Civil Air Patrol - United States Air Force Auxiliary. Any RallyPoint members a part of this organization?

2015-09-04T11:16:31-04:00

I was a member of Civil Air Patrol when I was a freshman in high school. (About 13 years ago.) At that time I had no real interest in the military, I was mainly doing it because I felt I was getting too old for Boy Scouts but I still wanted to be apart of a team with kids my age. Now an army veteran and civilian I am thinking of joining again and getting my pilots license. Are there any veterans on RallyPoint that are Civil Air Patrol members? If so, how do you like it?

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made Sep 4 at 2015 11:23 AM

2015-09-04T11:23:43-04:00

I tried to, but where I was at, they got rid of the small aircraft used by the flying club before it happened.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 4 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-09-04T11:29:03-04:00

My nephew made it to Cadet First Sergeant (I think that was his grade).

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 12:07 PM

2015-09-04T12:07:26-04:00

I flew for them for a while. Lots of red tape. Good group of kids that didn't make me want to weep for the future of America.

Response by TSgt Gwen Walcott made Sep 4 at 2015 3:58 PM

2015-09-04T15:58:43-04:00

Former, not present.
60's and 70's
Connecticut and Nebraska Wings
Presently a social society that bears no resemblance to an association with the Air Force or other military organization. Impresses society as a coffee klatch doing a lot of hangar flying
No longer impressed --- at least not in New Mexico

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 5:02 PM

2015-09-04T17:02:49-04:00

I have a lot experience with CAP. I was also a cadet, then a SM until I commissioned and did not have time for it while on AD. I got off AD and joined the Reserves and became a CAP-USAF Liaison Officer (LNO) as a transitional job while looking for more permanent Reserve work. As of January I got a different reserve job which meant I could join a wing since I no longer have a conflict of interest. Which I just did back in March. I am a now SM in the NM WG.

Key things to keep in mind is that each wing is different. This I found during evaluating 3 wings. With that everyone's experience is going to be different. So one guy may say its the best, another may say its the worst. So it will be hard to gauge from other peoples experiences outside your state. I find some wings to be very mission centric, and others to have been more of the "good ol boys variety" in my LNO duties. I find that the good ol boys club attitudes tended to be prevalent in wings with more remote rural squadrons. Some wings are heavy on the military side and others are more corporate and some in the middle. I belong to a Senior only Squadron, so we are more corporate in nature. Most of us are former or current members in all statuses. We all are the golf shirt versus wearing modified AF uniforms. The Cadet/Composite units tend to trend more towards military for obvious reasons. If wearing some sort of uniform and do pseudo mil thing is your jam then you will more likely find that in cadet/composite squadron.

Now here is the bad news for you. You stated you wanted to get your private pilot cert. Well, SM's are not allowed to do primary training toward any initial ratings in Airplanes. You can go for an initial rating in gliders and balloons although this is limited to wings that have those resources. After you get a private pilot Single Engine Land on your own, you can get training for additional ratings like Instrument Airplane and a Commercial Pilot. Only cadets are allowed to get initial training in Airplanes. I think this was to prevent people for joining just to get a ticket and punch.

There maybe options. Such as some flight schools used to give discounts to CAP members not sure if they still do. You might be able to find an instructor pilot in CAP with his own plane willing to give you training for the cost of fuel. That's never a guarantee. You can join a DOD aero club as a CAP member which is slightly cheaper than a commercial part 141 school.

If you cant get initial training, you can get qualified as an observer where you can at least get familiar with the radios and the nav instruments, learn how the checklists work etc. Some mission pilots may let you fly the transit legs to a operating area. This is at least helpful in learning how to maintain a course and keep your altitude. Then when you do go take flying lessons you wont be just starting from scratch as if you never touched the controls of a plane.

So that's about it. As for the demeanor of the people in a particular unit. I would suggest visiting various squadrons in your area and see which squadrons might be a good fit for you.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-09-04T18:19:40-04:00

Still a member goin strong. Finished my Spaatz last year and recently turned senior. As Maj Stanton said, every wing is different. It was sad transitioning from a squadron of 120 cadets in Colorado to 2 cadets in Kansas! But I still enjoy the program and forsee a long future with it.

Response by Maj Rob Drury made Sep 8 at 2015 11:03 AM

2015-09-08T11:03:29-04:00

I was a senior member throughout college and many years active duty. My membership lapsed several years ago, but now I'm a horribly noncurrent pilot getting the itch. I need to rejoin soon.

