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From the National Commander
Feb. 5, 2025 -- Memorandum: Update: Civil Air Patrol Social Media Guidance
Jan. 25, 2025 - Memorandum: Civil Air Patrol Actions to Address Presidential Orders
March 17, 2025 - Interim Change Letter – CAPR 190-1, Civil Air Patrol Public Affairs Program
To submit questions for consideration in the FAQs, please click here
General Questions
Q. What do the recent executive orders (EOs) mean for Civil Air Patrol?
A. Civil Air Patrol is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, as well as a federal grant recipient in our work as a force multiplier as the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Like many other entities, we are seeking clarification on how best to interpret the EOs, which require legal review. CAP is committed to providing updates and to communicating necessary actions, as quickly as possible.
Q. Has Maj. Gen. Regena Aye, CAP’s National Commander, provided directives? How will members and employees receive updates? (FAQ updated 3.12.2025)
A. Updates from the national commander/CEO along with official actions to address the executive orders will be posted at https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/news/from-the-national-commander. Notifications will be posted on e-services and emailed through CAP’s constant contact account to members.
Maj. Gen Aye has a series of town halls planned to support questions by various Civil Air Patrol stakeholder groups.
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For employees: A town hall for CAP’s paid employees was held February 5, 2025, regarding employment-specific questions.
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For all members: A video call will be scheduled pending clarification and interpretation of executive orders. Due to the workload at higher echelons, CAP has not yet received written guidance related to the executive orders. We originally planned to have a meeting in February, but will be waiting until we have clear guidance before scheduling. Until additional guidance is available, CAP will continue business as usual.
You can submit questions to be addressed at the town hall meetings by emailing feedback@capnhq.gov or by submitting them on this form.
Q. What if my question is not answered in these FAQs?
A. Questions about topics regarding uniforms, or questions specific to your squadron or wing, may be directed to and addressed by your chain of command. We will continue to review submitted questions related to the executive orders and add to the FAQs as information is available. The “From the National Commander” webpage will also be updated as needed.
Funding & Programs
Q. Does Civil Air Patrol continue to operate and provide services?
A. Yes, Civil Air Patrol continues to operate. Our service to America’s communities by our nearly 70,000 members, as well as the work of our dedicated staff, continues.
Q. Will paid employees of Civil Air Patrol approved for hybrid or remote work be required to return to the office?
A. Civil Air Patrol is not a federal agency, and employees are not federal workers. Employees will continue to report to work based on their currently approved schedule and location of assignment.
Q. How does Civil Air Patrol select and promote employees and members?
A. Since its inception, Civil Air Patrol has been a merit-based organization. This includes our hiring practices, our volunteer management, as well as our scholarships and awards.
Q. Does CAP offer financial assistance to members? Is it offered as merit-based or need-based?
A. Applications for scholarships and programs are available to all CAP cadets. Many scholarships are based on merit. CAP does offer some funds, such as the cadet encampment assistance program (CEAP) and uniform vouchers, which are given out based on financial need. These need-based programs are open to application by any CAP cadet who demonstrates the need for financial assistance.
At this time, we believe all of CAPs scholarship opportunities meet the intent of the executive orders. We may provide updates or changes after a full review.
Q. Does CAP fund/offer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs? (FAQ updated 3.12.2025)
A. CAP has offered programs funded by the U.S. Air Force, most of which ended prior to the current fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024. CAP has a webpage and volunteer roles to support units that are interested in the recruitment and retention of members who are reflective of their communities in pursuit of our core values of integrity, volunteer service, excellence and respect.
CAP-USAF asked CAP to pause "any future DEIA-related events, programs, policies, or related activities until further notice." As an organization, we will comply with the request from CAP-USAF.
Q. What will change in relation to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) website page at Civil Air Patrol. (FAQ updated 3.12.2025)
A. Our “About Us” page has been updated to reflect and reaffirm who Civil Air Patrol is as an organization and may be found at https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/about/who-we-are. The original DEI website page has been removed and redirected to the From the National Commander | Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters page. Other webpages removed for compliance have been archived and any stories about individuals will be placed in a rotation for editing and re-posting without DEI, DEI/A language or a focus on immutable characteristics. Our NHQ team has worked with Global Reach regarding a review of unit websites which will require edits and the Marketing and Strategic Communications team at NHQ will be reaching out to the website managers for additional updates or actions, as needed.
