CONCEPT: Fostering a Cooperative and Dynamic Relationship Between CAP and USAF at the Unit Level

APROXIMATE TIME: 1 Hour

SUGGESTED MATERIALS: No additional materials are required. Refer to the Instructor Information   link in the User's Guide for the basic materials to teach a class.

Over 60 years ago, the United States Congress recognized the need for an Air Force auxiliary to perform missions such as emergency services and to promote aviation education. CAP has fulfilled this vital role to our nation and continues to have a unique partnership with the USAF.

In this lesson, we learn about the unique partnership between USAF and CAP, mandated by law, and implemented by regulations and agreements between the USAF and CAP. It is important for members to understand how to foster a cooperative and dynamic relationship between the CAP and the USAF. This relationship begins at the unit level.

1. Identify the basic relationship mandated between the Air Force and CAP.
2. Identify techniques that CAP and the Air Force can employ to develop a better relationship.
3. Discuss the need to continually strengthen the relationship between the USAF and CAP. Emphasize the importance of the USAF-CAP Liaison officer, and how he/she can help advance the relationship.
4. Understand the benefits for both the USAF and the CAP from fostering a more cooperative relationship. How CAP helps USAF recruiting and ways the USAF helps the CAP.

Attention Step: (Slide 1) Over sixty years ago, the United States Congress recognized the need for an Air Force auxiliary to perform missions such as emergency services and aviation education. The CAP has fulfilled this vital role to our nation, and continues to have a unique partnership with the USAF.

In this lesson we learn about the unique partnership between the USAF and the CAP, mandated by law, and implemented by regulations and agreements between the USAF and the CAP. It is important for members to understand how to foster a cooperative and dynamic relationship between the CAP and the USAF. This relationship begins at the unit level.

Lesson Objectives: (Slide 2) Today we will look at the CAP – USAF relationship. We will not go into any depth about the history of the CAP, but will focus on the current issues of the CAP – USAF relationship. We will also explore ways to enhance and strengthen this relationship, including programs that exist today that benefit both the CAP and the Air Force.

Main Point 1: (Slide 3) The laws and regulations that govern CAP have been mandated through Congress. The laws (primarily Title 10) establish CAP as an auxiliary of the Air Force while establishing it as a non-profit, civilian organization. It not only receives support from the Air Force, but also receives support from several Department of Defense agencies, depending the mission that CAP performs.

Discussion Question: What does the Air Force provide for CAP?

(Main Point 2) (Slide 4) Answers may vary, however, they should include financial support, personnel, materiel, facilities, fuel, logistics, special activities (such as help for Cadet program).

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Spend some time discussing your experience with the Air Force as a CAP member. Emphasize the summer encampments available for Cadets at USAF installations. In addition, how they (senior members) can work with an installation’s Public Affairs office to arrange base and aircraft tours. Finally, discuss the Air Force – CAP Liaison relationship. How the Liaison offices interact with CAP and USAF – what they provide.

Transition Question: What does the CAP provide to the Air Force?

(Slide 5) The CAP’s aerospace education program is a comprehensive program, for both its senior members and cadets, but more importantly, for educating the general public. This service to the Air Force is important, as many cadets will join the military services, including the USAF. Likewise, the CAP emergency services program is invaluable to the Air Force as it performs missions that the USAF cannot, including search and rescue and route surveys.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: This time, ask members if they have experience on what CAP brings to the USAF – CAP relationship. Use your experience as a CAP member to enhance the discussion.

Summary (Slide 6) Today we have looked at the CAP – USAF relationship, and discussed how this relationship is unique in certain ways. Both organizations depend on each other for support to accomplish their respective missions. We have discussed techniques to develop and strengthen this relationship at the most important level – the unit level, by making everyone aware of the programs available to CAP and the USAF. For over 60 years, the CAP – USAF relationship has had numerous benefits for each other as both organizations provide their service to the country.