Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Announcing Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Award Recipient

Congratulations to Capt. Douglas Hardy who was recently presented the Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Award for completing Level Two of the Civil Air Patrol Professional Development Program!

Capt. Douglas Hardy (L) receives his award from Squadron 150 Commander Capt. David Powell (R)
Civil Air Patrol
Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Award
Fact Sheet

The Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Award is given to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) members who complete Level Two of the Senior Member Professional Development Program. It recognizes those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP. This award was first given in 2006 and honors the late General Benjamin Davis. A pioneering military officer who was the leader of the fabled Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and the first African American to become a General in the Air Force.

Civil Air Patrol is the Auxiliary of the United States Air Force. CAP has a three-fold mission. It includes emergency services, the cadet program, and aerospace education. CAP professional development provides technical skills and leadership training to senior members age 18 and over to support CAP’s mission. The program enables these adults to develop these skills while providing a vital public service to our nation.

As the member progresses through the program, he or she completes five increasingly complex training levels. Each level requires the member to become more involved in CAP activities, master skills in one of 23 technical areas, and develop leadership ability. As he or she completes these levels, the member receives awards, chances for promotion, and selection for more important roles within CAP.

The second milestone is the Davis Award. Members must have completed Level One of the senior member professional development program as well as the CAP Officer Basic Course. Members must also complete the Squadron Leadership School and achieve at least a technician rating in a specialty track of their choice.

Of CAP’s 35,000 senior members, about 670 earn the Davis Award each year.