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What is the Civil Air Patrol
Our Squadron
The Civil Air Patrol
was founded in
December 1941,
one week before
the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor, by
over 150,000 citizens concerned about the defense of America's coastline.
Flying under the jurisdiction of the Army Air Forces, CAP pilots flew over one-half million hours, were credited with sinking two enemy submarines and rescued hundreds of crash survivors during World War II. On July 1, 1946, President Truman established CAP as a federally chartered benevolent civilian corporation, and Congress passed Public Law 557 on May 26, 1948, which made CAP the auxiliary of the new U.S. Air Force.
CAP was charged with three primary missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs and Emergency Services.
Our members wear USAF-approved uniforms with our distinctive CAP insignia, and carry out missions essential to our civil defense and safety.
The Westchester Cadet Squadron takes part in many volunteer community activities, such as the Towers to Tunnels run in NYC, Veteran's Day events, many parades, and other volunteer events. We also participate in emergency services training, search and rescue exercises, orientation flights, and disaster relief.
We participate in military demonstrations as well, and being a cadet in CAP looks great if someone is looking to enlist. However, there is no obligation to be a part of our military. The skills
a cadet will learn,
however, in
leadership and
followership, will
be useful
throughout their
entire lives, military or not.
Westchester Cadet Squadron 1 (WCS) meets every Friday, with weekly meetings lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
The Westchester Cadet Squadron is part of the Southeastern Group of the New York Wing. The New York Wing (NYW) holds an annual Encampment for the Cadet members where for 1 week Cadets teach Cadets about Drill, Leadership and Teamwork under the mentorship of the Senior (adult) members. NYW also holds a Flight Academy for Cadets to learn to fly either a powered aircraft or a glider. There are also Regional and National activities that cadets can participate in.
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