General Knowledge

These regions are subdivided by the states falling within their boundaries, and each state has a CAP wing. Additionally, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have CAP wings. These 52 wings are then divided into groups, squadrons, and flights depending on their size. There are more than 1,700 CAP units. 

Mr. LaGuardia, Director of Civil Defense, signed the order that created CAP on December 1, 1941.

On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed which helped bring the United States into World War II.

Civil Air Patrol provided coastal patrol during World War II, and bombed 57 submarines – sinking two.

On July 1, 1946, President Henry Truman signed Public law 476 that made CAP a private, non-profit organization and defined the missions of CAP.

On September 18, 1947 the United States Air Force became an independent service when it separated from the Army Air Corps.

In 1948, Congress passed Public Law 557 making CAP the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.

On December 1, 1991, CAP celebrated 50 years of providing service to its members, the United States Air Force, and the people of the United States.

Cadet Oath

I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation.

Cadet Honor Code

We will not lie, cheat or steal, nor will we tolerate those among us that do.

Civil Air Patrol Motto

Semper Vigilans - (Always Vigilant)

Civil Air Patrol's Birthday

December 2, 1941

General Orders

1. To take charge of this post and all designated property in view.
2. To walk this post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from other post.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To receive, obey, and pass on to the sentinel who relieves me all orders from the commander, officer of the day, and all officers and
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the sergeant of the guard in any case not covered by my instructions.
10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not encased.
11. To be especially watchful at night, and, in time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near the post.
12. To use NO force or the show of force in the executions of my duties.

Definition of Leadership

Leadership is the process of influencing people to achieve a common objective, goal, or mission.

Civil Air Patrol Missions

Emergency Services -- To provide humanitarian assistance in peacetime and domestic disasters.
Aerospace Education -- Education of the general public in support of aerospace power.
Cadet Program -- A program to motivate the youth of the country to leadership and responsible citizenship, through an interest in aviation.
Counterdrug Operations -- To help the U.S. Military in find and confiscate illegal drugs.
Homeland Security -- To help the U.S. Military in protecting our country from would-be terrorists.

Placement Of Insignia

One inch over and centered on the collar, at the same angle of the leading edge. (Look in your Uniform Manual CAPM 39-1 page 66 for a diagram)

I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation.

Cadet Honor Code