The Gill Robb Wilson Award is

Civil Air Patrol Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CAP is a volunteer organization with an aviation-minded mem ...

’s (CAP) highest award for Senior Member professional development. It recognizes senior members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal development in the CAP. The CAP first gave this award in 1964 to honor the late

Gill Robb Wilson Gill Robb Wilson (September 18, 1892 – September 8, 1966) was an American pilot, Presbyterian minister, and military advocate. Wilson was a founder of the Civil Air Patrol. Early life Wilson was born in Clarion County, Pennsylvania to the Re ...

. He is regarded as the founder of Civil Air Patrol, and served as CAP’s first executive officer. Civil Air Patrol is the civilian auxiliary of the

United States Air Force The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army S ...

. CAP has a three-fold mission. It includes

emergency services Emergency services and rescue services are organizations that ensure public safety and health by addressing and resolving different emergencies. Some of these agencies exist solely for addressing certain types of emergencies, while others deal wi ...

cadet A cadet is an officer trainee or candidate. The term is frequently used to refer to those training to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. Its meaning may vary between countries which can include youths in ...

programs, and

aerospace Aerospace is a term used to collectively refer to the atmosphere and outer space. Aerospace activity is very diverse, with a multitude of commercial, industrial and military applications. Aerospace engineering consists of aeronautics and astrona ...

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 public service. As the member progresses through the program, they complete 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 they complete these levels, the member receives awards, chances for promotion, and selection for more important roles within CAP. The final milestone is the Wilson Award. It is earned after receiving the

Paul E. Garber Award The Paul E. Garber Award is given to Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Senior Members who complete Level IV of the Senior Member Professional Development Program. It recognizes those members who have dedicated themselves to leadership and personal developmen ...

. In addition, members must direct the training of fellow members in a variety of courses. They must also have served in command or leadership positions for at least three years. Finally, they must have completed CAP’s capstone course, the National Staff College, or approved equivalent. Recipients of this award, along with other requirements, makes a member eligible to the grade of CAP Lieutenant Colonel. As CAP’s premier award for senior member professional development, the Gill Robb Wilson Award should be presented by an Air Force or CAP general officer, an elected state or federal official, or other distinguished person.

References

{{Reflist Awards and decorations of the Civil Air Patrol Awards established in 1964