Emergency Services
Besides being one of CAP's main missions, it is
an exciting part of your CAP experience... and you
don't need to be a pilot to help out! While
emergency training is an optional part of your
overall CAP duties, it is encouraged as a necessary
part of achieving our unit's greatest effectiveness.
With few exceptions, all CAP Senior Members are
qualified at the basic emergency service level.
Emergency services has numerous and varied duty
positions, much like the staff specialty tracks.
Each position has precise and demanding skill sets
that you can learn, practice, and master at your own
pace.
You can learn the fine art of locating downed
aircraft, how to operate specialized equipment such
as communication and direction-finding gear, and
many others. As your experience level increases, you
will get the chance to plan search and rescue
missions, and perhaps be the officer in charge.
Generally, search and rescue requires interacting
with other agencies, so tact is a valued personal
trait. Also, there are strict rules as to what you
may or may not tell the public about the job you're
doing, since it might involve Privacy Act
restrictions. But the best part is that it often
results in saved lives. And there nothing compares
to the gratitude of those in great danger who,
thanks to your skills and actions, find themselves
looked-after and comforted in their distress. This
is what makes it all worth while.
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