are approximately 1,700 individual units.

Headquarters Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., is staffed by military and civilian personnel, as authorized by the Secretary of the Air Force. HQ CAP-USAF personnel also function as the staff of National Headquarters, Civil Air Patrol.

Additional CAP-USAF liaison personnel are assigned to CAP regions and wings to advise and assist field units. Air Force Reserve members also assist the Civil Air Patrol through the Reserve Assistance Program. In addition to personnel support, the Air Force provides equipment from Department of Defense excess items.

Membership consists of approximately 19,000 cadets and 34,000 adult volunteers. They wear the Air Force uniform, but with distinctive CAP emblems and insignia. Members operate more than 5,000 privately owned aircraft and 530 CAP aircraft and more than 950 CAP vehicles in support of the organization's programs.