1. SQUADRON LEADERSHIP SCHOOL Seminar 3.1 Squadrons: The Heart of CAP

2. Hometowns Across America
CAP Units
AF Bases

3. Objectives Defend the idea that the squadron is the “heart” of CAP.
Explain how the squadron fits within CAP’s overall organizational structure
Describe the role of the following, as they relate to the squadron: Wing Headquarters National Headquarters CAP-USAF
Describe stories of successful squadron programs

4. The Three Main Types of Squadrons
Cadet
Minimum 3 seniors
Minimum 15 total members
Composite
2 deputy commanders
Senior
Minimum 15 members
Advantages:
Focus on cadet mission
Smaller staff needed
Focus on all missions
Something for everyone
Focus on ES or AE

5. Organizational Structure
What does CAP’s overall organizational structure look like?
Which echelons go where?
How are they connected?

6. Squadrons: Last But Not Least
Board of Governors
CAP National Headquarters
National Commander CSAG/Command Council*
Headquarters, Air Combat Command
Headquarters,
1st Air Force
CAP-USAF
Region Liaison Offices
CAP Regions
CAP Wings
CAP Groups
CAP Squadrons
Secretary of the Air Force
AFAB
Board of Governors:
11 members:
4 appointed by CAP
4 appointed by USAF
4 jointly appointed
* Advisory bodies to the National Commander

7. The Squadron / Wing Partnership
How Squadrons Help the Wing
How the Wing Helps Squadrons
Participation in training activities
Maintain mission readiness
Support wing goals
Meet regulatory & accountability requirements
Develop a good reputation for CAP within the community
Provide training & lend squadrons staff expertise
Coordinate state-wide programs & manage key assets
Host special activities and events
Process financial & admin actions in a timely manner
Represent squadron interests to senior leaders

8. The Squadron / NHQ Partnership
How Squadrons Help NHQ
How NHQ Helps Squadrons
Perform the missions of CAP
Recruit & retain members
Quick processing of awards, paperwork
Friendly customer service & staff expertise
Manage CAP-wide programs and publications
Represent members’ interests to the Air Force, the Congress, and other organizations

9. The Squadron / CAP-USAF Partnership
How Squadrons Help the Air Force
How the CAP-USAF Helps Squadrons
Perform the missions of CAP
Recruit & retain members
Represent the Air Force in hundreds of communities across America
Program leadership & oversight
Reserve Assistance Program (CAP-RAP)
Expertise
Liaison with local military units & federal agencies
Connect us to AF & DoD headquarters
Other Possibilities:
Partner with local Air Force or Air National Guard units.
Partner with local Air Force recruiters

10. Success Stories How has your squadron been successful?
Why was your team able to succeed in that area?

11. Final Thought
CAP could function without a National Hq
CAP could function without regions
CAP could function without wings
CAP could function without groups
But CAP could not succeed without squadrons because that is where CAP accomplishes its mission!