Welcome to DurangoCAP! - This is the internet home of the San Juan Composite Squadron in Durango, Colorado! This page is designed to give information to prospective senior or cadet members or anyone interested in the Civil Air Patrol. This page holds a lot of information about the CAP, but if you would like to find out more, you may visit our National Website or the Colorado Wing Website. |
| Civil Air Patrol was
conceived in the late 1930s by aviation advocate Gill Rob Wilson, who later would become CAP first executive officer during WWII. In its
infancy the Civil Air Patrol served the New Jersey area but with tensions mounting in the 1940s the United States would soon see the need for a volunteer organization to aid in civil defense, Civil Air Patrol would answer the call.. The modern national organization of CAP was born 1 December 1941, only 6 days prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Early in the war German u-boats were sinking Allied tankers and barges with little resistance. The Allied powers lacked the resources and manpower to repel this threat. Congress granted CAP a 90-trial period performing coastal patrols. Early tactics used by the CAP known as "duck diving" would often scare away German subs. But when U.S. Armed forces failed to respond quickly enough to sightings CAP was granted ordinance to attack sighted u-boats. Another tradition was born at this time; In order to ensure that CAP members would be taken as prisoners of war rather than executed if downed, congress authorized the wear of military uniforms and U.S. insignia. Not long into its early missions CAP found another area to serve: Search and Rescue. Only fifteen minutes into its first flight out on a Connecticut River patrol, a CAP flight crew spotted a tanker in distress. CAP quickly began to organize rescue efforts. CAP patrols were credited with forcing German U-boats to stay further away from the U.S. Coastline and providing tankermen with the assurance that they would be rescued, and the confidence to accept more missions. In all CAP flew over One-Half-Million hours during WWII, sank three u-boats and saved countless lives. After WWII no one knew what was to become of CAP. Many believed that it would disappear like many other wartime organizations. But there were also many advocates for the continuation of CAP in peacetime. In 1948 Congress granted Civil Air Patrol a National charter giving it unique status to perform its missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services. For more on CAP's History please visit our National Website-History Page. |
| "...to serve America by developing our nation's youth; accomplishing local, state and national missions; and informing our citizens about the importance of aerospace education" |
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| The United States Air Force Auxiliary C i v i l A i r P a t r o l |
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| What is the CAP? - History |
| Membership Types |
| We are always in need of dedicated and hard working volunteers. Membership in Civil Air Patrol is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. There are several membership categories available to fit your desires, needs and experience: Cadet Membership, Flight Officers, Senior Officers, Enlisted (former or active duty military), Aerospace Education Member, Cadet Sponsor Member (Parents), and Business Member (organization). Each is explained in more detail below. In General Membership requirements means that you are of strong moral character, a U.S. citizen (or legal permanent resident), and age 12 or over. |
| Cadet Membership |
| "The mission of the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program is to provide the youth of our nation a quality program that enhances their leadership skills through and interest in aviation, and simultaneously provide service to the United States Air Force and the local Community." - Taken from CAP Regulation 52-16 Civil Air Patrol Cadet Programs offers youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age the opportunity to serve as volunteers in their community, while receiving training in leadership, aerospace, and military customs and courtesies. Benefits of membership include free subscription to the CAP News Letter, transportation to national activities on military aircraft (when available), privilege of wearing the distinctive AF-Style CAP uniform, free enrollment in 300 AF correspondence courses, and scholarships to cadet officers for school, flight training and national activities. Locally, cadets will work together to develop their leadership skills and have the opportunity to fly in our Orientation Flight Program. Read more about the cadet programs mission by clicking here |
| Do I have a commitment to join the Air Force or other military branch if I join CAP? No. The CAP is a volunteer civil organization. You may terminate you membership in CAP at anytime using a CAPF 2b. You do not make any commitment to join any armed service of the United States. Cadets achieving the General Billy Mitchell award may, upon entering an armed service, begin at a higher pay-grade. |
| How do I apply for Membership? The first step joining CAP is finding a unit near you. The San Juan Composite Squadron has members from in and around Durango. Cortez, CO and Farmington, NM are the next closest to us at about 45 miles from Durango. If you are from out side this area you can you the unit locator on our National Headquarters site to find a unit (note you will leave DurangoCAP.com by clicking this link). Once you have found a unit, join them for a meeting. We suggest at least three meetings to really get a feel for what CAP is. Talk with a squadron representative to see what CAP is doing in your area and how you can help. Get an application (cadet or senior) and return it to the squadron. Your membership will be processed and within a few weeks you will receive you CAP membership card and start getting your member benefits. For information on the Local Cadet meetings click here for senior meetings click here |
| San Juan Composite Squadron P.O. Box 881 Bayfield, Colorado 81122 |
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
| Click on the picture to down load a PSA |
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| Cadet Color Guard in Veterans Day parade 2004 |
| Photo taken by CAP personnel during mission ridge fire |
| Information Heading General CAP History CAP Now Membership Cadets (12-18) Flight Officers (18-21) Senior Officers (21+) Public Relations Recent Activities Recent Missions Archived Public Services Color Guards Event Support Emergency Services Flight Services |
