Mission First, People Always — With Cadet Protection at the Heart of All We Do
When Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye accepted command of Civil Air Patrol in August 2024, she talked about the importance of chasing perfection in cadet protection: “Cadet protection is an area in which we cannot fail. That is why it is part of my commander’s intent. It’s also one which will always need to continue to evolve.”
On Aug. 18, CAP Air Patrol will update four regulations designed to enhance cadet protection. These updates represent a significant step in CAP’s broader effort to align operational practices with the highest standards of youth safety and better manage organizational risk.
The updated regulations are the result of careful review, collaboration across all echelons, and reflect current challenges, evolving best practices, and CAP’s responsibility as both a youth-serving organization and the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. When implemented together, they provide members with a multifaceted framework for identifying, preventing, and responding to risk.
Updated Regulations: (link: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/members/publications/regulations-for-preview)
CAPR 60-2, Cadet Protection ProgramThe most substantially updated publication in this suite, the updated CAPR 60-2 cements our organizational commitment to cadet protection across every level, from the national Commander to the team at National Headquarters, the Legal Officer Corps, and commanders across all echelons. Other changes include updates to reporting requirements, medication management, and activity safety. With this level of change, a thorough review of the entire regulation is needed.
CAPR 60-1, Cadet Program ManagementThe changes to CAPR60‑1 enhance youth safety by refining progressive discipline to focus on positive, incremental steps and clear family involvement when significant issues arise. Encampments now prohibit merit and demerit systems, remove overnight cadet charge‑of‑quarters duties, and require proper rest, meal periods, and formal operational reporting for greater accountability. Additionally, activity directors and staff must complete seasonal Required Staff Training modules to strengthen adult supervision and safe program management.
CAPR 39-2, Civil Air Patrol MembershipThe changes to CAPR 39-2 focus on the role of membership boards as a key factor in mitigating risk regarding effective screening of potential new members. CAPP 60-14, The First Talk Guide, has also been updated as an additional resource.
ICL to CAPR 160-1(I), Operation of the CAP Health Services ProgramThis ICL reflects operational updates to Health Services with the inclusion of medication management guidance and introduces CAP Health. CAPP 79-10, Cadet Medication Management Best Practices, has also been updated as an additional resource.
A Layered Approach to Risk ManagementTogether, these regulations reflect a systems-based approach to risk mitigation. CAP’s youth protection strategy mirrors the Swiss cheese model of risk management, commonly used in safety-critical fields. The concept is simple: No single safeguard is perfect — each may have gaps — but when multiple layers are applied thoughtfully and consistently, the likelihood of a failure is significantly reduced.
Each regulation addresses a different aspect of organizational risk:
Screening and eligibility (CAPR 39-2)
Program structure and youth engagement (CAPR 60-1)
Supervision, conduct, and response (CAPR 60-2)
Medication management and use of CAP Health (ICL to CAPR 160-1(I))
When all are implemented together, they create a stronger, more resilient organization that exhibits a commitment to cadet protection in all operations.
What’s Next for Members
Preview the regulations now via the Regulations for Preview page.
Prepare your unit for implementation by reviewing the updated regulations together, engaging with your chain of command, and ensuring members complete required training.
Engage in communication and feedback, especially with cadets and families, so the rollout is smooth, transparent, and effective.
Register for an informative webinar on these regulatory updates in Absorb — coming soon!
A New Era of Evidence-Based Practice and ImprovementRooted in CAP’s value of Excellence, we know that “good” is not good enough when it comes to protecting our cadets. These changes represent not the culmination of our efforts but the start of a new chapter — a commitment to continuous quality improvement. These regulatory updates are not simply administrative; they reflect our core values in action. By reinforcing a culture of safety, accountability, and care, we strengthen our ability to serve youth, adult leaders, parents, families, and other stakeholders safely and effectively.
CAP’s commitment to cadet protection is ongoing. These new regulations ensure that commitment is visible, measurable, and backed by action._____Katie ThursonYouth Protection Program Manager
