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: