Civil Air Patrol Core Values

On 2 October 2006, Cadet Chris Oglesby  gave an inspiring speech on the CAP Core Values.  Cadet Oglesby, now a C/1Lt in CAP, and member of the Iowa National Guard,  was a C/CMSgt back then, but his words still ring true and bear repeating and remembering. 

The Core Values of Civil Air Patrol

By: C/1st LT Chris Oglesby

The Civil Air Patrol is a team. It eats, plays, works, sleeps, and lives as a team. And because everyone must work together there must be a code among all its members. There must be values at their core that govern how each and every one of them live. These are called the Core Values.

Integrity, Volunteer Service, Excellence, and Respect. Each is essential to the organization and to every one of its members.

Integrity is listed first and is the keystone of Military service. This core value is shown in CAP’s Honor code:

We will not lie, we will not cheat, and we will not steal. 

We will not tolerate those among us who do!

When someone has integrity, he can be counted on by others to keep his word, to answer honestly, and to do his duty.  When given a task, he can be trusted to complete it. When given equipment, he can be trusted to use it properly, and return it when finished. Each activity in CAP is an opportunity to prove our trustworthiness and integrity. This principal must be the first and foremost part in every member’s life. Without it, CAP falls apart.

Volunteer Service: Every CAP member is a volunteer. And the organization is rooted in this value. Volunteer service means donating your time, energy, and resources while expecting no reward in return. Other than the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

          When part of a ground team, much time and equipment is required for training and practice, so that when the time comes for action we will be ready, and will be in a position to possibly save someone’s life.  In CAP, we have the opportunity to assist in looking for missing people, downed aircraft, and help in times of disaster. Being part of CAP’s missions is exciting and rewarding. It has helped me learn to work with others, manage my time, decide what’s important, and to always think of others before myself.

Excellence. Striving to always do the best you can is an honorable goal.  There is nothing more frustrating and unproductive than “half-hearted” efforts.  When I was a young cadet I wanted to have the best looking uniform in the squadron.  I strived for excellence in that area, learning everything I could about uniform wear and care.  I was surprised to learn that doing a good job didn’t take much more time than doing an “OK” job.  This applies to every aspect of one’s life.  By striving to do the best you can, in all that you do, you can achieve more than you thought you could!

Respect, is the acknowledgement of your fellow members and those above you.  CAP carries on the military tradition of customs and courtesies, a tradition that dates back to ancient times. You may know these as saluting and saying “yes sir and no sir”. We also demonstrate the utmost respect to our nation’s flag, and our country, through our Color Guard activities.  I will always remember the Memorial Day parade in Waverly Iowa I participated in a couple of years ago. We were allowed the privilege to display the Flag in the front of the parade, and honor those who gave their life defending our country.  We were able to talk with many Veterans afterwards and thank them for their service.  We were a bit surprised when they shook our hands and showed us respect, thanking us for our commitment and service. If one wishes to receive respect, they must first show respect.

These four Core Values not only define how members in CAP should conduct themselves while in uniform, but also say how we should behave in civilian life. When one embraces these core values in their own life they will be a much wiser, trusted, more productive person, and will become a valuable asset to all those around them.

ARUE!