As a member of the Civil Air Patrol (USAF auxiliary). In some states they are the best available resource. In others, they are handcuffed by bureaucracy. Last I heard, Congress was going to de-fund the entire program.

In the 70's, we trained one weekend/month, in all weather and terrain, for a wide array of scenarios, from missing aircraft, to escapees from the "funny farm" (this was a real thing we did on numerous occasions). Our vehicles, radios, equipment, search aircraft, and training were provided by the U.S. gov't. It was much better than the Boy Scouts (did that as well). And, yes, we did actually find/save a few folks.

My search team was acknowledged as the best in the state (MN) at the time. We were all young, fit, and experienced outdoorsmen. The organization itself (CAP) has suffered from inconsistent leadership and objectives. It never helped the Lee Harvey Oswald was a member. I credit my participation with preparing me to become a member of the 2nd Ranger Bn later on.