By Col. Amy Myzie, Commander, New Jersey Wing, Civil Air Patrol
In a time when meaningful extracurricular opportunities for youth seem harder to find, the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) offers something truly special: a program that is educational, challenging, and fun—and that can open doors to careers in aviation, leadership, science, and service.
As the commander of the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our cadet program has changed hundreds of young lives.. What I’m most proud of is how we help shape future leaders, and how they are positioned to give back to their communities here in New Jersey, and our nation.
. Through structured training, mentorship and unique experiences, our cadets—ages 12 to 18 years—develop confidence, resilience and direction that stays with them for life. Interests in aviation and aerospace are valuable, but not as much as a sense of patriotism, ambition, and service.
The Civil Air Patrol, the all-volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force Total Force New Jersey Wing, has approximately 1000 cadet members and almost 700 senior members statewide. The Wing uses seven fuel efficient Cessna aircraft varied support vehicles, and an expanding inventory of high-technology communications and computer hardware to accomplish our missions. These include search and rescue and disaster relief missions, and other support, for many local and Federal agencies — e.g., the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the United States Air Force, New Jersey State Police, the New Jersey Air National Guard—and others.
CAP’s service to New Jersey communities, as well as the nation at large, this past year reflects our capabilities and training both in the air and on the ground.
- In 2024, the Wing flew 494 CAP, Air Force ROTC, and Junior ROTC cadet orientation flights. Cadet orientation flights are a novel – and popular– benefit for our young volunteers, where they are introduced to piloting both powered aircraft and gliders under close supervision of certified flight instructors and CAP mentors.
- Three New Jersey Wing cadets recently traveled to the southern tip of Texas to participate in Civil Air Patrol’s inaugural, and selective, Space & Rocketry National Cadet Special Activity, an intensive five-day aerospace and rocketry immersion program held in Brownsville. The program combined CAP’s aerospace education curriculum with hands-on rocketry engineering, STEM instruction, and military-style leadership training. The cadets built and launched model rockets, took part in flight dynamics exercises and mission simulations, and toured advanced aerospace facilities including an air traffic control tower and National Weather Station. Cadets learned principles of aerodynamics, propulsion, and orbital mechanics—all while sharpening decision-making and teamwork under real-world pressure scenarios
- Also in 2024, the Wing’s hours of volunteer services to the State and nation were estimated at $6,770,769. Previously, the Wing had been recognized with the Governor’s Jefferson Award – “the Pulitzer Prize of volunteerism” – for community service in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Civil Air Patrol offers numerous programs in fulfillment of its Aerospace Education mission. This includes STEM kits, the K-6th grade Aerospace Connections in Education program, Aerospace Education Excellence curriculum, teacher orientation flights (in CAP aircraft), and more.
- Nationwide, CAP attracts more than 32,000 youth ages 12-20 years and provides intensive activities in leadership, aerospace, fitness, and character development. Thousands of cadets to are introduced to cyber defense careers through CyberPatriot, the Air and Space Forces Association’s National Youth Cyber Security Competition.
CAP cadets can also be inspired to enroll in the nation’s service academies. There are also numerous opportunities to compete for scholarships in f light and academic institutions, furthering professional STEM careers and enhancing the nation’s future workforce. Our cadets don’t just learn to lead—they live it. Whether it’s launching rockets and unmanned aerial systems, flying simulators, or navigating search-and-rescue missions, cadets discover how thrilling learning can be when it’s hands-on and connected to real-world missions.
The Civil Air Patrol is not a newcomer. In fact, CAP will celebrate its 85th birthday in 2026—and it all started right here in New Jersey.
In the early days of World War II, the military was short on manpower. Civilian pilots stepped up, answering the call to protect the Atlantic and Gulf coastlines from enemy submarines. It was at Bader Field in Atlantic City that the first CAP coastal patrol mission was launched. From 1942 to 1943, these volunteers flew a staggering 244,600 hours in privately owned aircraft, protecting our shores and supporting our military efforts. CAP was formally founded on December 1, 1941—just one week before the attack on Pearl Harbor—and has served as the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force ever since.
More than ever, CAP is a vital resource for our nation and New Jersey. With more than 1,700 members across 24 squadrons in New Jersey, we are proud to say there’s at least one squadron in every county—and probably one within a short drive of your home.
Our missions are diverse, but all share a focus on service. Nationally, CAP performs 90 percent of inland search-and-rescue operations as tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center. We conduct aerial reconnaissance for homeland security, disaster relief photography, and emergency services in support of federal, state and local agencies. Our trained members transport life-saving medical supplies and time-sensitive materials when commercial transport is not an option. And our teams are often among the first to respond after hurricanes, floods and wildfires.
One of the most exciting opportunities we offer youth is an actual flight in a Civil Air Patrol aircraft—with a trained CAP pilot at the controls. For many cadets, this is their very first experience in the cockpit, and it’s often life changing. Some go on to become pilots, air traffic controllers, engineers, or serve in the armed forces. Others take the leadership and teamwork skills they learn in CAP and apply them in every corner of society.
If you’re a parent of a child or student between the ages of 12 and 18 years, I encourage you to explore what Civil Air Patrol can offer. We’d love to welcome you at a local unit meeting to see our cadets in action and speak with our volunteer members. We are always happy to answer questions and invite you to learn more about joining—whether as a cadet or as an adult volunteer.
To find a squadron near you or get more information, visit our website at: https://njwg.cap.gov/, or contact Maj. Rob McClellan, CAP, at robert.mcclellan@njwg.cap.gov.
Civil Air Patrol is more than just a youth program—it’s a pathway to the future. And it started right here, in New Jersey.
