Cadets also learn leadership skills that are necessary in both the civilian and military environment. Many who join as cadets later go on to join all the different branches of the military. The third mission of the Civil Air Patrol is aerospace education. CAP squadrons offer their surrounding communities exposure to aviation through the cadet program, and through programs with local schools. CAP also regularly participates in air shows throughout the country.
Several units have partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the nation.
Civil Air Patrol strives to make everyone aware of aviation and its many uses and conveniences. The Civil Air Patrol has a wartime past, and a peacetime present. Its ability to change its missions with the times show that it is a highly flexible asset for the United States Air Force to use. CAP has transformed from a submarine-hunting role toward benevolent emergency service activities, aerospace education, and cadet programs. As world events change while approaching the future, the Civil Air Patrol will, once again, change its missions to adapt to the times.