So you want to be the light in a dark situation for a lost person who's been handed a grim outlook, struggling for life? Here you can find out how to get qualified and join a Search & Rescue team.


Steps

1. Go to www.cap.gov and find out about the Civil Air Patrol the organization that does the majority of inland SAR (search and rescue).
2. Use cap.gov to find a squadron near you and go during the specified day and hours. Go a few times, and then you will be able to join the Civil Air Patrol.
3. Get qualified in CAP as a ground team member or leader, possibly even an incident command position or aircrew position (if you're a pilot).

Tips

• Remember that youth can join the cadet program and participate in SAR missions.

Warnings

• Be sure you have ample time to commit. GTMs and GTLs devote many hours and often entire weekends to training. Even at this pace, it can take some time to get your qualification. After you have your qualification, you can expect from time to time to get a call (usually in the dead of night) to go on a mission.