Join the Civil Air Patrol
About CAP
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation’s civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
As a Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 56,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy, and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 80-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.
Mission/Vision Statement
Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures
Core Values
Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect.
Local Squadrons
Civil Air Patrol’s National Capital Wing is responsible for squadrons and flights (units) in the District of Columbia and parts of Virginia and Maryland. The wing is the operational component of CAP when conducting missions for federal, state, and local customers. The official websites and social media channels for each squadron are listed. The map at the bottom shows squadron meeting locations. Each unit listed below is unique in how it operates. The first step to joining CAP is to visit a squadron. To learn more about the process to join, go to GoCivilAirPatrol.com.
Join or for more information: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/join/join-cap