It is also the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Public Law 476 established Civil Air Patrol's objects and purposes as follows: "Provide an organization to encourage and aid American citizens in the contribution of their efforts, services, and resources in the development of aviation and in the maintenance of air supremacy, and to encourage and develop by example the voluntary contribution of private citizens to the public welfare. Provide aviation education and training especially to its senior and cadet members; to encourage and foster civil aviation in local communities and to provide an organization of private citizens with adequate facilities to assist in meeting local and national emergencies."

Thus, the Civil Air Patrol's three primary missions are:

Cadet Programs
Emergency Services
Aerospace Education

Cadets have the opportunity to learn leadership through hands-on leadership opportunities by working up in rank. By actually leading fellow cadets toward a common goal, CAP cadets learn teamwork, planning, time management, and leadership skills. With these skills, cadets commonly move on to prestigious positions in the aerospace community, whether it be in the military or civilian world. 

While the Johnson County Squadron is now made up of Senior Members only,  Cadet Squadrons and Composite Squadrons (Senior Members and Cadet Members) are in the area. Contact the Indiana Wing Headquarters to get details on a Cadet Squadron near you. 

Minnesota Wing goes into great detail in explaining everything that cadets can achieve while members of the Civil Air Patrol. Go there

Natural disasters are known for their disruptive power when it comes to doing things that we take for granted in day to day life. The CAP trains to provide emergency medical supplies, aerial reconnaissance of affected areas, and communications services to authorities. In some cases, access may be limited to an affected area, making a CAP aircraft the only link to the outside world.

In recent years, CAP has begun working with Federal authorities in providing aircraft and personnel to assist in the war against drugs. In one year, CAP counter-drug operations assisted in removing 2.4 billion dollars of illegal drugs off the streets of our communities. This represents $1,164 worth of illegal drugs removed for every $1 appropriated to Civil Air Patrol!

CAP corporation owns and operates 530 light aircraft
Members own over 4700 mission qualified aircraft
Members fly approximately 130,000 hours per year
CAPs accident rate is 1.54 per 100,000 flying hours
CAP is five times safer than general aviation

CAP provides cadets have an excellent opportunity to learn all aspects of the aeronautical world around them, and to work toward scholarships and flight training. Usually a promotion within the ranks is dependent upon a cadet's aeronautical knowledge.

CAP Senior members participate in proficiency flights, flight clinics, and work with cadets to further their skills and minds as aviation enthusiasts.