Cadet Anushka Kumar is a freshmen in High School from Watchung. She has successfully completed Phase I in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program. This has earned Cadet Kumar the Wright Brothers Award which marks the transition of a cadet to the non-commissioned officer status in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program, and accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Staff Sergeant. This summer she also successfully completed a week-long cadet training called Basic Encampment where she attained important knowledge on Team Work and STEM.
(above) Cadet Anushka Kumar has earned non-commissioned officer status in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program.
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered and federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official “civilian” auxiliary of the US Air Force (non-combatant). The Cadet Program is open to youth 12 to 18 years and adults who wish volunteer service. Cadets progress through a series of achievements and awards that can be earned by keeping regular attendance, online or paper tests in leadership and aerospace. They also learn STEM concepts with hands-on activities, cyber security, electronics, robotics, etc. CAP has CAP has summer camps programs for cadets that they can attend in different parts of the nation and outside of the USA (learn to flight, robotics, leadership, cyber, para-rescue, engineering, and many more). Cadets can also compete for academic scholarships to further their studies. CAP is a volunteer civilian organization and the youth program goal is to help to construct good citizens and to motivate them to continue their studies in higher education. Although CAP is under Air Force, CAP’s cadets are not obligated to join the military. However, 10% of the cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy get their start in CAP. In addition CAP’s cadets that enlist in the Air Force or enroll in the Air Force ROTC college program will receive an advance promotion since they are recognized by the Air Force.
CAP served during WWII in US costal patrols against Nazi submarines. In the present CAP’s Adult program performs search and rescue missions within the United States. In September 11, 2001, CAP provided the first aerial pictures of the World Trade Center site, “Ground Zero,” and also flew transport missions bringing donated blood to New York City. CAP members responded in the aftermath of hurricanes Rita, Katrina, Sandy on the air and on the ground – helping with search missions, disaster relief and aerial survey flights.
The Civil Air Patrol, a commitment to excellence!
For information about the Youth Program (Cadet Program), please email Ceti Vergara ceti.vergara@njwg.cap.gov.
