(SER-FL-372) Boca Raton Composite Squadron
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About us

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and the Boca Raton Composite Squadron (BRCS). 

Membership

Our membership consists of teenage and adult volunteers dedicated to providing search and rescue, disaster relief, counter-drug operations, and youth mentoring. Your support is needed so we can continue to serve our community, stae and nation.

BRCS has been fortunate to be able to hold its weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings at the Boca Raton Airport.

Because of this location we attract young people, pilots and former military to join our ranks.

A new hangar next to our meeting place houses the squadron’s brand new Air Force-issued Cessna 182T fitted with a Garmin 1000 glass cockpit and state of the art search and rescue equipment. This aircraft is used for Search and Rescue, Homeland security and Aerospace Education.

The Boca Raton Composite Squadron command staff demonstrates our passion for aviation.

Our Squadron Commander

Capt. Amon C. Russell became a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol in 2011 and rose through the ranks to Cadet Colonel in 2019.  He then joined the Senior Member program and was promoted to Captain in 2020.  He has performed duties as Testing Officer, Squadron Leadership Officer and Deputy Commander for Cadets. In January 2023 he was assigned as Squadron Commander.  As a cadet, Capt. Russell attended over six encampments and COS (2017). He served as Cadet Deputy Commander of operations for the 2017-18 FLWG Winter Encampment; the Cadet commander for the 2017 Fall Florida Leadership Academy and many other Wing level activities. Capt. Russell has received the Crisis Service Award; Commander's Commendation Award (Wing) and Air Force Organizational Excellence Award.

Our Character Development Instructor

Our Character Development Instructor, Lt Col Lawrence Model, M.D. joined CAP nearly 20 years ago as the father of a cadet. He has served as a Squadron Commander, Group Commander, NY Wing Inspector General, and NY Wing Chief of Staff. Before retiring from his medical practice he was the NY Wing Health Services Officer. Lt Col Model has Masters ratings in Cadet Programs, Inspection, and Command.

Cadet Leadership Program

CAP is known for its Cadet Leadership Programs. Cadets, ages 12 to 21, are given critically needed support, training, and guidance. They gain confidence as they acquire operational skills and leadership experience. It is one of the premier programs designed to help shape these young people into responsible, successful citizens. They are introduced to aviation and actually get to fly in our aircraft on orientation flights. As a result our cadet corps is expanding rapidly with new members every month.

Emergency Services

With Emergency Services being one of our primary focuses, Civil Air Patrol has been involved in disaster relief undertakings around the country. We conduct rigorous training throughout the year to be prepared for such events.

The BRCS is a key player in Florida’s search and rescue missions including maritime, aviation and counter-drug reduction. We work with state officials in coordinating and providing fire, hurricane, cyclone, tornado, and flood relief efforts. We have performed a wide variety of missions including rescuing boaters at sea, finding downed aircraft, aerial surveillance, assisting the US Air Force with Homeland Security as well as providing first aid administration, shelter, supply center assistance and clean up during hurricanes.

Remember Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Wilma and Irma – we were there! Our members have received local and national recognition for their dedication and service, which saved lives. 

Our Mission

Following World War Two, the role of the Civil Air Patrol in servitude to its citizens needed redefining.  On May 26, 1948 the 80th Congress passed Public Law 80-557 permanently establishing the Civil Air Patrol as the auxiliary of the newly established U.S. Air Force.  

Aerospace Education

Aerospace Education

CAP's aerospace education efforts focus on two different audiences: volunteer CAP members and the general public.  The programs ensure that all CAP members (seniors and cadets) have an appreciation for and knowledge of aerospace issues.  To advance within the organization, members are required to participate in the educational program.  Aerospace educators at CAP's National Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., provide current materials that reflect the highest standards of educational excellence.  Aerospace education is divided into two parts: internal and external.         

The internal aerospace education program has two parts as well: cadet and senior. Cadets complete aerospace education as one of the requirements to progress through the  achievement levels of the cadet program. Senior members have a responsibility to become knowledgeable of aerospace issues and the AE program that CAP provides. They are further encouraged to share the information obtained with their local communities and school systems.                                

CAP's external aerospace programs are conducted through our nation's educational system.  Each year, CAP sponsors many workshops in states across the nation, reaching hundreds of educators and thereby thousands of young people.  These workshops highlight basic aerospace knowledge and focus on advances in aerospace technology.  CAP's aerospace education members receive more than 20 free aerospace education classroom materials. 

To learn more about CAP's aerospace education programs, products, and other resources available to our members, go to www.capmembers.com/ae.  For information about joining as an aerospace education member (AEM) and to join online, go to www.capmembers.com/joinaem.  

Cadet Programs

Cadet Program

While there are many youth oriented programs in America today, CAP's cadet program is unique in that it uses aviation as a cornerstone.  Thousands of young people from 12 years through age 21 are introduced to aviation through CAP's cadet program.  The program allows young people to progress at their own pace through a 16-step program including aerospace education, leadership training, physical fitness and moral leadership.  Cadets compete for academic scholarships to further their studies in fields such as engineering, science, aircraft mechanics, aerospace medicine, meteorology, as well as many others. Those cadets who earn cadet officer status may enter the Air Force as an E3 (airman first class) rather than an E1 (airman basic). 

Whatever your interests-survival training, flight training, photography, astronomy-there's a place for you in CAP's cadet program.  Each year, cadets have the opportunity  to participate in special activities at the local, state, regional or national level.  Many cadets will have the opportunity to solo fly an airplane for the first time through a flight encampment or academy.  Others will enjoy traveling abroad through the International Air Cadet Exchange Program. Still others assist at major air shows throughout the nation.

Emergency Services

Emergency Services Program

Growing from its World War II experience, the Civil Air Patrol has continued to save lives and alleviate human suffering through a myriad of emergency-services and operational missions.

Search and Rescue                           

Perhaps best known for its search-and-rescue efforts, CAP flies more than 85 percent of all federal inland search-and-rescue missions directed by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fl. Outside the continental United States, CAP supports the Joint Rescue Coordination Centers in Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Just how effective are the CAP missions? Nearly 100 people are saved each year by CAP members.

Disaster Relief                          

Another important service CAP performs is disaster-relief operations. CAP provides air and ground transportation and an extensive communications network. Volunteer members fly disaster-relief officials to remote locations and provide manpower and leadership to local, state and national disaster-relief organizations. CAP has formal agreements with many government and humanitarian relief agencies including the American Red Cross, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Humanitarian Services                            

CAP flies humanitarian missions, usually in support of the Red Cross-transporting time-sensitive medical materials including blood and human tissue, in situations where other means of transportation are not available.

Air Force Support                     

It's hardly surprising that CAP performs several missions in direct support of the U.S. Air Force. Specifically, CAP conducts light transport, communications support, and low-altitude route surveys. CAP also provides orientation flights for AFROTC cadets. Joint U.S. Air Force and CAP search-and-rescue exercises provide realistic training for missions. 

Counterdrug

CAP joined the "war on drugs" in 1986 when, pursuant to congressional authorization, CAP signed an agreement with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Customs Service offering CAP resources to help stem the flow of drugs into and within the United States.

 

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