Civil Air Patrol has augmented the Air Force's Search and Rescue and Disaster Relief missions since CAP's formation in 1941. The Civil Air Patrol is always ready to assist America in times of disaster or in any emergency when CAP resources - personnel and equipment - could be used.

The Emergency Services primary mission objective is to save lives and relieve human suffering. To be effective, CAP personnel performing the missions must be properly trained and equipped. Civil Air Patrol demands professionalism in organization, training, and mission execution to accomplish this service. Only qualified members are allowed to participate in CAP missions.

All CAP personnel are trained in Search And Rescue (SAR) duties. CAP units may not participate in SAR missions unless their members are trained to quickly and successfully accomplish the mission. A Wing may have several trained units "on call" for SAR activities, but the Winng Commander usually assigns the closest unit to carry out the mission.

On a major mission, several Wings may be called upon to assist. The picture on the right shows cadets operating an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) receiver, which allows them to pinpoint the location of a missing aircraft, boat, or person.

During Disaster Relief, the Civil Air Patrol may be called upon to carry out missions that include: courier and light cargo transport, medical cargo transport, debris removal, air and ground transport of key personnel, surface vehicular traffic control, airborne and ground-based communications relay, and damage assessment. CAP works closely with the Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), State Police, National Guard, and many other local, state, and national agencies.

The picture above illustrates the committment of CAP members to the mission and their fellow citizens. Cadets and senior members train to ensure complete readiness in case a disaster strikes. Civil Air Patrol members make a difference in their communities, states, and nation. Working as a unified team, Civil Air Patrol members provide valuable services to America nearly free of charge.

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