WASHINGTON, October 22, 2013 (AFNS) – The Civil Air Patrol took a step forward Oct. 17, with the signing and approval to restructure their noncommissioned officer corps to align with the Air Force NCO corps.
For the past 72 years, members of the Civil Air Patrol volunteer forces have completed three key missions – emergency services, aerospace education and cadet programs, with the guidance and expertise of their NCO corps.
Members of the CAP Board of Governors and their commander received approval on the proposal to restructure the NCO corps, which previously didn’t allow rank progression within the CAP. Now, with the newly-established NCO corps structure, NCOs will be able to progress and promote through the ranks similar to the Air Force.
“It is no small task to create a framework for a professional volunteer force, and I’m very proud of the way everyone came together to create a workable proposal,” said Daniel Ginsberg, the Air Force Manpower and Reserve Affairs assistant secretary.
The current design of the NCO corps in the CAP only allows former active-duty NCOs to be a part of the corps, with no upgrade training for promotion within the ranks. The newly-signed corps structure will mirror the Air Force NCO force structure with an established process to promote and develop NCOs.
The one similar, but most immediate noticeable change as a result of the restructure is the uniform. The CAP Corps will use a chevron system similar to the Air Force, but the difference will include the CAP designating itself with the letters “C-A-P” and a propeller will be in place of the star on the chevrons.
Other changes within the corps will include:
– Provide CAP commanders with increased access to the professional military skills, training and experience of former NCOs.
– Train and advise non-prior service members of CAP in the methods and procedures of military organization, leadership and management, as well as allow them to become NCOs.
The objective of the restructure of the corps will bolster the CAP’s mission capability and readiness to fulfill their congressionally-mandated missions.
“The NCO corps is the backbone of any organization and brings a wealth of information to the table,” said Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, the Civil Air Patrol commander. “This is the start of success.”
To learn more about Civil Air Patrol and their role as the Air Force Auxiliary, visit http://www.capmembers.com/cap_university/cap-familiarization-course/