Q. Where can I find CAP’s Aerospace Education curriculum which focuses on the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women in Aviation?
A. Like the U.S. Air Force, we are proud to share the accomplishments of aviators throughout history. You can find the curriculum here.
Q. Will observances such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month be eliminated?
A. CAP generally follows the calendar of observances as published by the Department of Defense. As it is reviewed and/or updated, we will provide additional updates or actions.
Q. Will Level 1 training - Diversity, Equal Opportunity, and Nondiscrimination no longer be a requirement? (FAQ added 3.12.2025)
A. The module is not currently active but will remain on the platform until further guidance is received as to required edits. When a user clicks on the module, the system will apply an automatic credit. The user may then proceed to the next module in the series.
Membership
Q. Based on the executive orders, will membership be restricted or denied for individuals? (FAQ updated 3.12.2025)
A. Historically, our members step forward to serve from across America’s communities and reflect our great nation.
CAP, as a nonprofit corporation, defines membership policies and eligibility. CAP provides a welcoming environment for all and ensures that our organizational decisions are based on each individual’s abilities and interests. The opportunity to participate and progress is limited only by the desire, ability, participation, and performance of an individual.
However, as a federal grant recipient, and in our status as the USAF auxiliary, CAP is working with CAP-USAF for a full legal review to determine applicable updates or actions, as needed. This review is in accordance time to allow for the DoD to issue guidance as indicated in the published executive orders.
Q. What can I expect regarding accommodations for members with disabilities?
A. CAP Regulation 36-1 defines a “Qualified Member with a Disability” as a CAP member with a disability who, either with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions required by a CAP program or activity that such CAP member desires to participate in without endangering him/herself, other CAP members, or CAP property.
CAP will continue to review accommodation requests by members with disabilities and provide accommodation in accordance with our regulations. Our cadet programs team also offers best practices to help cadets and parents/guardians understand the accommodation process.
Social Media ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1 (FAQs updated 3.21.2025)
Q. Which CAP entities are permitted to maintain a public-facing social media footprint?
A. The only NHQ-approved entities to maintain a public-facing social media presence are Wings and CAP/PA-led accounts. Public-facing region, squadron, event, and program accounts are not permitted.
Q. Can I create a new communications channel to reach members and prospective members?
A. No new communication channels, including, but not limited to, organizational social media profiles, newsletters, podcasts, etc. may be created without consulting with and obtaining approval from CAP/PA.
Q. Does my unit/event page need to remove DEI-related posts as outlined in the latest guidance from the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense referenced in the ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1?
A. Yes. All pages must comply with the guidance.
Q. Can my squadron maintain its Instagram profile?
A. Any Instagram profile/account below the Wing level shall be made private per ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1 or deactivated. If deactivating, squadrons should create a final post that directs followers to the appropriate Wing and/or NHQ’s Instagram profile. Before deactivating, squadrons shall ensure an archive of the profile containing posts is maintained in accordance with Records Management.
Q. Can my squadron maintain its X (Twitter) profile?
A. X (Twitter) profiles/accounts below the Wing level are not authorized per ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1. Before deactivation, squadrons should create a final post that directs followers to the appropriate Wing and/or NHQ’s X profile. Before deactivating, squadrons shall ensure an archive of the profile containing posts is maintained in accordance with Records Management.
Q. Can my squadron maintain its YouTube account?
A. YouTube accounts below the Wing level must be private/unlisted per ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1.
Q. How will we recruit new members if we are no longer able to share information publicly on social media?
A. Private Facebook groups have the ability to create events that are open to the public enabling units to continue recruiting activities through this channel. In addition, squadrons may work with their Wing-level PAO and/or CAP/PA in the national office to support external-facing events that may be relevant to a wider external audience.
Q. How can units communicate with members who do not have social media?
A. Units may use specific communication and collaboration tools vetted by CAP/IT for security measures, CAP/CP for cadet protection measures, and CAP/PA that enable private channels and information-sharing.
Online collaboration tools can enhance the way CAP units and activity participants connect with one another. By leveraging their features effectively, CAP can foster a sense of community, ensure clear communication, and engage cadets in meaningful ways, including Civil Air Patrol's (CAP) Cadet Protection Standards. They are differentiated in their use as internal collaboration tools versus social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Youtube, and Instagram, and the like.
