Group Five has initiated a long-range planning process called VISION 2016 to ensure that its membership is adequately prepared to meet future challenges. This strategic process is intended to guide Group leadership through efforts to make certain the organization is meeting the needs of the membership, the communities it serves, and the agencies and organizations it supports through the Civil Air Patrol's prescribed missions. The seven-year window of opportunity provided by the project is well within the common timeframe used for strategic planning.

The definition of the service role which CAP plays is dynamic. Some characteristics of the service provided is constant while others seem to continually change. Much of the definition of CAP’s role depends on how the community and other stakeholders view the capabilities of the organization and its members. The strategy of the VISION 2016 project includes proactive steps to generate the proper internal and external focus on CAP’s ability to achieve mission success. Furthermore, the pillars of our core beliefs; respect, integrity, excellence and volunteer service will be stressed so they are readily apparent in the manner our mission is executed.

In 2016, the Civil Air Patrol will celebrate its 75th Anniversary. This will be an important milestone that is noteworthy enough to turn on the bright spotlights. With this amount of lead time, the organization has a choice as to what will be revealed when placed in the limelight. Will it be a robust cadet program, recognized leadership in aerospace education, and a primary resource for emergency services, or will CAP continue to be a "best kept secret"? It truly is a matter of choice.

There is much work that can be done in the meantime to further develop the role which CAP plays in local communities. Greater awareness will ensure CAP's milestone is celebrated as a community event. This can be achieved by improving the effectiveness of the public affairs program. Member participation in carefully planned events to generate greater awareness is also important.

Training is another mission critical area. Membership must embrace the standards of excellence that is advocated and leadership must provide the support necessary to achieve this goal. The benefits of the CAP professional development program must be realized. An effective mentoring program which utilizes fellow members with knowledge and experience is a valuable training tool that can benefit the organization and offer cadet and senior members an opportunity to develop important skills which can be translated into greater opportunities in today's job market. By developing CAP's management personnel, leaders for the community and the nation's economic engine will also be created.

The strategic project requires that current CAP members accept the responsibility to maintain a robust organization that can be placed into the hands of the future generation of CAP members. The Vision 2016 strategic planning process is an important tool used to fulfill this goal.