Cap Vehicles

The Cap Vehicles line item in the FY2026 Air Force budget supports the procurement of vehicles for the Civil Air Patrol (CAP), a Congressionally chartered non-profit corporation that serves as the official Auxiliary of the Air Force. This program is funded under appropriation 3080F, Other Procurement, Air Force, specifically within the Vehicular Equipment budget activity and the Cargo and Utility Vehicles sub-activity. The primary objective of this line item is to ensure CAP maintains a modern and reliable fleet to support its diverse mission set, which includes emergency response, disaster relief, and support for Air Force search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The CAP vehicle procurement program is designed to enable rapid deployment of ground teams capable of providing critical communications and humanitarian support during national emergencies and disasters. Vehicles acquired through this program are essential for transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to affected areas, ensuring CAP can fulfill requests from the Department of Defense, federal, state, and local government authorities, as well as non-governmental organizations. The procurement process adheres to Department of Defense Grant & Agreement Regulations, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of federal resources.

One of the key goals of this program is to support CAP's role in executing the majority of the Air Force's search and rescue missions, as outlined in the National SAR Plan. The vehicles are also critical for disaster relief activities and for supporting ground teams that provide essential services during emergencies. In addition, the program supports the transportation needs of CAP cadets, enabling the execution of Aerospace Education and Cadet Program missions as mandated by federal statute. These educational and leadership programs are central to CAP's mission of fostering public welfare and aviation development among U.S. citizens.

The justification for continued investment in CAP vehicle procurement is rooted in the aging nature of the current fleet and the increased costs of replacement. A significant portion of CAP's vehicle fleet exceeds the average age of Air Force vehicles, posing challenges to reliability and mission readiness. Additionally, vehicle procurement costs have risen substantially since the initial baseline was established, reflecting both inflation and increased operational demands. Funding will be used to replace aging vehicles and ensure CAP can continue to meet its operational requirements.

CAP maintains a fleet of vehicles to support its members nationwide. The vehicles are distributed across CAP's squadrons and wings, providing essential mobility for ground teams and cadet programs. The type and quantity of vehicles procured may vary year-to-year based on market availability, cost fluctuations, evolving mission requirements, and the needs of the organization. The flexibility in procurement allows CAP to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure the most effective use of federal funds.

Unlike other Air Force vehicle procurement programs, CAP's vehicle purchases are not subject to central Air Force procurement processes. This distinction allows CAP to tailor its acquisitions to the unique needs of its missions and membership. The program element associated with this line item is 0901223F, and there are no related Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) or Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS) codes. The funding provided under this line item is strictly for vehicle procurement, with initial spares and unit costs documented elsewhere in the budget.