National Commander. A CAP Brigadier General elected by the members of the National Board, which is the highest governing body of the CAP. The commander is responsible for overall control and management of the CAP across the entire United States.
ORGANIZATION
( The "org chart" below scrolls badly. For this, we apologize! But, we're working on it!)
The chief executive in a large company can’t have everyone working directly for
him/her. The CAP is no different. It is impossible for one person to provide
good supervision and guidance to thousands of CAP members. For this reason, a chain
of command is required for the CAP corporation to ensure that objectives, policies and
operational directives are effectively executed at the lowest level.
Every CAP commander has a deputy or vice commander and a support staff. Deputy and vice commanders often have support staffs of their own. Support staff members do not command.
The following organizational chart will give you a sense of who is responsible for what in the CAP. If you want to read the chart, just start at the top left and follow the vertical line down. Positions appearing first on the verticle line have command authority over positions further "down" the chain of command. Click on any block for more information about that position.
National Commander.
A CAP Brigadier General elected by the members of the National Board, which is the highest
governing body of the CAP. The commander is responsible for overall control and
management of the CAP across the entire United States.
Deputy Commander. The Deputy Commander is responsible for executing the orders and instructions provided by the National Commander. During the National Commander's absence, the Deputy Commander acts as the National Commander.
Support Staff. Support staff members perform supporting duties for the commander, to include research, reports, statistical analysis, member education, etc. Support staff members have no command authority.
Region Commander. There are eight regions within the U.S., each containing several states. Each region has a commander who works for the National Commander, and serves on the National Board.
Wing Commander. There are 52 Wing Commanders-one for each state. Wing Commanders work for the Region Commander and serve on the national board.
Group Commander. When there are more than five squadrons in one wing, a Group Commander may be appointed to take some of the workload from the Wing Commander. The Group Commander works for the Wing Commander.
Squadron Commander. Local units of 15 or more members are called "squadrons." Each squadron has a commander, who is directly responsible for operational control, management, and execution of CAP goals and objectives.
Deputy Commander for Seniors. Supervises and directs the senior member programs in composite squadrons.
Deputy Commander for Cadets. Directs and evaluates implementation of the cadet program.