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Welcome to the Public Affairs Section of the Clarksburg Composite
Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. If you would like more information
on the Squadron feel free and call the squadron at (304)842-3606
(Monday Evenings)
Excitement
Leadership
Teamwork
 For more than 62 years, the Civil Air Patrol has aggressively performed the missions
Congress mandated in 1946: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services.
Aerospace Education
America's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and continues unabated
during this century. World War II showcased the important role aviation would play in
the future and national leaders recognized the importance of stimulating public
interest in aerospace activities.
CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was most suited to perform this mission.
Their efforts focused on two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public.
The internal programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation
for and knowledge of aerospace issues. A rigorous educational program is tied to promotions
at every level in the CAP organization.
Aerospace educators working out of CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell AFB, Ala., provide
materials that are current and reflect the highest standards of educational excellence.
The congressional charter also tasked CAP to stimulate public interest in aerospace issues.
These external programs are primarily conducted through our nation's education systems.
Each year, CAP sponsors nearly 200 workshops in colleges and universities across the
nation which reach more than 5,000 educators.
These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace
technology. Textbooks, learning tools, and visual aids geared to stimulate interest in
aerospace matters also are provided for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Started in 1951, these workshops have reached hundreds of thousands of young people.
"CAP...a liaison between the planners of our air strength and our pilots and navigators
of tomorrow...We must pass on our air experience -- not only in the Air Forces, but in
every section of the country." General Carl Spaatz Former Chairman, CAP National Board
CAP also plans and executes the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education.
NCASE is the premier aerospace education conference held in the nation. The NCASE
is designed to promote an understanding of aviation and space education to motivate
and encourage teachers to incorporate aerospace education into their curriculum. It
also encourages aerospace leaders to speak out on aerospace issues facing our nation today.
The Civil Air Patrol is a civilian organization but, as the civilian Auxiliary of the
U.S. Air Force, it comes as no surprise that it is organized along military lines.
CAP is organized into eight geographic regions. These regions are subdivided by the
states falling within their boundaries and each state has a CAP wing.
Additionally, the District of Columbia and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico have CAP wings.
These 52 wings are then subdivided into groups, squadrons, and flights depending on their size.
There are more than 1,700 CAP units, half of which are composite squadrons or squadrons
that have both senior and cadet members.
The highest governing body of CAP is the National Board, chaired by a member of
the CAP Corporation whose title is National Commander. This position is held by a
CAP Brigadier General elected by the members.
Other members of the Board include the eight region and 52 wing commanders.
This governing body also includes an elected National Vice Commander, Chief of Staff,
Legal Officer, Finance Officer, and Controller - all civilian volunteers who have
no active duty Air Force obligations or privileges.
There is one key position on the National Board that ties the CAP Corporation to the
U.S. Air Force - the Senior Air Force Advisor.
The advisor's position is held by an active-duty Air Force Colonel who, in
addition to serving as the Senior Air Force Adviser, is responsible for all
active duty and DoD civilian employees who provide liaison oversight and advice to
the CAP organization.
In this capacity, the Senior Air Force advisor is also the CAP-USAF Commander.
Sound confusing? It's really not. When Congress enacted Public Law 557 in 1948,
they determined that active-duty Air Force personnel should be assigned to provide
advice and assistance to the organization. Hence, Headquarters CAP-USAF was established.
"As the active force draws down, the Air Force will engage in increased burden-sharing
with its Guard, Reserve and Auxiliary (CAP) components. It is critical that U.S. Air
Force installation and unit commanders provide priority support to CAP--which in
turn enhances CAP mission readiness and a payback in increased mission support to
the Air Force by its civilian Auxiliary."
Mr. Bryan Sharratt Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Reserve Affairs)
In addition to the Air Force staff at CAP's National Headquarters, CAP Liaison regions
have a small staff headed by a commander and a staff of six other officers, NCOs and
DoD civilians who perform aerospace education and training, logistics, and administration
and operations functions.
Each of the 52 wings also has a liaison noncommissioned officer and some also
have a liaison officer - both who are retired U.S. Air Force members.
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