About CAP

What We Do

“Volunteers Serving America’s Communities, Saving Lives, and Shaping Futures.”

Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a Congressionally chartered, federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). With an aviation-minded membership that includes people from all backgrounds, lifestyles, and occupations, CAP is America's premier public service organization for carrying out emergency services and disaster relief missions nationwide. Vigilant citizen volunteers are 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 promoting aviation and related fields through aerospace education and helping shape future leaders through CAP’s cadet program. In addition, CAP has recently been tasked with homeland security and courier service missions and performs non-auxiliary missions for various governmental and private agencies, such as local law enforcement and the American Red Cross.

Nationwide, CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft, used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and the provision of significant emergency services capabilities. Because of these extensive flying opportunities, many CAP members are licensed pilots and several cadets are inspired to become pilots.

Membership in the organization consists of cadets ranging from 12 to 21 years of age, and senior members 18 years of age and up. The Cadet program contributes to the development of young people with a structured syllabus and an organization based upon United States Air Force ranks, while the adult members serve as instructors, supervisors, and operators. All members wear uniforms while performing their duties.

There are four different types of squadrons in Civil Air Patrol. Cadet squadrons are composed of a cadet element with a supporting adult element, primarily oriented towards cadet programs. Composite squadrons are composed of both Cadets and Senior structures. Senior squadrons consist of only an adult element. School squadrons are associated with an educational institution. Candidates for cadet membership may join any cadet or composite squadron. Candidates for adult membership may join any type of squadron.

Steamboat Springs is a Composite Squadron (number 181) of the Colorado Wing in the Rocky Mountain Region.  

There is a great need for more adult involvement in our program.  Please consider joining, so we can continue to develop all of the CAP missions in Steamboat Springs! 

Here are options for parents and community members:

• Senior Member -- If you are interested in taking a leadership role in the Cadet Program, or want to participate in CAP's aerospace education and emergency services missions, you should join as a senior member. Talk with the squadron commander about joining as a senior member. 

• Cadet Sponsor Member -- Just like any other youth organization, CAP relies on a cadet's family to support the program. Cadet parents, grandparents or legal guardians are eligible to join as a Cadet Sponsor. This membership requires the same FBI background screening process and cadet protection training as the active adult membership. First year national organization dues are just $30 and renewals are only $20. As a parent sponsor, you'll be able to help chaperone the kids, ride or drive in the CAP vehicles, and otherwise help the other adult volunteer members. You will not be required to wear the Air Force-style uniform.

THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU

If you have skills or want to develop your skills in: leadership, public affairs, administration, emergency services, logistics, communications, education, aerospace, safety, and nearly every other occupation, we have a place for you.

If you are former military and want to share your knowledge and leadership skills to the next generation, we have a place for you.

If you are a young person and want to increase your confidence and knowledge in a supportive environment, learn new skills, and create lasting friendships with others who will treat you with dignity and respect, we have a place for you.

If you are planning toward a military career, participating in ROTC, or entering a military academy, we have a place for you.

We encourage you to visit our weekly meeting to discover how CAP can make a difference for you.