Civil Air Patrol has 3 main missions.. Cadet Program, Emergency Services, Aerospace Education

Cadet Programs
This is a big part of Civil Air Patrol, Cadets take part in almost every portion of Civil Air Patrol. Cadets help in Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, Disaster Relief (DR) missions, and much more.
The Cadet Program provides motivated teenagers with leadership, aerospace, physical and moral training, plus a unique opportunity to acquire the skills they will need in their adult life. The Cadet Program is largely run by the Cadets and includes a wide variety of opportunities in aerospace, communications, emergency services and other fields, as well as the opportunity to compete for college and aviation scholarships.

Emergency Services
Search and Rescue
Perhaps the best known part of Civil Air Patrol. CAP conducts over 93 percent of all Search and Rescue missions in the continental United States. Example: If you were in a Cessna 182, and you crashed in a valley, chances are, that the CAP Wing you happened to be in, would get a call to search for you.
Disaster Relief
If a natural disaster such as a hurricane, or tornado, or flooding, Civil Air Patrol might be called out to assist local agencies in evacuation, or whatever is needed. After Hurricane Floyd in the fall 1999, Delaware Wing assisted the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) by using special cameras to transmit real-time photos of roads, bridges and flooded areas. During the events of "9/11" the CAP was in the air transporting equipment for the rescue teams and photographing the area.

Aerospace Education
America's love of manned flight started with the Wright brothers and continues unabated during this century. World War II showcased the important role aviation would play in the future and national leaders recognized the importance of stimulating public interest in aerospace activities. 

CAP, as the civilian Auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was most suited to perform this mission. Their efforts focused on two different audiences - internal CAP members and the general public.

In addition to the 3 primary missions, there are some other activities the CAP conducts...

Drug Demand Reduction
As the name states, it tries to reduce the demand for drugs, and has activities to encourage youth NOT to take drugs. Civil Air Patrol goes to schools, and other institutes and gives classes on different things. The CAP is a drug-free organization.

Counter-Drug
Civil Air Patrol performs services for various U.S. Government agencies, such as flying patrols over the United States - Mexico border, and the East and West coasts, watching for illegal drug transfers, in addition to helping various state agencies with their counter-drug operations.

Homeland Security
The Civil Air Patrol supports on going homeland security missions through various ground and airborne security missions throughout the nation. Members use their search and rescue training supplemented with additional education to assist with missions important to our national security.