The Civil Air Patrol has released an online familiarization course for Air Force personnel and CAP members intended to inform participants about CAP’s capabilities as a non-combatant, all-volunteer “force multiplier,” according to a CAP release. “During my 23-year Air Force career, I had no knowledge of the Civil Air Patrol. I wish I had been more aware so I could have taken advantage of all they have to offer in support of the Air Force mission and Air Force families,” wrote CAP National Commander Maj. Gen. Charles Carr in the course introduction. The course covers CAP’s role in national defense, its efforts to teach today’s youth science, technology, engineering, and math skills, as well as ways the organization can assist the overall Air Force in a variety of missions, including disaster relief efforts. “CAP’s missions and capabilities are not as widely known within the Air Force as they need to be and this course should help change that. I encourage everyone to take this course so more Air Force units, members and families can take advantage of all CAP has to offer in support of the Air Force mission and Air Force families,” said Carr.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.