The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP members are unpaid volunteers who provide emergency services, disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and aerospace education to the nation.
To become a member of CAP, you must be at least 12 years old and a U.S. citizen or legal resident. You must also pass a background check and meet the physical and mental requirements for membership.
Once you have joined CAP, you will be issued a Civil Air Patrol Common Access Card (CAC). The CAC is a smart card that contains your personal information, such as your name, rank, and service number. It also contains a digital signature that can be used to verify your identity electronically.
The CAC is used to access CAP facilities and resources, such as the CAP website and the CAP intranet. It can also be used to sign into CAP systems and applications.
Benefits of a Civil Air Patrol CAC
There are many benefits to having a CAP CAC. These benefits include:
- Access to CAP facilities and resources
- Ability to sign into CAP systems and applications
- Verification of your identity electronically
- Proof of your membership in CAP
How to Get a Civil Air Patrol CAC
To get a CAP CAC, you must first join CAP. Once you have joined, you can request a CAC by completing the CAP CAC Request Form. The form is available on the CAP website.
Once you have completed the form, mail it to the CAP National Headquarters. The address is:
Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters
105 S. Hansell Street
Maxwell AFB, AL 36112
The processing time for a CAP CAC is typically 3-4 weeks.
Using Your Civil Air Patrol CAC
Once you have received your CAP CAC, you will need to activate it. To activate your CAC, follow these steps:
- Insert your CAC into a CAC reader.
- Enter your PIN.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once your CAC is activated, you can use it to access CAP facilities and resources. You can also use it to sign into CAP systems and applications.
Civil Air Patrol CAC Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble using your CAP CAC, you can contact the CAP CAC Help Desk. The Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact the Help Desk by phone at 1-800-638-3334 or by email at [email protected].
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Civil Air Patrol CAC
There are a few common mistakes that people make when using a CAP CAC. These mistakes include:
- Not activating your CAC
- Using an expired CAC
- Sharing your CAC with others
- Storing your CAC in an unsecure location
By avoiding these mistakes, you can help to protect your CAP CAC and the information that it contains.
Conclusion
The CAP CAC is an essential tool for CAP members. It provides access to CAP facilities and resources, and it can be used to verify your identity electronically. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that you are using your CAP CAC safely and effectively.