Board of Governors

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dandridge

Civil Air Patrol Board of Governors Member

Retired U.S. Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Robert Dandridge, former Civil Air Patrol national command chief, serves as a member at large on CAP’s Board of Governors

As CAP’s top governing body, the 11-member board consists of four U.S. Air Force appointees, three members appointed jointly by the secretary of the Air Force and CAP’s national commander/CEO, and four members-at-large selected by CAP’s Senior Advisory Group. The board moves CAP forward through collective decision-making to develop strategic policies, plans, and programs that guide it today and tomorrow. It is assisted by CAP’s national commander/CEO, the organization’s chief operating officer, and the CAP-U.S. Air Force (CAP-USAF) commander, who act as advisers.

In November 2023, Dandridge became the first noncommissioned officer to join the board. He previously served with the National Innovation Team and as CAP’s fourth national command chief.

Dandridge joined Civil Air Patrol’s Scot Composite Squadron in 2004 at Scot Air Force Base, Illinois. He next served as the Illinois Wing’s first command NCO adviser and then as the Missouri Wing's command NCO. His service at National Flight Academies, Cadet Leadership Schools, encampments, and the National Emergency Services Academy led to recognition as both wings’ Senior Member of the Year.

Dandridge became the national command chief in 2018. He advised on mission effectiveness, development, training, and use of CAP's NCO Corps. He next helped the National Innovation Team simulate and sustain a culture of innovative behavior and thinking.

He received a professional innovator certification through the University of Michigan, holds an aerospace management certificate from the Community College of the Air Force, trained in continuous process improvement via the Air Force Institute of Technology, and teaches as a CAP Volunteer University instructor. He previously directed a dozen professional development legacy courses

During his 30-year career, Dandridge led at the squadron, group, wing, major command, and combatant command headquarters levels, completing tours in America, Asia, Central America, Europe, and the Mideast. He served as an adviser, major command inspector, environmentalist, first sergeant, honor guard member, and Soviet escort. His honors include the first Air Mobility Command Headquarters Outstanding NCO, the 5th Air Force Senior NCO, and Air Mobility Command Headquarters' first Sergeant of the Year. He also received the U.S. Transportation Command and Air Force District of Washington Vanguard Heroism awards