Response by PO2 Jerry Echelberger made Nov 10 at 2015 4:49 PM

2015-11-10T16:49:56-05:00

I am ... I am the DOV for the Mississippi Wing!

Response by SSgt Stephen Lindsey made Dec 17 at 2015 12:31 PM

2015-12-17T12:31:06-05:00

The CAP is very involved in Homeland Security and the orgaization is constantly evolving and acquiring newly assigned Air Force missions and requirements. In fact, the USAF has incorporated the CAP/USAF Auxiliary into its' "Toal Force Doctrine". All CAP members can now be referred to as "Airman" just as the Air Force active duty, reserve and guard components. I'm a former Air Force SSgt (Security Police) and currently a Capt in the CAP - Homeland Security Officer, Professional Development Officer, and Communications Officer. It's a great way to continue serving my country and maintain roots with the military.

Response by SFC James Himes made Mar 26 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-03-26T16:30:07-04:00

I have been extremely active with the Ohio Wing for 25years. I have worked mostly with the cadet side of the program and the ground ops side of emergency services (ES). I was recently appointed to the Wing Director of Public Affairs. I am also Commander of a local squadron.

Like any organization you will get out of it by what you put into it. Also like most volunteer organization you will encounter all types of personalities who use the program for many reasons not all of them which result in giving back to the program their experience and knowledge.

I love the program and think it is one way to help direct the future of our country (the cadets) while serving your community, state and nation. I know that sounds like such a canned answer to those who are eternally skeptical but get to know me and you would see it is what I believe and what I live.

As for Homeland Security I have worked with the Civil Air Patrol as we assisted military units prep for their HLS operations. CAP has provided valuable assistance during many recent FEMA and HLS events from 9/11 to Sandy Hook, the Gulf flooding and other events.

Response by SGT Lloyd Burge made Apr 17 at 2016 7:38 AM

2016-04-17T07:38:11-04:00

When I left the Army I thought I would be glad to never see another military service again. When my son wanted to join CAP I let him, and then realized how much I missed the military life. I have been in CAP for 17 years now.

Response by Matt Moon made May 15 at 2018 5:37 AM

2018-05-15T05:37:21-04:00

I'm a former member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Response by PV2 Robert Bowne made Sep 2 at 2018 9:43 PM

2018-09-02T21:43:43-04:00

I served in the CAP from 1979 - 1983 as a Cadet and had the best time of my life, when I left the CAP Cadet program I left as a Cadet Chief master sergeant. I am now 36 years later a Cadet Alumni member and proud of my service as a Cadet in the USAFA...

Response by PV2 Robert Bowne made Sep 2 at 2018 9:47 PM

2018-09-02T21:47:25-04:00

Former CAP Cadet 79 - 83 , it's a very good organization to belong to. I am currently a Cadet Alumni member and plan on rejoining as a senior member real soon

Response by COL Thomas F. made Nov 4 at 2018 7:52 PM

2018-11-04T19:52:28-05:00

I was a cadet from '84-'90 in my high school years (West Bay Composite Sq 192). It was a great way to meet friends and learn about the military as my family just moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast. I am working on my pilots license now and started to think about my time in the CAP. I found a composite squadron in KCMO and now have my membership paperwork going through channels. Its a great way of working on my flight training with some seasoned pilots and have the organization pay for the flight time. Its a win-win. Only negative is that I now have to buy some USAF gear but I'll start with the blue polo and work my way into the wardrobe. I'm looking forward to when my kids get old enough to join (after I retire) and have something we can do together.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2019 7:43 PM

2019-01-22T19:43:27-05:00

18 year member. I joined CAP as an adult and after being in the military several years. I’ve gotten involved in flying, ground teams, professional development, cadet programs, legislation, inspector general, and more flying. I attend cadet encampments, and other summer activities. I teach cadets to fly. There’s a lot you can do, if you look for it and try it out.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2019 6:05 PM

2019-01-28T18:05:57-05:00

I am a member of the CAP. Currently 13 and put in 2 years, best thing I've ever done.

Response by MAJ Matthew Arnold made Jan 11 at 2020 4:00 PM

2020-01-11T16:00:04-05:00

I have a couple friends who are active in the CAP. It's a great way for retired guys and gals to continue to serve.