What is Civil Air Patrol?
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force. The Vermont "Wing" of CAP consists of a headquarters located at the Burlington International Airport and squadrons located throughout the state.
Vermont Wing has a variety of Cessna 182 and 172, single engine aircraft, vehicles, radios, cameras, direction finding, and various other Search & Rescue equipment, along with pilots, senior members, and cadets who are ready to serve Vermont in the various CAP missions.
CAP is proud to encourage and inspire the next generation of aviators with several programs to assist young adults to earn their pilot's license.
Since Civil Air Patrol’s formation during the earliest days of World War II, this vigilant organization of citizen Airmen has been committed to service to America. Founded on Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that still carries out emergency service missions when needed — in the air and on the ground.
As a Total Force partner and Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is there to search for and find the lost, provide comfort in times of disaster and work to keep the homeland safe. Its 60,000 members selflessly devote their time, energy and expertise toward the well-being of their communities, while also promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace/STEM education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol’s missions for America are many, and today’s adults and cadets perform their duties with the same vigilance as its founding members — preserving CAP’s 75-year legacy of service while maintaining its commitment to nearly 1,500 communities nationwide.
Mission Statement
Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.
Vision Statement
Civil Air Patrol, America's Air Force auxiliary, building the nation's finest force of citizen volunteers serving America.
Core Values
Integrity, Volunteerism, Excellence and Respect.
About CAP
Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of Regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees.
Civil Air Patrol’s 58,000+ members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief, and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a leading role in Aerospace Education, and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP Cadet Program.
Civil Air Patrol received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. Congressionally chartered 74 years ago, the non-profit organization also participates in Wreaths Across America: an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans.
Vermont Wing
CAP has members across the country organized into regions and "wings".
The Vermont Wing is part of the North East Region, and has senior and cadet members ready to serve in CAP missions across the state and beyond! Vermont Wing headquarters is located at the Burlington International Airport, and squadrons are located in Montpelier/Berlin, Rutland, Bennington, Burlington, and Springfield. Assets consist of aircraft, ground vehicles, photo and video assessment technology, beacon locator equipment, and an extensive radio network that can provide communications during times of cell phone and internet disruption.
Vermont Wing provides Search & Rescue and disaster relief missions for various agencies, including FEMA, by providing incident awareness and assessment for officials via aerial photography of large areas of Vermont and New England. CAP has also supported the Air National Guard by providing targets for air intercept training and radar evaluation.
Vermont Wing has active Aerospace Education and Cadet programs. Additionally, cadets enjoy many tours, camps, exchanges, the Regional Glider Academy in Springfield, Color Guard competitions and presentations, including at a Red Sox game!
