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Frequently Asked Questions - Government Shutdown 2025
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UPDATE - November 13th, 2025 - The federal government has reopened, and Civil Air Patrol is beginning the process of restarting National Headquarters operations. Some NHQ functions may take time to fully resume as funding becomes available, and systems come back online.
Please be aware that responses from National Headquarters will continue to be impacted during the restart period.
Many Civil Air Patrol employees are furloughed. See this chart for what can be expected during our furlough period regarding CAP Services from NHQ to Volunteers.
Enlarge or download above chart by clicking here.
Members' Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I submit questions for this FAQ?
Why is Civil Air Patrol affected by this shutdown?
Where can I find support as a member or employee of Civil Air Patrol?
What is the guidance on expenditures?
What is the impact to CAP-USAF?
How is mail being processed at NHQ?
How quickly can we expect new member applications to be processed?
Will the Curry Voucher program remain available?
Are self-funded missions restricted?
Can units pay for expenses out of their accounts?
Can volunteers continue with pre-planned events?
Will we receive Volunteer Magazine this fall?
What is happening with events at National Headquarters?
Winter Encampments - CEAP Funding
Winter Encampments - Facilities Guidance
Cadet Protection Operations during furlough
Where can I submit questions for this FAQ?
If you have questions or require additional information, your immediate supervisor or commander is available for day-to-day answers. We realize there are some questions they will not be able to answer. Those questions may be submitted to ask@capnhq.gov
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Why is Civil Air Patrol affected by this shutdown?
CAP is a national nonprofit organization, but our operations are primarily funded through federal appropriations. Without a continuing resolution from Congress, CAP will not receive federal funding. While we do have a small number of reserves, we are closely monitoring developments and are hopeful a continuing resolution will be passed quickly so CAP receives the resources necessary to sustain our programs and support our members.
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Where can I find support as a member or employee of Civil Air Patrol?
Your well-being is our highest priority. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to our support services:
Chaplain Services: Our chaplain corps is making themselves available for members and employees who need someone to talk to and share anxiety and concerns.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees have access to confidential services. Please contact your supervisor if you cannot locate the information.
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What is the guidance on expenditures?
To ensure responsible stewardship during this period, expenditures planned for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) beginning, Oct 1 2025, are paused and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for approval. This includes equipment, supplies, flying hours, aircraft maintenance, travel, etc.
CAP leaders should contact the NOC (888-211-1812) if they have a critical mission not mentioned above or feel requires AF and/or CAP consideration for approval. These requests will be reviewed by NHQ and CAP-USAF on a case-by-case basis.
Training missions, cadet orientation flights, proficiency flying, A9 flights to maintenance facilities and category “B” missions funded by other agencies are all examples of missions CAP will unfortunately be unable to perform until Congress resolves the budget crisis or approves a continuing resolution to fund the government. This flying restriction encompasses all categories of flight, including most corporate missions.
This conservative approach will help us maintain business continuity should the shutdown continue for an extended period of time. We appreciate your support in helping to stretch the dollars we do have in hand.
Our financial management team will continue payments for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), which are obligated from the year-end close-out as of September 30, 2025. Signed contractual obligations for FY26 will have priority.
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What is the impact to CAP-USAF?
From CAP-USAF: Activities by CAP-USAF are also impacted by the current government shutdown. With a few critical exceptions, our civilian staff are furloughed until a new funding bill is passed. Our uniformed members will continue to report for duty at this time. If you need support, please prioritize contacting military members until funding is restored and our outstanding civilians return from furlough status. Our goal is to minimize disruptions to support Civil Air Patrol as best as possible.
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How is mail being processed at NHQ?
USPS mail delivered to any address at Maxwell AFB goes to a central processing facility where it is sorted by federal civil service employees for distribution. The civil service employees have returned to work and CAP is able to collect USPS mail, but the federal employees can be furloughed without notice. Sending certified mail is discouraged as it requires additional screening and special distribution rules. FedEx, UPS, and other carriers are still being received directly at the NHQ building.
Are new member applications being processed?
Cadet member applications and some renewals are being processed, but expect longer than usual processing times while staff are furloughed. Adult application processing has been paused.
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How will the shutdown affect membership products like awards, certificates, member cards, and cadet packets?
