Nationwide, CAP is a major operator of single-engine general aviation aircraft used in the execution of its various missions, including orientation flights for cadets and the provision of significant emergency services capabilities.

CAP's coastal patrol reportedly flew 24 million miles and sighted 173 enemy U-boats, dropping a total of 82 bombs and depth charges during the conflict.

[11] With the passing of the National Security Act of 1947 and the creation of the United States Air Force, CAP became the auxiliary of the USAF 26 May 1948, and its incorporating charter declared that it would never again be involved in direct combat activities, but would be of a benevolent nature.

The board of governors generally meets two or three times annually and primarily provides strategic vision and guidance to the volunteer leadership and to corporate staff.

The principal categories include search and rescue missions, disaster relief, humanitarian services, and United States Air Force support.

[31] Outside of the contiguous United States, CAP directly supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

In 2004, several hurricanes hit the southeast coast of the United States, with Florida being the worst damaged; CAP was instrumental in providing help to affected areas.

[35][32] The CAP fleet is used in training exercises to prepare USAF pilots to intercept enemy aircraft over the Continental United States.

Civil Air Patrol makes extensive use of the Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance system, mounted on the Gippsland GA8 Airvan.

As a humanitarian service organization, CAP assists federal, state and local agencies in preparing for and responding to homeland security needs.

There is no upper age limit, nor membership restrictions for physical disabilities, due to the number of different tasks which members may be called on to perform.

"[54] By 2018 a professional development and promotion pathway was in place for former military enlisted personnel who joined CAP at their previous rank.

There are many Specialty Tracks and they are designed both to support the organization and to provide opportunities for senior members to take advantage of skills they have from their private lives.

[56] Available Specialty Tracks include Logistics, Communications, Cadet Programs, Public Affairs, Legal, Administration, Emergency Services, Finance, and many more.

CAP cadets wear modified versions of United States Air Force uniforms, hold rank and grade, and practice military customs and courtesies.

They are required to maintain physical fitness standards and are tested on their knowledge of leadership and aerospace subjects at each promotion opportunity.

[46] The current CAP Cadet Program was designed by John V. "Jack" Sorenson who held the position of Civil Air Patrol's Director of Aerospace Education in the 1960s.

Unlike the regular armed forces, where it is possible to enter either directly as a commissioned following completion of some form of officer training (service academy, college ROTC, or OCS/OTS, etc.

Typically a seven to ten-day event, cadets are put into an intense, military-structured environment with emphasis on physically and mentally demanding tasks, in addition to required classes and activities.

These classes include aerospace education, United States Air Force organization, cadet programs, and drug demand reduction.

[75] Cadets ascribe to the following oath during their membership, and must recite it from memory before gaining their C/Amn promotion: I pledge that I will serve faithfully in the Civil Air Patrol Cadet Program, and that I will attend meetings regularly, participate actively in unit activities, obey my officers, wear my uniform properly, and advance my education and training rapidly to prepare myself to be of service to my community, state, and nation.

In addition, CAP members are covered by the Federal Employees Compensation Act (FECA) in the event of injury while participating in the mission.

[citation needed] These uniform types are composed of:[51] Civil Air Patrol operates and maintains fixed-wing aircraft, training gliders, ground vehicles, and a national radio communications network.

The aircraft are in a phased refurbishment program that began in 2008, replacing engines, interior, avionics, and paint at a lower cost than new purchases.

Sixteen of Civil Air Patrol's fleet of 18 Airvans carry the Airborne Real-time Cueing Hyperspectral Enhanced Reconnaissance (ARCHER) system, which can be used to search for aircraft wreckage based on its spectral signature.

CAP also has a number of gliders, such as the LET L-23 Super Blaník, the Schleicher ASK 21 and the Schweizer SGS 2-33, used mainly for cadet orientation flights.

[4] Members who use their own vehicles are reimbursed for fuel, oil and communications costs during a USAF-assigned emergency services mission.

[37] Radio communications are now facilitated under NTIA specifications, to which Civil Air Patrol directorates have applied even more stringent standards.

[86] CAP's radio network is designed for use during a national or regional emergency when existing telephone and Internet communications infrastructure is not available.

[95] Today, apart from member dues, Civil Air Patrol receives funding from donations and grants from individuals, foundations and corporations; from grants and payments from state governments for patrolling and other tasks as agreed by memorandums of understanding; and from federal funding for reimbursement of fuel, oil and maintenance plus capital expenses for aircraft, vehicles and communications equipment.