What is Civil Air Patrol?

Civil Air Patrol is the official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. In English that means we operate under the direction of the Air Force. Our Civil Air Patrol Mission statement pretty much sums up what our purpose is:

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.

The Sullivan County Cadet Squadron does it's best to accomplish this mission. Our cadet program teaches cadets the art of leadership, and gives them an introduction to the military. Responsibility is stressed at our Squadron as the cadet learns how to manage him/herself, and then as he/she progresses, learns to manage larger groups of individuals.

In our Aerospace Education portion of training cadets launch rockets, learn principles of aerodynamics and flight, and are given the opportunity to fly in a plane with a CAP pilot! Once a cadet has completed a basic encampment (week long training at a military base), they are eligible to attend CAP's glider or powered flight academy, where they spend almost two weeks with qualified flight instructors, and get their solo pilot rating. After a cadet has completed their Mitchell Award (usually 1 1/2 to 2 years after joining, they are eligible for flight scholarships to complete their pilot training. Visit the National CAP websit for more information on flight academies and other national acivities, and scholarships.

Operations is the third CAP mission. Although the first two missions are mandatory for a cadets progression in Civil Air Patrol, this mission is optional. Cadets and Seniors from all over the nation train in Search and Rescue, First Aid, and Emergency Services techniques. Once a cadet is qualified, they are eligible to be part of a CAP ground team that helps give relief to victims from natural disasters (floods, hurricanes etc.), search for downed planes, and much more.

If you wish to learn more about CAP, we invite you to come to one of our Squadron Meetings and see firsthand what we do!