Aerospace Education
The
Civil Air Patrol was incorporated on July 1, 1946 by Public Law 476.
This law states that among the organization's purposes are "To provide
an organization to encourage and aid American citizens in contributing
their efforts, services, and resources in developing aviation and in
maintaining air supremacy" and "To provide aviation
education and training especially to its senior and cadet members."
At the Annapolis Composite Squadron, promoting aerospace education to our members and in our schools remains one of our primary missions. Aerospace education is important to all CAP members, especially those in leadership positions. First, and foremost, this includes the commander at each level of CAP, as well as the Region Deputy Chief of Staff for Aerospace (DCS/AE), the wing Director of Aerospace Education (DAE), the group, squadron, and flight Aerospace Education Officers (AEO). These people are the respective leaders for their regions, wings, groups, squadrons, and flights. In the early years of the 21st century, America's aerospace industry is facing some tough challenges. Experienced aerospace industry workers are aging, averaging over 50 years of age. Meanwhile, the number of college graduates with science and engineering degrees going into aerospace careers is declining significantly. The talent base is dwindling.
The Annapolis Composite Squadron has a very active Aerospace Education program, and is comprised of instruction of cadets in aerodynamics and principles of flight, discussion of current aerospace events, and participation in field trips to the Air and Space Museum, active military aviation units, attending and volunteering at air shows, and by giving cadets a free airplane rides for their cadet orientation flights.
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