Frequently, the answers to the question “What do you do after school?” describe a sport. But for Junior Anthony Cruz, his after-school experience is quite different, as he spends the hours between a long school day and dinner at something called CAP.

Generally considered the civilian side of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is where Cruz learns how to become a leader, follow orders, and fly a plane. Members are taught aerodynamics (including how to pilot a plane and how to identify the parts of a plane), security measures, emergency services such as search and rescue, and how to be a cadet.  

In his two years with CAP, Cruz has done many things, but one of his favorite was the opportunity to fly a 172 Skyhawk under the watchful eye of an expert. What is it like flying a plane? “Logically, you aren’t supposed to be able to fly, being a human and all, so being able to is exhilarating,” he said.

CAP meetings have strict rules. Wearing uniforms, ironing them, polishing the boots, and putting on rank pins correctly are all important requirements.  Members have to dress in uniform when they meet, and also have to speak with an awareness of which members have higher and lower ranking than themselves.

Currently, Cruz holds the rank of a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant. “I enjoy the opportunities for leadership, aerospace education and emergency services,” he says, while admitting that CAP sometimes involves menial work.

The group places a lot of emphasis on emergency services, which includes search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian services, air force support, and counterdrug services. Cruz said he enjoys search and rescue training because it involves training to rescue people in disastrous situations such as hurricanes, tornados, tsunamis, plane crashes and more.

The Charlottesville CAP chapter meets every Tuesday night from 7 pm to 9 pm near Charlottesville Airport.  For more information on visiting or joining CAP, contact Lieutenant Mark Elliott at [email protected], or by calling 434-409-4255.