The Civil Air Patrol cadet program trains today’s cadets to become tomorrow’s leaders.

March 2017. Halethorpe, Md. Through its Cadet Program, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been transforming youth into responsible citizens since 1942. At the March 1, 2017, Maryland Wing, Fort McHenry Composite Squadron meeting, Lt. Col. Steven Hollis, squadron commander, recognized five members of the squadron’s cadet cadre for their achievements. Receiving promotions were C/Amn Angelina Pfluger, C/SrA Brandon Bowers, C/SrA Christion Brown and C/1stLt Jason McSweeney. Cadet/Capt. Collin Stiers was presented a certificate of achievement for his continued pursuit of leadership training. Proud family and friends joined squadron members in congratulating the cadets for their accomplishments.

"I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state and nation" This Oath is the beginning of a CAP’s cadet’s “path to progression” that guides his or her development in the cadet program.

Cadet life is centered around four main elements: leadership, aerospace, fitness and character development. A fifth program element – activities – unifies the four main elements. Through cadet activities such as flying, leadership academies, bivouacs, field trips and more, cadets apply what they have learned in the four main program elements and display their enthusiasm for the cadet ethic. As cadets participate in these five elements, they advance through a series of achievements, earning honors and increased responsibilities along the way. Cadets advance at their own pace through self-study and group study. To progress, cadets must actively participate, pass written and performance tests and show they are ready to accept increased responsibilities.

CAP produces confident young leaders who think independently and persuade others in an atmosphere of teamwork and mutual respect. Cadets serve their communities by helping with CAP's real-world humanitarian efforts. Former cadets can be found in leadership positions in the military, aerospace industry, public service and other professions.

The Fort McHenry Composite Squadron meets weekly Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m. at the American Legion Post 109, 1610 Old Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, Maryland, 21227. Prospective cadets aged 12-18 with their parents are always welcome. Adults seeking volunteer opportunities are invited as well. Follow the Fort McHenry Squadron on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/fortmchenrycap For more information about CAP and the squadrons of the Maryland Wing, Group II, visit www.mdgroup2cap.org.

Nearly 1,600 CAP members serve in Maryland. Last year wing members flew 13 search and rescue missions. The wing was credited with four finds. Maryland Wing flew 32 missions for the State of Maryland. Members flew 2,245 hours in all mission categories. Volunteers contributed services estimated at $4.6 million. For more information, contact the Maryland Wing at www.mdcap.org, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandWingCivilAirPatrol and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDWGCAP.

Civil Air Patrol, the longtime all-volunteer U.S. Air Force auxiliary, is the newest member of the Air Force’s Total Force, which consists of regular Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, along with Air Force retired military and civilian employees. CAP, in its Total Force role, operates a fleet of 550 aircraft and performs about 90 percent of continental U.S. inland search and rescue missions as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center and is credited by the AFRCC with saving an average of 78 lives annually. Civil Air Patrol’s 56,000 members nationwide also perform homeland security, disaster relief and drug interdiction missions at the request of federal, state and local agencies. Its members additionally play a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to more than 24,000 young people currently participating in the CAP cadet program. Performing missions for America for the past 75 years, CAP received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2014 in honor of the heroic efforts of its World War II veterans. CAP also participates in Wreaths Across America, an initiative to remember, honor and teach about the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans. Visit www.capvolunteernow.com for more information.

Pictured: (L-R) Cadet 1st Lt J. McSweeney, C/Capt C. Stiers, C/Amn A. Pfuger, C/SrA B. Bowers and C/SrA C. Brown.

Article by: Capt Alice Raatjes, Public Affairs Officer, Fort McHenry Composite Squadron, Maryland Wing.
Photo credit, Capt. Raatjes.