CAP Recruitment Orientation set

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Jhanelle Haag
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Laughlin Air Force Base Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol is seeking local residents to join the all civilian and all volunteer auxiliary of the Air Force Oct. 19, 1 p.m., in the Student Activity Center, here. 

Those interested in learning more about the CAP and its operations in Del Rio should plan to attend the 8-hour orientation program. The program will include aerospace education, leadership training, as well as physical fitness and character-building activities.

Guests requiring an escort for access should plan to arrive at the Highway 90 entrance to the base at 12:30 p.m.

The CAP was formed on December 1, 1941, reactivated locally in Del Rio in Jan. 2014, the organization performs more than 90 percent of all Air Force directed search and rescues and performs missions for Federal Emergency Management Agency, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security and other emergency and community organizations. 

The Laughlin AFB Composite Squadron is one of over 70 units in Texas. Nationwide, the CAP is in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and some U.S. air bases overseas.

There is no military obligation associated with membership, and it is not necessary to have a military or aviation background.

Flying a fleet of 530 aircraft, 63 sailplanes and operating an extensive radio communications network, the CAP also operates a highly regarded cadet program for girls and boys between the ages of 12 and 17. 

The cadet program includes considerable flight time and educational opportunities and partners with the U.S. Air Force in recognized aerospace education programs for schools, the community and the CAP membership.