388th TOP DOGS
Glendale 388th Composite Squadron
Formed on December 1st, 1941, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP is a nonprofit organization with approximately 1,500 squadrons, 550 aircraft, 1,000 vehicles, and 66,000 adult and youth volunteers. CAP conducts 90% of search and rescue flights within the continental U.S.; however, "Performing Missions for America" involves much more than flying on missions. In fact, the majority of CAP volunteers are not aircrew. We are a team of professionals performing a wide variety of important roles in support of CAP's three primary programs:
Aerospace Education Cadet Programs Emergency Services
The 388th Composite Squadron is assigned to Group IV of the Arizona Wing. Composite squadrons are comprised of both cadets (12 to 18yrs) and senior members (18+).
CADETS
The CAP Cadet Program is a youth development program that incorporates aviation and military customs and courtesies. Through their experiences as CAP cadets, young people develop into responsible citizens and become tomorrow's leaders throughout our communities. The leadership skills, self-confidence, and discipline cadets gain through CAP prepares them to achieve whatever goals they set for themselves in life.
The Cadet Program is developed around five program elements: Leadership, Character Development, Aerospace Education, Physical Fitness, and Activities. Cadets take part in orientation flights, learn to lead a team, aerospace education activities, work on physical fitness goals, and push themselves to new limits. It is a year-round program with weekly meetings and additional activities on weekends and during the summer. To become a cadet, you must be at least 12 years old and not yet 18 years old. If you think you may be interested in a career involving aviation, space, or the military, CAP’s Cadet Program is for you.
ADULTS
Though Civil Air Patrol is best known for its flying missions, adults known as Senior Members do many jobs in addition to flying. CAP adult members come from all walks of life, most with no prior military experience. In emergency services and operations, we need aircrew members as well as ground team members to aid in the rescue of survivors. CAP needs communications personnel to relay critical messages when there is limited or no telephone support. Administrative staff and logistics personnel are needed to document missions and get critical assets in the field that are essential to conduct missions.
CAP also needs adults to support the cadet program. CAP has over 26,000 cadets across the country that need mentors willing to help guide and support them. The cadet program provides young adults between the ages of 12 and 21 a well-rounded program of leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and moral and ethical decision making.
Contacts
Prospective Cadets and their Parents:
Deputy Commander for Cadets
2d Lt. Mitch Smith
mitch.smith@az388.org
Prospective Senior Members:
Squadron Commander
LtCol Mike McCoy
commander@az388.org
Location
6575 N Glen Harbor Blvd. Gate 15, Hangar 14
Glendale, AZ 85307
Meeting Information
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Gate 15 is located at the far south end of the airport.
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Cadet meetings are held every Monday starting at 1800 (6:00 PM) with opening ceremony and ending at 2100 (9:00 PM) with closing ceremony.
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Senior meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday starting at 1830 (6:30PM) and ending at 2030 (8:30 PM).