Mission & Core Values

Civil Air Patrol Missions

Signed into law by President Harry Truman on July 1, 1946, Public Law 476 incorporated Civil Air Patrol as a benevolent, nonprofit organization. The Civil Air Patrol was permanently established as the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force when Congress passed Public Law 557 on May 26, 1948. The three primary missions set forth at that time were: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.

The cadet program transforms youth into dynamic Americans and future aerospace leaders. CAP accomplishes Congressionally mandated program (Title 36, U.S.C. 40302) through a curriculum of leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character development. The program follows a military model and emphasizes Air Force traditions and values. 

Today's cadets are tomorrow's aerospace leaders. 

Core Values

Core values are an important role in the cadet program and establish a common set of expectations of conduct for all members. In February 1999, the CAP National Board formally approved the following core values: Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. Over time, CAP has integrated these core values into all professional development programs for senior members and cadets and are the embodiment of how CAP members are expected to treat each other and the people they come in contact with.