Civil Air Patrol was formed during World War II to protect U.S. shorelines from German U-boats.  It is now a non-profit organization to transform ordinary youth into future leaders.

   Cadet training in Civil Air Patrol focuses on preparing students for a future in the military. Cadets learn drill, uniform regulations, and chain of command.

   Meeting are typically held at the Calvada Airport for 3 hours every Wednesday night. Weekly meetings are held to debrief, drill, and prepare for future events.

   Students participate in O-rides, experiencing the thrill of flying different types of aircrafts such as cessnas and training gliders.  

   Aerospace education is crucial in CAP. We are taught how to assemble and fly different types of military grade UAVs to technologically prepare our youth.

   PVHS graduates Dylan Metscher and Joe Sladek, active participants in CAP, have both been accepted in the Air Force Academy.

   CAP is involved in many emergency service missions like urban and Wilderness, aerial searches and photography missions in which we provide the military or federal agencies real time imagery during disaster reliefs

   On September 17, FEMA requested CAP to perform crowd-sourced imagery analysis for Hurricane Maria response and recovery. CAP also did a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System on September 27 to ensure the EAS is still an effective way to warn the public about emergencies.

   Students are put through a search and rescue training course in case an aircraft or person goes missing. We are educated on air to ground coordination and radio telecommunications.

   In CAP’s physical fitness program, you are motivated to become physically fit and to pursue an active lifestyle. Online testing is an educational requirement where we are tested on knowledge of aerospace and safety.

   Rank advancement in CAP involves passing PT and multiple leadership and aerospace tests. Rank in Civil Air Patrol is a replica of that in the Air Force and with rank advancement, you can You are also promoted rank based on your character and teamwork skills.

   Civil Air Patrol is known for its volunteer service. This past Veterans’ Day, cadets honored our veterans at the Elks lodge by serving them dinner and providing them an Honor-Guard service to show their appreciation.

   Colonel Bonesteel, a senior member from the Pahrump composite squadron NV-051, encourages teens to join, “You get to fly, support your community, get advanced placement in the Air Force and meet influential individuals.”

   The Pahrump squadron has a $31 annual membership fee. If you are interested in joining the air force auxiliary and becoming one of America’s finest volunteers, sign up at http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/how_to_join/.