The Civil Air Patrol Chaplaincy is an organization of civilian clergy representing the major faith groups. Civilian clergy receive appointment as a CAP chaplain and become responsible for implementing the CAP chaplain program. The CAP chaplain program is designed to meet the specific needs of cadet and senior volunteer members who are working to accomplish the threefold mission of CAP: Emergency Services, Aerospace Education, and the Cadet Program.

The United States Air Force provides supervision and guidance for CAP chaplains. The CAP chaplain is a civilian ministering to the religious needs of the CAP membership in the finest traditions of CAP, the Air Force and the nation. CAP chaplains, often, serve as force multipliers on domestic bases where active duty chaplains have been deployed leaving the Chapel Ministries without supply priests, ministers or rabbis.

CAP chaplains enhance the member’s religious and home training in spiritual and moral values. They express care and concern for the cadets by providing an adult sounding-board and they are available to counsel cadets whenever requested. Cadets need the chaplain’s guidance in the development of their life values. To address this need, CAP chaplains conduct moral leadership programs based on programmed themes, such as "Values for Living," providing guidance in character building and moral values.

Through a "Ministry of Presence," CAP chaplains impart an influence for good and an opportunity for members to share with them their joys, hurts and frustrations. This pastoral care is provided for both cadets and senior CAP members. Chaplains also participate in emergency services missions and exercises by providing a chaplain presence for victims and for members taking part in an emergency or disaster operation.

The CAP chaplain performs professional religious functions such as religious services, liturgies and rites. In this, and numerous other ways, the CAP chaplaincy offers a unique opportunity for clergy to perform their ministry in an ecumenical setting. The CAP chaplain will be ministering in cooperation with other ministers, priests, and rabbis. Mutual respect for one another’s beliefs engenders a spirit of cooperation and admiration between themselves and among those whom they serve in Civil Air Patrol.

For more information on the Chaplain' Service, the Chaplain Staff College, and the Great Lake's Region Chaplain, Chaplain Lt Col J. Delano Ellis, CLICK HERE.