The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). Although the organization is associated with the Air Force, it has a peaceful mission, and members perform valuable aeronautics related civic service all over the United States. The work done by the Civil Air Patrol allows United States military and law enforcement to focus on other tasks, especially during wartime.

Originally, the Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1941 as a way for pilots and aeronautics enthusiasts to contribute to the war effort. It was initially headed by Major General John F. Curry. Civil Air Patrol planes patrolled the country, delivered supplies, and performed other tasks related to the war. While the Civil Air Patrol rarely engaged directly with the enemy, some planes were outfitted with weapons, and the Civil Air Patrol managed to successfully sink two submarines during the Second World War. In 1946, the Civil Air Patrol was made a permanent peacetime institution in the United States.

There are three missions in the Civil Air Patrol's charter. The first is the provision of support to emergency services. This support includes search and rescue, wildfire patrol, flying blood and medical supplies to disaster sites, and assisting law enforcement with counter-drug and anti-terrorism operations. The second is aeronautics education, which is offered to people all over the United States. Finally, the Civil Air Patrol also offers cadet training and leadership development. Cadets can be as young as 12 when they begin working with the Civil Air Patrol, and some are offered positions in the USAF, should they so desire.

Although the Civil Air Patrol is a civilian organization, it is structured much like the Air Force. Members of the Civil Air Patrol have unique rankings, and they wear modified Air Force uniforms. The organization also embraces the military honor code. While the organization works with the Air Force, neither organization has any authority over the other.

As an auxiliary organization, the Civil Air Patrol offers under a Congressional charter. In 2000, Congress reorganized the Civil Air Patrol, slightly changing the way in which it receives funding and establishing a board of governors to oversee the organization. The Civil Air Patrol receives funding through the United States government and the USAF, and employs approximately 100 full time civilian staff at the headquarters on Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama.