Civil Air Patrol’s Core Values

The core values of Civil Air Patrol are based on the Air Force and strive to establish a common set of behavioral expectations as well as a set of standards to assess member conduct. The values of Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence and Respect, serve as the ethical framework for CAP’s service to America.

• Integrity:  This is the very fiber of all core values; without it all other core values cannot prevail. It is the cornerstone for all that is moral and just in our society. It is more than simple honesty. It embraces other attributes such as courage, responsibility, accountability, justice, openness, self-respect, and humility. Lastly, this core value means CAP members must practice the highest standards of self-discipline.
• Volunteer Service:  CAP adopted this core value because it reflects the very essence of the organization—service to humanity. All CAP volunteers willingly give of their time, energy, and personal resources. Moreover, many have made the ultimate sacrifice by losing their lives while serving the organization.  As a minimum, this core value implies a commitment on the part of all CAP members to place the organization’s purposes first and foremost. This process starts with the member’s agreement to obey the rules and regulations of CAP and the Air Force. In this regard, self-discipline is an absolute must.
• Excellence:  This core value reflects CAP’s continuous effort to be the very best, and to consistently improve its humanitarian service to America. From personal appearance to resource management, excellence must be the goal of all CAP members.
• Respect:  CAP members come from all walks of life. Therefore, it is extremely important that members treat each other with fairness and dignity, and work together as a team. To do otherwise would seriously impair CAP’s capability to accomplish the mission.