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[[Civil Air Patrol]] operates through squadrons, which are the basic units by which CAP achieves its goals. There are three types of squadrons: cadet squadrons, composite squadrons, and senior squadrons. A squadron must have at least 15 members, including 3 senior members. If the membership goes below 15, the squadron may be re-designated as a flight.<ref name=":0">{{Pub|CAPM|20-01}}</ref><ref>{{Pub|AFI|10-2701}}</ref><ref>{{Pub|CAPP|50-5}}</ref>
'''Civil Air Patrol''' operates through squadrons, which are the basic units by which CAP achieves its goals. There are three types of squadrons: cadet squadrons, composite squadrons, and senior squadrons. A squadron must have at least 15 members, including 3 senior members. If the membership goes below 15, the squadron may be re-designated as a flight.<ref name=":0">{{Pub|CAPM|20-01}}</ref><ref>{{Pub|AFI|10-2701}}</ref><ref>{{Pub|CAPP|50-5}}</ref>


=== Creation of a Squadron ===
=== Creation of a Squadron ===
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=== Squadron Flights ===
=== Squadron Flights ===
Squadrons may organize into smaller units called flights, which can range from 2 to 3 per squadron, depending on size and structure. Flights are typically organized based on members’ experience levels.<ref>https://mn048.cap.gov/home-dropdown/chain-of-command</ref><ref>https://sq144.cap.gov/members/sq144-cadet-guide/new-cadet-guide-tango-flight</ref>
Squadrons may organize into smaller units called flights, typically designated by the phonetic alphabet, which can range from 2 to 3 per squadron, depending on size and structure. Flights are typically organized based on members’ experience levels.<ref>https://mn048.cap.gov/home-dropdown/chain-of-command</ref><ref>https://sq144.cap.gov/members/sq144-cadet-guide/new-cadet-guide-tango-flight</ref>


* '''Alpha Flight''': Composed of more experienced members who often take on leadership and training responsibilities.
* '''Alpha Flight''': Composed of more experienced members who often take on leadership and training responsibilities.
* '''Bravo Flight''': Generally consists of newer members or cadets, focusing on basic training and skill development.
* '''Bravo Flight''': Generally consists of newer members or cadets, focusing on basic training and skill development.
* '''Tango Flight''': Sometimes designated for prospective cadets or recruits, particularly those up to the rank of C/AB (Cadet Airman Basic), providing an introduction to the CAP environment.
* '''Charlie/Tango Flight''': Sometimes designated for prospective cadets or recruits, particularly those up to the rank of C/AB (Cadet Airman Basic) or new C/Amn (Cadet Airman), providing an introduction to the CAP environment. Some squadrons use “Charlie” to follow the A-B-C structure, while others use “Tango” to emphasize training.


Not all squadrons utilize flights, and their internal structure may vary depending on size and operational goals.
Not all squadrons utilize flights, and their internal structure may vary depending on size and operational goals.
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Latest revision as of 21:15, 12 October 2024

Civil Air Patrol operates through squadrons, which are the basic units by which CAP achieves its goals. There are three types of squadrons: cadet squadrons, composite squadrons, and senior squadrons. A squadron must have at least 15 members, including 3 senior members. If the membership goes below 15, the squadron may be re-designated as a flight.[1][2][3]

Creation of a Squadron

Creating a new squadron requires a minimum of 3 senior members and sufficient interest from potential members. Initially, the wing commander appoints a squadron commander. The squadron commander then assigns senior members to leadership roles which must be official CAP members.[4][5]

Once approved by Wing Headquarters, the squadron is assigned a number and fully recognized as a unit capable of participating in CAP missions.

Squadron Types

  • Cadet squadrons: Primarily composed of cadets with at least 3 senior members. Their focus is on youth leadership, character development, and aerospace education.
  • Composite squadrons: A mix of cadets and senior members, these squadrons handle both the Cadet Program and Emergency Services missions, often involving search-and-rescue operations.
  • Senior squadrons: Exclusively made up of senior members, these squadrons focus on Emergency Services, aerospace education, and other non-cadet-related missions.[1]

Squadron Flights

Squadrons may organize into smaller units called flights, typically designated by the phonetic alphabet, which can range from 2 to 3 per squadron, depending on size and structure. Flights are typically organized based on members’ experience levels.[6][7]

  • Alpha Flight: Composed of more experienced members who often take on leadership and training responsibilities.
  • Bravo Flight: Generally consists of newer members or cadets, focusing on basic training and skill development.
  • Charlie/Tango Flight: Sometimes designated for prospective cadets or recruits, particularly those up to the rank of C/AB (Cadet Airman Basic) or new C/Amn (Cadet Airman), providing an introduction to the CAP environment. Some squadrons use “Charlie” to follow the A-B-C structure, while others use “Tango” to emphasize training.

Not all squadrons utilize flights, and their internal structure may vary depending on size and operational goals.