The patch was designed by 1st Lt Jose A Rafols. The "A-10 Shark" was originally conceived by Hermes Crespo and Edgardo Torres for the 1996 ACS Drill Team. It was approved for wear by Squadron Commander, 2d Lt Jasen Romero and Wing Commander, Col Hermany Liboy.
1. General:
May this writing serve as a guide for the use of the ACS patch and as an explanation of the symbols in the Aguadilla Cadet Squadron patch. For readability purposes the letters 'ACS' will hereafter refer to the name of Aguadilla Cadet Squadron. Any changes to this writing must pass the approval of the ACS staff.
2. Terms for using the patch:
The ACS patch will NOT be given to a cadet unless the cadet passes a review board. The Board will consist of the squadron commander, cadet commander, cadet deputy commander, flight commander and the first sergeant. During this review board the cadet will be asked general questions about the CAP and about the squadron patch. The cadet’s performance within the squadron will also be evaluated. The cadet being interviewed must have knowledge on the meanings of all of the items of the ACS patch. The Senior Staff and Cadet Executive Staff of ACS will reserve the right to decide who is and who is not fit to wear the ACS patch. Wearing the ACS patch is a privilege and not a right. The purpose of this is to motivate cadet to better themselves through their efforts to earn the ACS patch.
3. Wear of the Patch:
The ACS patch will be worn centered on the upper-right pocket of the DBU fatigue or the CAP Blue utility uniform. Wear of the ACS patch on any other uniform in not authorized.
4. Meanings of the items in the patch:
a. Six white stars, which stand for the six core values ACS goes by:
i. Integrity first.
ii. Service before self.
iii. Excellence in all we do.
iv. Loyalty to your comrades, unit and country.
v. Pride in your work.
vi. Respect above all else.
b. Blue, has two meanings:
i. The sky is our limit.
ii. Represents CAP’s flight operations.
c. Green: Ground operations, meaning ground team and logistics support.
d. Red line: Search and Rescue
e. A-10 Thunderbolt: Represents Strength, leadership and uniqueness.
f. Shark: The shark is the animal adopted by the town of Aguadilla and our unit.
g. Red Propeller within the Air force symbol: The propeller means CAP
each blade stands for each one of the CAP missions. It is within the
Air Force symbol to symbolize the union between CAP and the USAF.
h. Red CAP: It is between the wings of the Air Force symbol
to symbolize that we are the US Air Force Auxiliary.
i. PR 035: ACS Unit Charter Number.
j. Rise Above the Rest: Squadron Motto.
Information provided by:
1st Lt Jose A Rafols, PR-035 Commander
January 17, 2008
