About Us

Who is Civil Air Patrol?

Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). We are a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles and occupations. 

Our three core missions: 

1. Emergency services, which includes search and rescue (by air and ground) and disaster relief operations 

2. Aerospace education for youth and the general public 

3. Cadet programs for teenage youth 

In addition, Civil Air Patrol has been tasked with homeland security and courier service missions. It also performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies such as local law enforcement and the American Red Cross.