Communications involving social media (open or closed), email, or other online methods must follow current cadet protection regulations outlined in CAPR 60-2, Cadet Protection Program. For communication concerns involving cadets, please reach out to cadetprotection@capnhq.gov for guidance.
Q. How should Public Affairs staff proceed without being able to post on social media?
A. Squadron-level public affairs members may work with their wing-level counterparts to share relevant public-facing information about their squadron. In addition, PAs may continue to write and distribute news releases about local events, news to their local media to share CAP’s good news stories. PAs may also continue to share news with CAP/PA for national channel consideration.
Q. What counts as a diversity/equity/inclusion program in terms of social media posts?
A. The Department of Defense has outlined observances that will no longer be observed here, and the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense memo can be found here. Diversity, equity and inclusion posts are those that draw attention to an individual’s immutable characteristics, including, but not limited to, race and gender.
Q. Will observances such as Black History Month and Women’s History Month be eliminated?
A. CAP generally follows the calendar of observances as published by the Department of Defense, which recently outlined observances that will no longer be observed.
Q. I see former news stories, blog posts, etc. with DEI included, will those be removed?
A. Based on guidance received after the distribution of the Feb. 26 memo from the Assistant Secretary of Defense, CAP is archiving all digital assets across its channels that highlight immutable characteristics.
Q. Do we need to remove diversity, equity and inclusion language from our website?
A. Yes. Per guidance from the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, all digital channels are required to comply.
Q. When is the deadline for units to comply?
A. You may contact your Wing PAO with questions and the Wing PAO may contact MAC staff for support during this transition. To request assistance, Wing PAOs may send an email to macstaff@cap.gov with specific questions you have.
Q. Will there be training or support offered to units to ensure compliance?
A. Yes. CAP/PA and the MAC national volunteer staff will be coordinating office hours and support materials to help units respond to ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1. Units may contact macstaff@cap.gov with specific questions and next steps
Q. Are private Facebook groups for squadrons allowed to continue?
A. Yes. Internal social media channels used to represent a chartered unit, such as a Region, Group, Squadron or Activity, may be used to share information with members and invited guests. These channels shall be restricted to the immediate membership, parents of cadets, and CAP alumni (who are not currently suspended or removed) as appropriate. See ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1, Section 11.4 for more information.
Q. What is considered “social media?”
A. ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1 addresses the use of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (Twitter), YouTube, SmugMug (at photos.cap.gov only), Vimeo, and LinkedIn.
Units may use specific communication and collaboration tools, other than social media, that have been vetted CAP/IT for security measures, CAP/CP for cadet protection measures, and CAP/PA that enable private channels and information-sharing.
Communications involving social media (open or closed), email, or other online methods must follow current cadet protection regulations outlined in CAPR 60-2, Cadet Protection Program. For communication concerns involving cadets, please reach out to cadetprotection@capnhq.gov for guidance.
Q. If I have questions about how to make the necessary changes to my unit’s social media and digital channels, who can I reach out to?
A. You may contact your Wing PAO with questions and the Wing PAO may contact MAC staff for support during this transition. To request assistance, Wing PAOs may send an email to macstaff@cap.gov with specific questions you have.
Q. Are individuals authorized to maintain a social media presence on behalf of the organization?
A. Personal social media accounts that represent duty positions, such as Commander, are not authorized because it can appear to represent the official organization.
Per ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1, Wing PAOs, in concurrence with the Wing Commander, manage a single consolidated social media presence to represent the entire Wing, including subordinate programs, encampments, and activities. No additional accounts representing positions, assignments, duties, special activities, or any titles are authorized.
Q. Can members post about Civil Air Patrol on their personal social media pages?
A. Yes. Members may share their own Civil Air Patrol stories about CAP experiences. Members are also encouraged to share content from official CAP social media channels to their social media. However, when a member associates his/her social media use with CAP — including any perceived association — the member is also obligated to abide by CAP’s core values when using personal social media channels.
Q. What if the disclaimer language provided in ICL 25-01 to CAPR 190-1 is too long for my page’s About section?
A. If the disclaimer language provided contains too many characters for the “About” section on any platform, it may be used as-is in the “Privacy and Legal Information” section. Alternatively, units may use the disclaimer language and remove the last sentence, if necessary:
Example: This channel is an independent forum dedicated to discussion and updates about our local unit. Content shared here is not reviewed, monitored or approved by the national organization. We value your participation and encourage respectful and constructive dialogue.
FAQs will be updated periodically. Please check back for more information.
