Civil Air Patrol

Civil Air Patrol is the official Air Force Auxiliary of the United States and a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, established in 1941. It operates as a volunteer organisation across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, organised into 52 Wings within 8 Regions. As a Total Force Partner, it works alongside the Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

Its work falls into three areas: emergency response and search and rescue, including aviation and ground services; youth education and leadership development; and aerospace and cyber education promoting air, space and cyber opportunities for Americans. Civil Air Patrol describes itself as the only U.S. non-profit combining search and rescue, youth leadership development and aerospace and cyber education under one mission.

Membership is drawn from a wide range of career backgrounds, including mechanics, doctors, plumbers, executives, teachers and retirees, and participation is structured around local Wings. The organisation's stated core values are integrity, volunteerism, excellence and respect, with an emphasis on servant leadership in communities.