Men and women interested in serving their country without the obligations of active military duty can look into the Civil Air Patrol, as one NIU student did.

The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit, volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force established in 1948. The organization consists of citizens interested in flying and committed to serving the United States.

The Civil Air Patrol has three main missions—emergency services including communications, aerospace education and training and a cadet training and motivation program.

Emergency services involve air search and rescue, local disaster relief, as well as cooperation with and assistance to civil defense agencies.

During emergencies, Civil Air Patrol members might find themselves airlifting blood, donor organs, medication and civil or relief officials to disaster areas.

Disaster relief missions also might involve air surveilance of disaster areas, as well as the air evacuation of the stranded, sick or injured. Rescue work and aid is provided during floods, hurricanes and other emergencies.

The cadet program is the patrol’s biggest asset, said Captain Lynne S. Kilker, Civil Air Patrol director of public affairs. It is designed to inspire the country’s youth to become leaders through an interest in flying.

Candidates must have completed the sixth grade or be at least 13 years old and no older than 18.

Cadets learn discipline through military drill and courtesies, participate in a physical fitness program and have the opportunity to go on special trips, such as camping or to other countries through the International Air Force Exchange.

Cadets are responsible for their own meetings and plan everything themselves, Kilker said.

“Cadets are allowed to make their own mistakes and fail,” which is needed in our society, she said.

Kilker noted that “if no one is allowed to fail, they have no way of learning.” She feels self-esteem and moral leadership are among the top benefits a youth can receive from the cadet program.

Lt. Timothy Leimberer, commander for DeKalb squadron, is a certified public accountant and is working toward a master’s degree at NIU.

He said he definitely recommends the Civil Air Patrol, noting that it not only looks good on a resume, but “it has a tendency to improve a student’s grades because he is learning how to study something he likes, which leads to good habits later in life.”

Civil Air Patrol aerospace education programs help inform the public about air and space issues. The patrol sponsors workshops and educational materials for teachers and their classrooms.

The patrol keeps in close contact with education departments at all levels and with agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Force Association. These contacts promote aerospace education in the nation’s schools.