thumb|250px|A CAP [[Cadet grades and insignia of the Civil Air Patrol|cadet colonel who is also a member of the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard wearing the Air Force-style CAP service uniform with earned awards and decorations from both the USAF and CAP.]]
thumb|250px|This member has been awarded two [[Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award|ASOEAs; one for service in Civil Air Patrol, and one during their Air Force service. CAP guidance dictates these awards cannot be combined given the nature of CAP's receipt of the award in 2016.]]
The awards and decorations of Civil Air Patrol are "designed to recognize heroism, service, and program achievements" of members of Civil Air Patrol (CAP) of the United States of America. CAP is the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force. These awards are made to improve the esprit de corps of members.
In order to be considered for one of these awards, an individual must be a Civil Air Patrol member in good standing at the time of the act being recognized. There is a statute of limitations for these awards and all recommendations must be submitted within two years of the act being performed.
Silver Medal of Valor
The Silver Medal of Valor is the highest decoration a Civil Air Patrol member can receive. It is awarded for "distinguished and conspicuous heroic action, at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of normal duty."
If the situation does not put a member's life in immediate danger, they may qualify for the Bronze Medal of Valor (see below). The same ribbon is used for both the Silver and Bronze Medals of Valor; with the exception that the Silver Medal of Valor ribbon has three silver star attachments. The basic ribbon (without attachments) represents the Bronze Medal of Valor.
Bronze Medal of Valor
thumb|106px|Bronze Medal of Valor ribbon
The Bronze Medal of Valor is awarded to members for "distinguished and conspicuous heroic action where danger to self is probable and known." A miniature medal is available for senior members to wear on their mess dress uniforms.
Distinguished Service Medal
thumb|106px|Distinguished Service Medal ribbon
The Distinguished Service Medal of Civil Air Patrol is awarded for "conspicuous performance of outstanding service in a duty of great responsibility where the position held and results obtained reflect upon the accomplishments and prestige of CAP on a national scale." It is awarded to "units providing services or achievements above and beyond those normally recognized by a Unit Citation Award."
Although similar in appearance, this award is not to be confused with the Navy Expeditionary Medal
Unit Citation Award
thumb|right|100px|Unit Citation Award ribbon
The Civil Air Patrol Unit Citation Award is presented for "exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement."
Senior awards
Professional development awards
To accomplish its mission, the Civil Air Patrol requires an informed and active senior membership trained in leadership, management, and functional tasks. The Senior Member Professional Development Program prepares members to serve their units, their communities, and their nation. The professional development ribbons are awarded by National Headquarters to denote the level of achievement that a senior member has achieved in this program. The professional development program is divided into five levels.
Gill Robb Wilson Award
thumb|right|100px|Gill Robb Wilson Award ribbon
The Gill Robb Wilson Award was first implemented in 1964 to replace the National Commander’s Citation. It is named after Gill Robb Wilson, the first director of CAP, and is presented to senior members who complete the fifth level of training in the Senior Member Professional Development Program. This award is issued directly from Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters and is the highest award in the professional development program. This level of training is intended for those performing duty as commanders or staff officers, and is a prerequisite for consideration for duty performance promotion to the grade of lieutenant colonel in CAP. The training program concentrates on advanced leadership and management subjects. The award is named for aerospace manufacturer Grover Cleveland Loening. This portion of the professional development program was designed for senior members serving as squadron, group, or wing commanders and for CAP staff officers. If members obtain a senior rating in a specialty track, they are authorized to wear a bronze star on the Leadership Award ribbon. A silver star is awarded for a higher master rating. This award does not come with a full-sized medal. It consists of a ribbon and a certificate.
Cadet Orientation Pilot Ribbon
thumb|right|100px|Cadet orientation pilot ribbon
Awarded to members who provide 50 cadet orientation flights. Each cadet receiving credit for the flight, may be counted toward the total of 50. A bronze clasp may be added for each additional 50 flights.
Senior Member Recruiter Ribbon
thumb|right|100px|Senior Member Recruitment Ribbon
The Senior Member Recruiter Ribbon is given to senior members who recruit seven new qualified cadets or senior members for CAP. For each additional ten members recruited, a bronze clasp may be worn on the ribbon. Once a senior member earns five bronze clasps, they may be replaced by a silver clasp. Bronze clasps are no longer worn after a silver clasp is received. For every fifty new members recruited after this, an additional silver clasp may be worn on the ribbon. Members recruited as cadets may be included in determining entitlement in the case of senior members who were former cadets.
Aerospace education awards
The aerospace education awards are presented to senior members who excel in furthering the educational aspects of Civil Air Patrol's mission. These two awards are made to recognize completion of steps in the professional development program related specifically to aerospace education.
A. Scott Crossfield Award
thumb|right|100px|A. Scott Crossfield Award ribbon
The A. Scott Crossfield Award is named after American naval officer and test pilot Albert Scott Crossfield. The award is made by Civil Air Patrol national headquarters. The Crossfield Award is presented to members who have "earned the master level rating in the aerospace education specialty track and served as aerospace education officer." This award does not come with a full-sized medal. It consists of a ribbon and a certificate. A miniature medal is available for members to purchase for wear on their mess dress uniforms.
Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award
thumb|right|100px|Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Award ribbon
The Brigadier General Charles E. "Chuck" Yeager Aerospace Education Achievement Award is presented to senior members who successfully complete Civil Air Patrol's Aerospace Education Program for Senior Members (AEPSM).
The National Commander will determine when to grant this award and the period of service involved. This award ranks immediately before the Red Service Ribbon in the order of precedence. Only one award is earned per service period; awards during additional periods are recognized by the wear of the bronze triangle clasp.
Any active member (cadet/senior/50-year or life) who has served at least 1 day in active status during the period is eligible to wear the ribbon. When the National Commander issues the award, individual member records will be automatically updated to reflect the award.
In a letter attached to the interim change letter authorizing the award, CAP National Commander Major General Edward D. Phelka stated, "Beginning in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in CAP’s most noteworthy national service since World War II. Regular operations continued while new missions were explored, millions of meals delivered to the needy, thousands of blood donations were made, and distribution of masks and vaccines were completed across the country. At a time when simply holding regular squadron meetings was challenging due to isolation restrictions, CAP members served the Nation and ensured CAP’s continued operation. In recognition of this effort, I have approved the award of CAP Crisis Service Ribbon to all active members who served at least one day after 1 March 2020 to a future point to be determined by CAP."
On October 25, 2022, Major General Phelka remarked, in a letter to CAP members, that "since the crisis nature of the pandemic and its impact on CAP appears to be behind us, I am declaring an official end to the awarding of CAP’s Crisis Service Ribbon in response to the pandemic, effective Oct. 31" in 2022.
Red Service Ribbon
thumb|right|100px|Red service ribbon
The Red Service Ribbon is given to any member of Civil Air Patrol who has been a member of the program for two years (as a cadet or Senior Member in good standing.) In addition, the following devices are awarded for additional years of service.
- A first Bronze Clasp is awarded at the end of 3 additional years (total of 5 years).
- Additional Bronze Clasps are awarded for each additional 5 years of service. A maximum of three bronze clasps (denoting 15 years of service) will be worn.
- Longevity Devices, A metal number, denoting years of service, awarded at the end of 20 years and in increments of 5 years thereafter. The longevity device is worn centered on the red service ribbon and the bronze clasps are no longer worn.
Community Service Award
thumb|right|100px|Community service ribbon
The Community Service Ribbon is awarded to senior members and cadets who complete 60 hours of community service. The community service is done outside of Civil Air Patrol, and is verified by someone other than the member. Civil Air Patrol headquarters has now authorized the wear of a bronze device for every additional 60 hours of community service.
Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon
thumb|right|100px|Cadet advisory council ribbon
The Cadet Advisory Council Ribbon is awarded to the members of a CAC after the conclusion of the term. A shoulder cord is worn while a cadet is a primary representative, Cadet Colonels who voluntarily transfer to the officer program between the ages of 18 and 21 receive the grade senior flight officer.
External links
- Spaatz Award – CAP
- Spaatz Association web site
General Ira C. Eaker Award
thumb|right|100px|Ira C. Eaker ribbon
The General Ira C. Eaker Award is given by Civil Air Patrol in honor of the former Deputy Commander U.S. Army Air Forces and aviation pioneer. It is presented on behalf of CAP by CAP National Headquarters to cadets who have completed the specific requirements in the Phase IV of the cadet program. The award is accompanied by promotion to the grade of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel.
External links
- Eaker Award – CAP
Amelia Earhart Award
thumb|right|100px|Amelia Earhart ribbon
The Amelia Earhart Award is a cadet achievement of Civil Air Patrol presented in honor of Amelia Earhart, pioneering aviator and aviation record-setter. This award is presented on behalf of CAP National Headquarters to denote the successful completion of the specific requirements in Phase III of this program. Cadets receiving the Earhart Award are promoted to Cadet Captain.
Cadets who receive this award can be promoted to 1st Lt once a senior member at the age of 21, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training.
External links
- Earhart Award – CAP
General Billy Mitchell Award
thumb|right|100px|Billy Mitchell ribbon
The General Billy Mitchell Award is earned by Civil Air Patrol cadets who have successfully completed the second phase of the cadet program. It marks the end of the enlisted phase of the cadet program; cadets are promoted to Cadet Second Lieutenants upon receipt and, by extension, Cadet Officers. The award is given in honor of Brig Gen William "Billy" Mitchell, former Deputy Chief of the Army Air Service and military aviation visionary.
In order to earn this award, cadets must pass a series of leadership, aerospace and physical fitness tests and attend character development training for each achievement from Cadet Airman Basic through Cadet Chief Master Sergeant. In addition, cadets must attend a military-style encampment before this award is made, and have maintained active membership in Civil Air Patrol for at least 18 months since joining. 15% of Civil Air Patrol cadets achieve the Mitchell Award.
