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Complaints
Civil Air Patrol
Inspector General
Complaints Program
CIVIL AIR PATROL COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROGRAM
Civil Air Patrol’s Complaint Resolution Program is designed to foster an environment where complaints, grievances, and misunderstandings can be addressed constructively and resolved appropriately. The Complaint Resolution process is a last-resort management tool—not the first step. Members and leaders are encouraged to resolve issues at the lowest possible level, typically through open communication within the chain of command.
Resolving Issues Locally First
If a CAP member or parent of a cadet has a concern, they should bring it to the attention of the unit commander. Many issues result from simple misunderstandings and can be resolved quickly with conversation and clarification.
If the issue involves the commander directly, the member should elevate the concern to the next higher commander(e.g., group or wing commander).
Using the Member Concern Report
CAP has a centralized Member Concern Report system that allows members to submit concerns needing attention by the Inspector General (IG), Command, or other oversight authorities such as the National Equal Opportunity Officer, or the Cadet Protection Program Manager.
- Use the Member Concern Report to initiate a formal concern or complaint.
- Commanders may also use this report to initiate a Commander's Inquiry (CIQ) when appropriate, especially if they believe an internal fact-finding effort is warranted.
- All submissions are evaluated and routed to the appropriate authority—IG, Command, Cadet Programs, or Equal Opportunity—for resolution based on the nature of the concern.
Sensitive Allegations
The Member Concern Report is also the method for reporting sensitive issues requiring immediate or specialized attention, including:
- Allegations of sexual harassment, abuse, or violations of the Cadet Protection Program (CPP)
These must be reported immediately and are automatically routed to the appropriate commanders and NHQ CAP/GC for oversight and action. - Equal Opportunity (EO) concerns, such as allegations of discrimination or hostile environment
These are also submitted through the Member Concern Report and are reviewed by the CAP EO team in coordination with commanders to ensure timely and appropriate handling.
Using the Member Concern Report ensures these types of concerns are documented, tracked, and directed to the right channels—whether IG, EO, CPP, or Command—for appropriate resolution.
Before You Submit a Complaint
Before submitting a concern through the Member Concern Report, review the applicable CAP regulation(s) to ensure the issue meets the definition of a complaint within CAP's CR program. This helps ensure it is handled by the proper authority and avoids unnecessary delays.
For more information or to submit a complaint or concern, visit:
👉 Member Concern Report Submission Portal
Members are always free to contact the Board of Governors or their elected representatives in Congress—CAP will never restrict or discourage a member from doing so. However, It is important to understand that most concerns are resolved at the level where they arise, and engaging with the chain of command or submitting a formal concern through CAP channels often results in a faster, more effective resolution.
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