Air Force Assn. Announces New Partnership With CAP

The Air Force Association announced today a new partnership with Civil Air Patrol designed to advance both organizations’ mission to promote aerospace education in communities nationwide.

The statement of mutual support, signed in Arlington, Virginia, by retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Larry Spencer, Air Force Association president, and Maj. Gen. Mark Smith, Civil Air Patrol national commander, calls for AFA and CAP to pair CAP squadrons and AFA chapters for the purpose of advocating for aerospace education at the local, state and regional levels.

“Civil Air Patrol and the Air Force Association have made strides in promoting national defense for decades, even before the inception of the Air Force,” Spencer said. “In an era so intensely focused on national security, it is crucial that our two organizations partner to make sure the Air Force’s voice is heard.”

“This is an exceptional opportunity for both organizations,” Smith said. “Partnering with the Air Force Association will open doors for both CAP and AFA to impact local communities.”

As part of the statement of mutual support, Civil Air Patrol is giving AFA members who “opt in” two years of free enrollment in its Friends of CAP program, which offers interested individuals a way to stay connected with CAP without the obligations or commitments involved with regular membership. As a Friend of CAP, AFA members will also receive an electronic subscription to Civil Air Patrol Volunteer magazine and an invitation to visit a local CAP squadron or special CAP event.

AFA is providing similar benefits, including full AFA e-memberships for two years to every current and new CAP member who opts in, as well as providing unit and educator grants to support CAP squadron initiatives in aerospace education and STEM and continuing to provide CAP with opportunities to participate in AFA’s national CyberPatriot program. AFA will also promote CAP’s Aerospace Connections in Education (ACE) program with AFA chapters nationwide.