Boise Composite Squadron
Cadet Programs

While listed as a specific part of the CAP mission, aerospace education activities actually permeate most of CAP's functions in one way or another. There are two distinct programs within this part of the mission - the internal program and the external program. The internal program is for CAP members, for whom aerospace education follows a definite plan of participation and progression. The external program is for nonmembers of CAP - for teachers, school administrators, and other interested individuals.

The Internal Program

The internal program for senior and cadet CAP members is designed to provide a general knowledge of all aerospace activities, along with an appreciation of how these activities impact society. Here, the aerospace education program is based on activities and study. Aerospace education is enriched by guest lecturers who are specialists in a particular facet of aerospace activity, visits to aerospace installations, participation in aerospace-related activities, and practical experience with aerospace equipment, such as flights in contemporary aircraft.

The External Program

All other aerospace education activities in which CAP is involved are considered external aerospace education. Participating in this category are those educational institutions wanting to provide an aerospace education program for their students. CAP provides free materials and guidance. In each region, the Civil Air Patrol employs an educator who is known as the Region Director of Aerospace Education (RDAE). One of their responsibilities is to assist educational institutions in planning aerospace education projects, generally referred to as "workshops." The assistance may come directly from the RDAE or may be come from the wing or squadron level. In any case, CAP assists in making arrangements, ideas for presentations, providing guest lecturers and other activities for aerospace education courses and workshops.

Aerospace education for the general public is given through exhibits and demonstration; cooperative programs with business, fraternal, civil and service organizations - all of which are conducted as a public service. Through these programs, aerospace education fosters our nation's commitment to the future.

One of the most notable examples of this commitment is the National Congress on Aviation and Space Education (NCASE). Sponsored by Civil Air Patrol and supported by organizations such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it is designed to promote an understanding of aerospace education throughout the nation. This motivational program encourages teachers to incorporate aerospace education in their curricula and leaders to speak out on the aerospace issues facing our nation today.

In an age when we are constantly striving to move faster, do more, in less time, it is the aerospace world which will develop the technology - in travel, in medicine, in computer sciences, to allow us to achieve those goals. In addition, current events point out the achievements of other nations in aerospace technology, which may threaten the security and prestige of America. CAP believes that the United States can only maintain its leadership only by paralleling or excelling the achievements of other countries. To do this, it is a must that general education in aerospace activities be emphasized now and in the future. Such education makes the public more aware of the necessity for progress in this area, and it can help make the public more receptive to tackling the challenges that lie ahead. Too, the education of our youth in the wide spectrum of aerospace related sciences ensures our nation's future supply of trained scientists dedicated to preserving America's place as the preeminent developer of aerospace technology in the world.