At Artesia’s Trick or Treat MainStreet, our youngest son was invited by a friend to join the Civil Air Patrol.
We agreed to look into it, knowing nothing about the program. After some online research, we realized it was a fantastic opportunity—almost too good to be true.
The Civil Air Patrol, referred to as CAP, was founded on December 1, 1941, just 6 days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Civil Air Patrol was vital in patrolling the East Coast during WWII to help deter and report German submarines that were attacking merchant vessels. CAP aircraft patrolled the entire coastline from Maine to the Mexican border, covering the entire Atlantic and Gulf coasts. After the United States Air Force was founded in 1947, President Harry S. Truman established CAP as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force in 1948. Today, CAP has over 60,000 members, operating in all 50 states with squadrons located on many U.S. Air Force bases worldwide. CAP also operates the world’s largest fleet of Cessna aircraft, with more than 500 aircraft. Its primary missions are Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs.
Our local squadron is the Roswell Composite Squadron (NM-082). We meet at the New Mexico Military Institute on a weekly basis and are a blend of NMMI cadets and youth from Roswell, Artesia, and surrounding communities. Roswell has a rich aviation history. For example, the 509th Bombardment Group, responsible for dropping the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, were relocated to the Roswell Army Airfield. Later the airfield’s name was changed to Walker Air Force Base and became the largest Strategic Air Command during the Cold War. Shifting focuses to current activities, Walker Air Force Base has since been deactivated and is now the Roswell airport where the Roswell squadron has a Cessna 172. Cadets take orientation flights there and learn the basics of flying.
Youth members are called Cadets. Though CAP is not part of the military, it is structured with military ranks, uniforms, and a chain of command. While future military service is encouraged, it is not required. Young people can join CAP at age 12 and remain a cadet until their 21st birthday.
To support new cadets, weekly meetings are held where they participate in group activities, leadership training, physical fitness, character development, and aerospace education. In addition to these meetings, cadets gain access to online self-study programs. These interactive modules allow cadets to learn at their own pace. Over the past year, cadets at the Roswell squadron have given presentations, built rockets, flown in C-130 aircraft, programmed computers, worked on robotics, flown drones, and attended astronomy star parties. Much of what is learned is STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), which will help young people whether or not they go into the military.
Every cadet is encouraged to attend a summer or winter Encampment. Our son attended the New Mexico Wing Summer Encampment at the New Mexico Institute of Mining & Technology last June. Encampment is a week-long, military-style leadership laboratory that challenges cadets with early-morning physical training (PT), military drill, critical thinking, time management, and interpersonal skills. Cadets also took time to serve the Socorro community and tour Kirtland Air Force Base where they flew in C-130s, learned about Black Hawk helicopters and the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft, and tried on gear used by the explosive ordinance company. Encampment concludes with a Victory Run, Formal Graduation Dinner, and a Graduation Ceremony where family and friends get to see their cadet for the first time.
As an auxiliary of the United States Air Force, CAP partners with local Air Force bases and has access to unique experiences. Last July, the Roswell and Clovis squadrons met up at Cannon Air Force Base for a special visit. First, they toured the Air Traffic Control Tower and Radar Approach Control Room. Next, they attended Pre-Flight Briefings, and then, they flew with the 9th Special Operations Squadron, executing low-level tactical operation training over the Grand Canyon and Arches National Parks. During the flight, the loadmaster harnessed the cadets to a tether, opened the cargo door, and let them sit on the ramp, feet dangling out of the C-130 while the pilots maneuvered above the Grand Canyon. It was like being in a movie. Afterwards, cadets sat in on the Post-Flight Debriefing and reflected on the amazing experience.
The Civil Air Patrol does much more, but above all, it develops young people to be the future leaders of our nation. CAP does this through aviation and education, courtesy of the United States Air Force. CAP’s Core Values are Integrity First, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. If your child is interested in aviation, military training, or STEM subjects, consider enrolling them in the Roswell Civil Air Patrol squadron.
Joel Miller
Joel Miller was born and raised in Artesia, moved away for 10 years, then, after marrying Robin and starting their family, they had the opportunity to live anywhere in the world with an internet connection, but chose to relocate back to Artesia. Faith, family, friends, and community are why they are happy to call Artesia home.
