ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. -- An open house was hosted Nov. 30, by a tenant unit here, which provides search and rescue support to the National Capital Region.

The open house was held to explain the three missions of the Civil Air Patrol, display equipment used in search and rescue operations, and educate visitors on opportunities available.

Posse Comitatus and the Civil Air Patrol: Time for a Second Look?

by Russell D. Hodgkins Jr, Col, USAF; Commander, CAP-USAF

This summer, a group of volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) performed an experiment in southern Arizona.  In late July 2006, members of the CAP Arizona Wing flew 94 patrol missions along the U.S. border and demonstrated the ability to survey large areas of this desolate region using light aircraft.  What was the cost to the taxpayer for almost 320 hours of flying?  Only $27,000, or less than $85 per flying hour.  Yet, in spite of proving the ability of CAP to perform this mission, a Reconstruction era law--the Posse Comitatus Act--limits full utilization of this cost-effective resource in the border security mission.

The Reserve Officers Association (ROA) "Freedom Walk" Volksmarch will be held 21 - 22 October at the Courtyard Hotel by Marriott, 1533 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington.  Arlington Cadet Squadron will be manning the checkpoints and providing communication assistance announced squadron commander Captain James Quinn, Jr. 

Cadets Eric Muse and Jason Cates discuss recruiting tactics while manning the CAP booth at the AFA Convention in Washington, D.C.

Members of the wing supported Marc Huchette, interim di

The new CAPR 52-16 (Cadet Program Management) goes into effect on 1 October.

There are several important changes:

1. Two-Month Rule for Cadet Progression - This new rule simplifies progression by standardizing the time-in-grade requirement at 2 months between achievements and milestone awards, except the Spaatz.

National Capital Wing and West Virginia Wing participated in their first joint search and rescue training exercise 16 - 17 September.  The exercise was attended by over 60 members from both wings.