Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force and is federally chartered by Congress under Title 36 of the United States Code.
Civil Air Patrol operates through a governance structure that combines nonprofit corporate governance, volunteer leadership, national regulations, and Air Force oversight.
CAP’s governance framework is established through federal law, corporate bylaws, and national regulations that guide the organization’s operations, ethics, administration, and mission execution.
Foundational documents and policies establish CAP’s authority, structure, standards, and operational responsibilities.
Civil Air Patrol’s national governance structure includes the Board of Governors, National Executive Committee, Command Council, and senior volunteer and corporate leadership.
The Board of Governors is the highest governing authority of Civil Air Patrol and exercises corporate oversight and strategic governance responsibilities for the organization.
The National Command Team and C-Suite serves as CAP’s intermediate governing body between meetings of the Board of Governors and the Command Council.
The Command Council serves as CAP’s broader representative governing body and considers major organizational policy matters affecting the corporation nationwide.
Civil Air Patrol’s Strategic Plan outlines a long-term vision focused on youth leadership, emergency services, aerospace education, Air Force Auxiliary missions, operational excellence, and sustainable growth.
Civil Air Patrol performs three congressionally chartered programs in service to communities, states, and the nation.
Civil Air Patrol maintains policies and programs designed to promote ethical conduct, accountability, member protection, and regulatory compliance.
Civil Air Patrol operates through congressional appropriations, cooperative agreement funding, member dues, donations, grants, and corporate support.
Federal Partnership
Civil Air Patrol operates under the oversight of the Department of the Air Force through CAP-USAF, which provides liaison, operational guidance, safety oversight, funding administration, and program evaluation.
Learn more about CAP and the U.S. Air Force
Donate