Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey

National Deputy Commander

Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey

Civil Air Patrol National Deputy Commander

Brig. Gen. R. Jason Bailey is the national deputy commander of Civil Air Patrol. He was named to the leadership position by Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP’s national commander/CEO, was confirmed by the organization’s Board of Governors and promoted to brigadier general (one-star) when she took command on Aug. 17, 2024.

His primary duty as national deputy commander is to help Aye lead CAP’s nearly 70,000 volunteers in fulfilling the nonprofit organization’s three primary programs: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs. In its role as the U.S. Air Force auxiliary, CAP is a member of the Total Force, filling a critical role in Defense Support of Civil Authorities, including preserving life, relieving suffering, and providing training support. In addition to advising Aye and the Board of Governors on operational and policy issues, he is also a member of the Command Council and the Senior Advisory Group.

Before his promotion to national deputy commander, Bailey was CAP’s national executive officer — from August 2021 to August 2024. Among his duties were vetting instructors for the Education and Training Program’s Volunteer University and for all CAP national volunteer positions. He also moderated Command Council meetings, worked with Board of Governors preselection committees, helped select national professional team members, led working groups, and collaborated with the then-national commander/CEO, Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka, on awards and promotions, represented him at events.

Bailey previously served as vice commander/south for the Mid-Atlantic Region, beginning in November 2020 after serving as North Carolina Wing commander from 2016 to 2020. Before that, he held command positions at the wing, squadron, and group levels and staff assignments up to the national level, including service as the national logistics officer from 2014 to 2022. Other assignments were North Carolina Wing vice commander (2015-2016), wing chief of staff (2013-2015), Group II commander (2012-2013), Burlington Composite Squadron commander (2011-2012), and wing assistant director of logistics (2011-2016).

He also served as director of the Mid-Atlantic Region Staff College and the Cadet Leadership School.

Bailey is a 2023 recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognized for his more than 4,000 hours of CAP service.

He holds Master ratings in CAP in the Administration, Cadet Programs, Command, Communications, Emergency Services, Logistics, and Professional Development specialty tracks and Senior ratings in Aerospace Education, Personnel, and Safety. He completed Level 5 and earned the Gill Robb Wilson Award in 2014.

Most recently, he earned dual bachelor’s degrees from Western Carolina University, graduating summa cum laude in management and in business administration and law.

Bailey is also a Civil Air Patrol mission pilot with more than 400 hours of flying time and a CAP observer and scanner. He also holds incident commander and ground team member credentials with CAP.

His awards and decorations include two Distinguished Service Awards (2020, 2024), five Exceptional Service Awards (2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2021), two Meritorious Service Awards (2012, 2019), four Commander’s Commendation Awards (2011, 2012, 2012, 2014), and three Achievement Awards (2012, 2014, 2020). He was recognized as the National Property Manager of the Year in 2013.

In December 2023, Bailey was employed by Komline-Harn, based in Venice, Florida,
Where he now serves as the corporation’s director of business development.

Born and raised in Mebane, North Carolina, he is married to Christy H. Bailey and remains in Mebane. They have two adult children who were CAP cadets. Briar Dobbs achieved the Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award, and Emma Miller earned the Brig. Gen. Billy Mitchell Award. Both continue as adult members in CAP.

Current as of July 10, 2026