Awards and achievements that require manual entry by NHQ are currently paused. NHQ-Membership is currently unable to send any items via USPS, FedEx, UPS, or other carriers. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Cadet Milestone Certificates (Mitchell, Eaker, Earhart, Spaatz)
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Education and Training Certificates (Davis, Loening, Garber, Wilson)
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Fifty-Year Plaques
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Retirement Certificates
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Crossfield Awards
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Meritorious Service Awards (DSA, ESA, MSA, Unit Citations)
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Awards for Valor
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Chaplain and CDI Certificates
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Membership Cards (Download a Temporary Card)
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Cadet Packets for all levels - Cadets kits for cadets joining on or after September 30th, 2025, are paused, as well as the Phase II and Phase III/IV cadet kits for cadets promoting on or after September 30th, including backdated promotions. Please click here to see a recent announcement regarding Cadet Kits and more resources.
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Will the Curry Voucher program remain available?
Curry Uniform Vouchers for cadets earning the Curry Achievement on or after September 30th, 2025, are paused. They will be issued after the shutdown has ended. Please note that includes any backdated promotions (ex., Curry Achievement approved on 10/1/25 but backdated to 9/25/25).
For families experiencing financial hardship, we recommend checking with your local unit to see if they have uniform items avaliable to borrow. You can also explore unofficial CAP uniform exchange Facebook groups, eBay, or local military surplus stores, where you may find free or discounted items. For more Cadet Programs information, see this announcement.
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Are self-funded missions restricted?
Self-funded flight missions are not restricted at this time (including self-funded Form 5 evaluations and C missions), however, they must still be coordinated and approved per current processes.
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Can units pay for expenses out of their accounts?
Units may continue to pay corporate and operating expenses out of their bank accounts when appropriated funds are not being used. Expenses that are normally reimbursed by NHQ should be avoided unless approved by NHQ as we may be unable to reimburse them at this time.
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Can volunteers continue with pre-planned events (regular meetings, conferences, changes of command, etc)?
Yes, but keeping in mind, support from NHQ and CAP-USAF may be limited during the government shutdown.
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Can we pay for aircraft maintenance with funds from other sources outside of CAP/NHQ including personal funds?
Aircraft maintenance must be paid for using CAP/NHQ funding. Commanders are expected to reposition aircraft as needed to support mission-critical operations using available assets or by coordinating with neighboring wings. If mission requirements cannot be met through these means, approval for funding can be pursued through the following process:
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Commanders should contact CAP/DO to initiate the request.
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CAP/DO will determine mission-criticality in coordination with CAP/CPMO.
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If deemed mission-critical, maintenance will be approved by CAP/CPMO and CAP/CLMO through established channels.
The use of non-approved funds is prohibited.
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Will we receive VOLUNTEER Magazine this fall?
As we examine our costs during this government shut down, and keep our commitments to financial responsibility, we have decided the Fall edition of VOLUNTEER Magazine will be delivered digitally.
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What is happening with events at National Headquarters?
To support cost savings measures, in-person NHQ events planned and hosted through November 9, 2025 (such as Wing Commanders College) will be cancelled.
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Winter Encampments - CEAP Funding
**WINTER CEAP POSTPONED**
Due to the ongoing government shutdown and NHQ staff furlough, Winter CEAP has been postponed. The application WILL NOT open on Saturday November 1st. We will communicate about a new application window once the government has reopened and the staff has returned from furlough.
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Winter Encampments - Facilities Guidance
Wings should coordinate with host military installations well in advance of their encampments to determine whether facility access, lodging, or support staffing may be affected by the federal government shutdown. Proactive and supportive communication with installation partners early in the planning process will help identify potential challenges, allowing time to develop contingency plans and maintain mission readiness.
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Cadet Protection during furlough
Protecting our cadets is still our number one priority. While our Youth Protection Manager, Dr. Katie Thurson will be on furlough beginning Nov 9th, we have a dedicated team ready to triage all reports. Please utilize your chain of command, the NOC at 888-211-1812, and cadets@capnhq.gov for cadet protection concerns during this time. Mr. Chris Guarniere, Interim Director of Cadet Programs, will be available for support as well at 334-508-1176.
