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From the National Commander

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
 
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/CEO, provided any directives? How will members and employees receive updates? 

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 and emailed through CAP’s constant contact account to employees and members when action is required.

Maj. Gen Aye has a series of town halls planned to respond to questions by various Civil Air Patrol stakeholder groups. 

  • For employees: A town hall for CAP’s paid employees will be held February 5, 2025, regarding employment-specific questions.  
  • For Region and Wing Commanders: The EOs will be an agenda item at the Winter Command Council meeting in mid-February.   
  • For all members: A town hall will be scheduled following the Winter Command Council meeting and before the end of February. Details are coming soon. 

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? 

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 offers volunteer roles to support units that are interested in the recruitment and retention of members who are reflective of the communities they serve 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.

We are engaged in a thorough review of what may or may not meet the articulated expectations of the executive orders based on our role as a federal grant recipient. We will provide additional updates or actions, as needed. 

Q. What will change in relation to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) website page for Civil Air Patrol. 

A. Our “About Us” page has been updated to reflect and reaffirm who Civil Air Patrol is as an organization. The original DEI website page link has been removed based upon our role as a federal grant recipient.

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. 

Membership 

Q. Based on the executive orders, will membership be restricted or denied for individuals? 

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 who are eligible 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 ability, participation, and performance of an individual. 

However, as a federal grant recipient, and in our status as the U.S. Air Force 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 with the 30-day period 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 

Q. Why are CAP units and activity pages asked to limit posts via social media? 

A. [UPDATED] Previously, CAP recommended all units and activity pages limit social media to posts that are absolutely necessary. As of Feb. 5, 2025, units and activity pages may post to their social media pages with the primary focus of communicating how Civil Air Patrol serves America’s communities, saves lives and shapes futures.   

Units and activity pages may also include meeting information, recruiting efforts, merit-based achievements of members such as promotions and awards, uniform and grooming standards, uniform updates for events, cancellations, and similar details. You are also encouraged to share posts from CAP official accounts listed below, and/or official U.S. Air Force channels. Do not reshare content from other sources until further notice.   

CAP also recommends sharing posts about observances and special months/holidays from official U.S. Air Force channels only. Units should not create unique content for observances.  

Until further guidance and clarity is received, do not share DEI-focused events as they should be paused in accordance with Civil Air Patrol memo dated January 25.  

These recommendations are made to ensure social media posts remain non-partisan, non-political and without providing a stance, interpretation, or perceived interpretation of actions related to recently issued executive orders.   

CAP leadership understands social media is an important communication tool and we will provide expanded guidance as it is received and vetted.   

 

FAQs will be updated periodically. Please check back for more information. 

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