Ohio Wing Civil Air Patrol  Announcements

From: AF/XO - DCS/Air & Space Operations
Subject: Air Force Auxiliary Member Access to Air Force and Air Guard Installations


U N C L A S S I F I E D

Heightened security procedures from the events of September 11, have resulted in many of our Air Force and Air Guard installations restricting access to various groups and organizations that previously used Air Force facilities. Among those organizations affected by this increased security is the Air Force Auxiliary (AFA), or better known as the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). This loss of base access is having an unforeseen affect on their programs. Restoration of their access is critical to the continued success of our Auxiliary during this time of increased emphasis on Homeland Defense and Security.

A number of CAP flying and non-flying (cadet/youth) units are located on Air Force and Air National Guard installations and conduct numerous training activities throughout the year. Since the events of September 11, many unit meetings and training events have been postponed or cancelled due to the restricted access to these installations. Some CAP units have not been able to access their unit facilities since this date.

CAP, as our AFA, provides a tremendous benefit to the Air Force when performing their Air Force missions: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and Cadet Programs. Using our Auxiliary frees-up Air Force personnel and equipment for other higher priority missions while bringing aerospace education and the use of airpower to the grass-roots level. CAP Emergency Services is a reflection of American volunteers helping their fellow citizens in time of need. Immediately after the events of September 11, the CAP aircraft were the only aircraft authorized to fly other than those combat aircraft participating in Operation Noble Eagle. CAP provided the first aerial reconnaissance of the World Trade Center for FEMA and flew almost six hundred hours of humanitarian support missions. Their Aerospace Education program keeps the public informed and interested in aviation, the Air Force, and the need for aerospace supremacy. The Cadet Program exposes and motivates our nation's youth toward a career in aerospace and the armed forces, particularly the Air Force, while developing leadership and other useful skills that will help these potential Air Force NCOs and officers in their chosen careers. All these programs have a synergistic effect on our recruiting efforts.

Unlike DOD personnel, CAP members do not currently have a photo identification card verifying their status as a member of the Air Force Auxiliary. Therefore, the Air Staff is beginning the process that will authorize Air Force Auxiliary personnel access to AF installations during times of heighten security. A permanent method has yet to be identified. In the near term, this access will be granted via an entry authorization list provided to the local Security Forces unit.

To help support this process, Air Force Instruction 10-2701, "Organization and Function of the Civil Air Patrol," requires all installation commanders appoint a field grade officer as their liaison to CAP-USAF (the Air Force organization tasked to provide advice, assistance and oversight to CAP as the Air Force Auxiliary). I am requesting that each installation commander follow through on this provision, which will aid in the base access issue. More information about the Air Force Auxiliary can be found in Air Force Policy Directive 10-27, "Civil Air Patrol," and Air Force Instruction 10-2701, "Organization and Function of the Civil Air Patrol." I request each installation commander provide as much support and access as possible so that our Air Force Auxiliary can carry out their Air Force assigned missions.

Civil Air Patrol, our Air Force's Auxiliary, brings much to the fight for Homeland Defense and Security. It's imperative that we use all of our assets in this battle -- thanks for bringing CAP into your crosscheck!

Please ensure widest dissemination within your organization.

U N C L A S S I F I E D