History of the Patch

	Cadet Encampment, 2003 5th Cadet Training Group - Volk Field AB, WI

The central shield resembles the AETC shield and signifies the link to the educational foundation of the CTG, and pays homage to the Air Force of which we are the auxiliary of. The emblem resembles that of the California Wing Encampment, just as our encampment environment now resembles theirs. The shield is blue, to signify loyalty to the Air Force, and those in the Civil Air Patrol.

The Civil Air Patrol three-blade propeller is in the center of the shield, showing the central role of CAP. The blue of the shield represents charity, as we are all volunteers and are giving up our time in the hope of developing one’s self. The red three-blade propeller represents the three missions of CAP, and it’s long history of service to our nation.

The torch under the CAP shield represents how the cadet staff and seniors pass the torch of leadership to the next generation. Its location serves as the foundation for the CAP shield, just as encampment serves as a foundation for the cadet program. The yellow in the torch represents excellence and honor, the red flame represents courage, and the orange flame represents ambition, since all are required to complete the program.

The Insignia is set on a black background, which represents determination, which is needed to both create, and complete this level of training. The gray border represents maturity, because the CTG is the foundational step in the cadet program. Once completed, graduates assume higher levels of responsibility and have new opportunities open to them. Minnesota is written across the top in gray, to show our link to where we are. The blue banner at the bottom of the patch is to remember all of the locations that have hosted encampment in the past, and the charity that has been received by those hosts.

The emblem represents the CTG, who we where, are, and will be.

Information provided by:
1st Lt Andrew Dew
Patch Designer
St Croix Composite Squadron