Cadets who receive this award can be promoted to 2nd Lt once a senior member at the age of 21, after completion of Level 2, Part one of Senior Member training. Mitchell Cadets who enlist in the United States Marine Corps or United States Navy are mustered in at E-2.. A silver star is worn on the ribbon to denote successful completion of Cadet Officer School.
External links
- Mitchell Award – CAP
Neil Armstrong Achievement
thumb|right|100px|Neil Armstrong ribbon
The Neil Armstrong Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 8 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Awarded for the second achievement of Cadet Chief Master Sergeant. A silver star is worn on the ribbon to denote completion of honor credit when promoting.
Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement
thumb|right|100px|Robert H. Goddard ribbon
The Dr. Robert H. Goddard Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 7 in Phase II of the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Accompanies promotion to Cadet Chief Master Sergeant. A silver star worn on the ribbon denotes successful completion of the Model Rocketry Badge requirements (if Mitchell Award has been earned). A silver star is also worn on the ribbon to denote completion of honor credit when promoting. Two silver stars may be worn if honor credit and the Model Rocketry badge were earned.
Prior to the creation of the Mary Feik Achievement in April 2003, the Wright Brothers award was the 3rd Achievement and accompanied promotion to the grade of Cadet Senior Airman.
Mary Feik Achievement
thumb|right|100px|Mary Feik ribbon
The Mary Feik Achievement is awarded for successfully completing the specific requirements of Achievement 3 in Phase I of the cadet program. Accompanies promotion to the grade of Cadet Senior Airman. A silver star is worn on the ribbon to denote completion of honor credit when promoting.
CAP squadron commanders may nominate one cadet officer each year for the award by submitting a nomination to the VFW detailing the cadet's accomplishments and certifying that cadet officer is in good standing academically, progressing satisfactorily in CAP cadet program, demonstrated outstanding achievement in community service and the cadet program. The cadet must also be of high moral character, demonstrate a high level of professionalism in appearance and action and patriotism, actively promote Americanism, and demonstrate growth potential. A cadet may only receive this award once.
VFW Award for Unit Cadet NCO of the Year
thumb|right|100px|VFW cadet NCO of the year ribbon
The VFW recognizes excellence in CAP cadet non-commissioned officers (NCO) through an annual award to an outstanding cadet NCO in each CAP squadron.
Aviation Badges
Aeronautical
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! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Airplane Pilot
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! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Glider Pilot
! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Airplane Solo
! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Pre-solo
! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | sUAS Pilot
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Aircrew
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! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Observer Badge
! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Aircrew Badge
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Occupational Badges
Chaplain
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Ground Team
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! width="16%" style="background:#efefef;" | Ground Team Badge
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The Ground Team Badge is awarded to CAP members, seniors or cadets, who are qualified as a ground (i.e., search and rescue) team member. Once a badge is earned, the member may continue to wear it even if they no longer hold the associated qualifications unless directed by the wing, region, or national commander to remove it through a formal command action.
Incident Commander
- Incident Commander
Legal
- Legal Officer
Health Service Officer
Specialty Badges
Service Badges
Command Pins
- Group Commander
- Squadron Commander
Cyber and STEM awards
- Cyber Badge (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced)
- STEM Badge (Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced)
Cords
Cords are used to indicate that a certain cadet has received a notable position in a CAP program.
These following ribbons were awarded to members for service as a member of Civil Air Patrol during World War II. Members who have earned them may continue to wear them, although they are no longer awarded.
Wartime Service Ribbon
thumb|right|100px|Wartime service ribbon
The Wartime Service Ribbon is awarded to CAP members who served during World War II in any one of several capacities. The ribbon replaces several specific World War II ribbons, which are listed below.
Anti-Submarine Coastal Patrol Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Anti-submarine coastal patrol ribbon
The Anti-Submarine Coastal Patrol Ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the Atlantic coast for enemy submarine attacks during World War II. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who have earned it.
Southern Liaison Patrol Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Southern liaison patrol ribbon
The Southern Liaison Patrol Ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the southern border of the United States. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who earned it.
Tow-Target & Tracking Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Tow-target & tracking ribbon
The Tow-Target & Tracking Ribbon was awarded to members who flew aircraft which trailed aerial gunnery targets to assist with training of U.S. Army personnel. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who earned it.
Courier Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Courier ribbon
The Courier Ribbon was awarded to members who transported time-sensitive messages, material, and personnel. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who earned it.
Forest Patrol Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Forest patrol ribbon
The Forest Patrol ribbon was awarded to members who patrolled the Northern United States border from enemy attacks. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who earned it.
Missing Aircraft Ribbon (obsolete)
thumb|right|100px|Missing aircraft ribbon
The Missing Aircraft Ribbon was awarded to members who served as part of the search-and-rescue team for downed aircraft within United States borders. This ribbon is no longer available, but is still worn by those who earned it.
See also
- Cadet grades and insignia of Civil Air Patrol
- Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces
- Military badges of the United States
References
External links
- CAPR 39-3 – Award of CAP medals, ribbons and certificates
- Ribbon checker for Seniors and Cadets