Background:
The Civil Air
Patrol has often been referred to as the Air Force's best kept
secret.
The organization was established on Dec 1, 1941, just days
before the attack on Pearl Harbor, as a way to keep general
aviation viable during a time a conflict and supplement America's
military operation.
Five years later in 1946 CAP was chartered by Congress as a
federally supported, non-profit corporation that serves as the
official auxiliary of the U. S. Air Force. It's volunteer members
are charged with three primary missions: emergency services, cadet
programs and aerospace education.
Emergency Services
Best known for its members’ work in search and rescue and disaster
relief missions, CAP is expanding its role in the 21st century to
include an increasing number of homeland security operations and
exercises. CAP also performs counterdrug reconnaissance missions at
the request of law enforcement agencies and can do radiological
monitoring and damage assessment. CAP members undergo rigorous
training to perform these missions safely and cost-effectively.
Cadet
Programs
CAP’s cadet program trains young men and women in teamwork, moral
leadership, aerospace education, technical skills to support
emergency services, and military history and customs. Through
national encampments, a college and flight training scholarship
program, and the International Air Cadet Exchange, CAP cadets
broaden their horizons, learn to assume responsibility, feel
self-confidence and set goals for their lives.
Aerospace Education
CAP maintains both internal and external aerospace education
programs. CAP members, both adults and cadets, follow a rigorous
program to learn about aviation and aerospace principles. CAP also
reaches out to the general public through a special program for
teachers at all grade levels. Through this program, CAP provides
free classroom materials and lesson plans for aerospace education
and each year sponsors the premier national conference in this
field.
The Olive Branch Composite Squadron is the largest
and most active unit in Mississippi. It has 40 Senior Members and
23 Cadets. The squadron has two aircraft based out of Olive Branch
Airport and flies more hours than the rest of the state combined.
It was awarded Squadron of the Year in 2007 and is always ready to
answer the call in times of need.
The Cache:
This is the third in my series of caches dedicated to my other
passion - aviation. The cache is located in the Olive Branch City
Park where my squadron often brings the cadets for their physical
fitness training. The GPS system is covered as part of the
aerospace education curriculum and this cache was placed as a
practical and fun use of the technology. The cache is accessible
via a hiking path. The trail head and parking is located near the
tennis courts.