Civil Air Patrol is an important source of top-level recruits for the Air Force. Those who have achieved CAP’s Gen. Billy Mitchell Award by completing the second phase of the cadet program can join the Air Force at a higher pay scale than other new recruits. In addition, every year an average of 10 percent of classes at the Air Force Academy comes from CAP’s ranks, bringing with them training in leadership; military culture, customs and courtesies; aviation; ground missions; physical fitness; and numerous other touchstones.