HomeMy WebLinkAboutCivil Air Patrol and Civil Defense 1969natural disasters
Civil Air Patrol is regularly called to assist State and local Civil
Defense officials when natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes,
forest fires and blizzards strike. CAP flies missions to check on
disaster conditions, traffic congestion, airlifts supplies, evacuates
disaster victims and performs other mercy missions, in addition to
search and rescue tasks.
Utilizing emergency communications equipment is
this CAP auxiliary member during a CD -CAP exer-
cise. This vast network of mobile, airborne, and
fixed radio stations constitutes a system which can
provide contact with any point in the nation dur-
ing an emergency.
THE ROLE OF CAP
One of the primary missions of the Civil Air Patrol is cooper-
ating with the Office of Civil Defense in case of a nuclear attack
upon the United States and during periods of local or national
emergencies.
With its fleet of corporate and member -owned light aircraft,
its nationwide radio communications network, and its thousands
of members trained in survival, search and rescue, and emergency
services techniques, CAP is ideally equipped for this task.
CAP is well suited for aerial radiological monitoring and recon-
naissance, but there is a great need for more members to be trained
by taking courses in both aerial and surface radiological monitor-
ing.
cap /cd coordination
There is considerable variation among the States in planning for
Civil Defense. Plans and training must be adjusted to fit the needs
of individual States - -all resources and training programs must be
coordinated and responsive to the local and State CD plans and
procedures.
The CAP can make a maximum contribution only when Civil
Defense officials have a clear understanding of CAP capabilities.
Mutual benefits can be derived from closer working relations be-
tween CAP and CD officials at all levels.
Distribution:
OCD Regions, Staff College
State and Local CD Directors
CIVIL AIR PATROL &CIVIL DEFENSE
Department of Defense
Office of Civil Defense
L -66 July 1969
the commander's message
As official auxiliary of the United States Air Force, Civil Air Patrol is more vitally concerned with Civil Defense
than most volunteer organizations.
Civil Air Patrol was formed in 1941 as a means by which aviation - minded volunteers could, as civilians, contribute
their time, aircraft, and equipment to the defense effort in World War II. Their accomplishments are a matter of
record.
Today CAP represents an important nucleus of trained personnel and specialized equipment that can readily be
integrated into the Civil Defense structure.
I urge all members of Civil Air Patrol to maintain their readiness to perform this vital Civil
Defense mission, not only in case of national emergency but also in times of man -made or
natural disasters.
A nation that is prepared to defend itself is far less.likely to have to do so.
civil defense training
Training for surface radiological monitors is available to adult
CAP members under Office of Civil Defense sponsored programs in
each State.
The OCD Staff College, Battle Creek, Michigan provides special-
ized leadership training in areas unique to civil defense. Recently a
Civil Defense Orientation Course was conducted for Civil Air Patrol
Wing staff members.
The Office of Civil Defense has developed a course of instruc-
tion specially designed to train aerial radiological monitors. In con-
nection with this training several States have been assisted in con-
ducting aerial monitor courses. Civil Air Patrol units have been
major participants in these courses.
In addition to learning the techniques for measuring radiation
levels, CAP members also train in other civil defense areas such as
shelter management, decontamination operations, medical self -
help and first aid.
Detailed information concerning availability of civil defense
training courses may be obtained through either the local or State
Civil Defense Director.
training and communications exercises
CAP regularly conducts training exercises in cooperation with
the Office of Civil Defense to test Civil Air Patrol readiness to
respond to emergency situations and to test the effectiveness of
its various wings.
CAP's communications network plays an important role in
these exercises. The more than 17,000 radio stations in the net can
be tied together in a nationwide system to provide contact with
any point in the country. This network can support CAP opera-
tions and supplement other communications during emergency.
civil defense radiological equipment
Standard sets of operational instruments are available for CAP
units or teams trained in radiological monitoring through OCD
grants to the States. These sets include instruments suitable for
in- shelter monitoring, surface mobile monitoring and aerial moni-
toring. Maintenance and calibration service for the instruments is
provided by State Civil Defense maintenance shops.
Major General, USAF
National Commander
An aerial radiological survey team is briefed on the
requirements for data collection prior to a take -off.
Civil Air Patrol personnel can make an important con -
tribution to the stocking of shelters such as this group
assisting in transferring supplies to shelters.
*U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE :1969 -O -357 -180