Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Program
Noncommissioned Officers (NCOs) have a unique role in CAP
CAP NCOs were established July 17, 1942 by General Memorandum 45. Originally there were no military rank titles or insignia. Military rank and insignia were authorized by an addendum to General Memorandum 45 dated July 27, 1942. National Headquarters established the requirements to be met before a member could be appointed an NCO.
During the years 1942 through 1972, CAP appointed NCOs within the ranks of its adult members. In 1972 it was decided that no more NCOs would be appointed. Members who had previously been appointed retained their rank until they were promoted. In July 1984, NCOs were re-established. The new system authorized any former military NCO to be appointed as a CAP NCO.
CAP on October 17, 2013 restructured their NCO corps to align with the Air Force NCO corps. NCOs are able to progress and promote through the ranks similar to the Air Force. CAP NCOs use a chevron system similar to the Air Force, but the difference will include the CAP designating itself with the letters "C-A-P" and a propeller in place of the star on the chevrons.
With the guidance of the NCO corps, members of the CAP volunteer forces have completed three key programs - emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs.
The NCO corps is the backbone of any organization and brings a wealth of information to the table," said Maj. Gen. Chuck Carr, past CAP commander (MSgt, USAF, Retired).
