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USAF Total Force Initiative now includes CAP

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  One week before the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, a group of civilian aviators joined together to fly, fight, and win, in defense of the United States, beginning what is now known as the Civil Air Patrol.

Recently, the Air Force expanded the definition of total force to include the CAP.

"As a strategic partner, these unpaid professionals have boldly served our nation saving the Air Force almost 40 times the cost of using military assets for each hour served," said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. "Inclusion in the total force reflects the continuing key contributions of this highly trained and equipped organization."

The CAP is an all-volunteer civilian force that is funded by member dues and department of the Air Force funding. They operate on a rank structure similar to the Air Force and are led by CAP Maj. Gen. Robert Vazquez.

For 20th Fighter Wing Airmen, this expansion means the local CAP squadron, the Sumter Composite Squadron SC-075, assists in the wing's mission, to provide combat ready airpower and Airmen to meet any challenge, anytime, anywhere.

"Essentially, whatever we can do for the 20th FW, we will do it," said SSgt Aaron Miller, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron security manager and CAP captain.

The CAP focuses on three missions to alleviate pressure on the rest of the total force: aerospace education, cadet programs, and emergency services.

"We are grateful for the addition of the CAP," said Miller. "Their inclusion provides the 20th FW with more options for programs geared toward the local community. With their educational and cadet programs, the local youth can learn about how we achieve our mission. Their emergency services mission is incredibly beneficial to every life they save, and if the worst should happen, you should feel safe knowing they're looking for you."

One way the Sumter CAP can assist the 20th FW is with their emergency services mission. CAP flies search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian services, Air Force support, and counter drug missions.

As seen with the recent mid-air collision, no wing is immune from aircraft accidents. Maj. Aaron Johnson, 55th Fighter Squadron fighter pilot, was involved a mid-air collision over the skies of Charleston, South Carolina. While Johnson was unharmed and able to communicate with first responders, in a situation where an Airman is not able to assist in their own recovery, having the CAP perform search and rescue can be a valuable asset.

"We save approximately 100 people every year," said Miller. "We take great pride in our ability to bring people back safely to their loved ones."

CAP Airmen are important because of their ability to succeed and save the Air Force time and money by taking on responsibilities that would deter the Air Force's overall mission, said SSgt. Jacob McDonald, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron avionics backshop team leader and CAP senior member.

Having flown in defense of the United States for 74 years, these intrepid individuals support non-combat missions on behalf of the Air Force making the inclusion of the CAP into the total force a benefit for both the Air Force and the nation.