Air Cadets.

For young people ages 12 to 18, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (Cadets de l'Aviation royale du Canada) is a nationwide youth program in Canada. The program is sponsored by the Department of National Defence (DND) and run by the Canadian Forces (CF) under the auspices of the National Defence Act. 

The civilian Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) offers additional assistance. It is the "largest federally funded youth program in the country" along with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Cadets are not required to enlist in the Canadian Armed Forces and are not considered members of the armed forces. 

To prepare young men for service during World War II, the first squadrons were formed in 1941. General aviation remains the main focus nowadays, with the goal being "To instill in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces." 

While some cadets are chosen for summer training courses across Canada, most cadet training occurs in the local squadron during the normal school year. The gliding and flying courses that are available to qualified air cadets are essential to the program. 

In Canada, 67% of commercial and airline pilots started their careers as air cadets, and one in five private pilots was once an air cadet. Over 26,000 Air Cadets are enrolled in 454 squadrons spread out across the nation. 

Overview

Although each concentrates on a different parent element, the Cadet Program's goals are to foster in young people the qualities of good citizenship and leadership, encourage physical fitness, and pique their interest in the air, sea, and land activities of the Canadian Forces. 

Robert Myles Colwell coined the Air Cadet slogan, "To learn. To serve. To advance." in 1966 while serving as a cadet with 625 Squadron in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. The Royal Canadian Air Cadets are ranked last in the line of precedence, following the Royal Canadian Sea and Army Cadets, under Commonwealth tradition. 

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18 is eligible to join the Air Cadets. The organization and rank structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force is used with the exceptions of Flight Corporal (in place of Master Corporal), Flight Sergeant (in place of Warrant Officer), Warrant Officer 2nd class (in place of Master Warrant Officer)and Warrant Officer 1st Class (in place of Chief Warrant Officer). 

Although cadets are not expected to join the Canadian Forces after completing the program, those who do may be eligible for up to 180 days of incentive credit towards the Private IPC 2 pay grade. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces. 

Members of the Canadian Forces Reserve subcomponent Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, which is primarily made up of Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) officers, provide adult leadership. If needed, they are augmented by authorized civilian volunteers, contracted civilian instructors, and occasionally officers and non-commissioned members from other CF branches. 

The CIC has received specialized training to administer the Army, Air Cadet, and Royal Canadian Sea training programs. Many have served in the regular or reserve forces, and some were cadets. 

The CF/DND, the civilian Air Cadet League, the Navy League, and the Army Cadet League collaborate to sponsor the Canadian Cadet Organization. Through each of the provincial committees, a local squadron sponsorship committee that reports to the national League supports each cadet unit. 

Uniforms and activities are included in the free basic Air Cadet program. A local service organization or club, such as a Royal Canadian Legion Branch, Royal Canadian Air Force Association Wing, Rotary Club, or Lions Club, sponsors many Air Cadet squadrons. Other squadrons are supported by a locally formed committee that is frequently made up of cadet parents. The funds raised by civilian sponsors cover costs for lodging, utilities, liability insurance, local awards, and extra training materials or unique activities that are not covered by the CF/DND, like mess dinners, band instruments, or squadron outings and travels. It is encouraged for cadets and their parents to take part in fundraising events like selling poppies or paper tags. 

History 

When the war effort demanded that young men fulfill Canada's military commitments in the early stages of World War II, the Air Cadet Organization was born. By 1938, there were a few organizations that would support this kind of endeavour. Albert Bennett created the Winnipeg Air Cadets in Winnipeg, Manitoba. There were other comparable clubs in Penhold, Alberta, and St. Catharines, Ontario. 

Official Air Cadet squadrons did not exist until 1940. But in 1939, A.W. (Nick) Carter and Alan Duncan Bell-Irving established the 1601 Air Force Cadet Wing in Vancouver. In collaboration with the RCAF's No. 111 Squadron, which was then based in Vancouver, the Department of National Defence directly operated this squadron. Before being summoned to Ottawa to help establish the new Air Cadet League of Canada, A.W. (Nick) Carter served as the 1601 Wing's first commanding officer. The 1601 Wing became the 111 Vancouver Squadron after being chartered to the Air Cadet League of Canada following its creation. Under the name 111 Pegasus Squadron, the 111 Air Cadet Squadron continues to operate and participates in parades at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver.

In order to satisfy the growing demand for operational pilots in the RCAF during World War II, Air Minister Power ordered the creation of a statewide voluntary organization in 1940 to sponsor and train a chosen group of young men. 

An Order-in-Council was passed on November 11, 1940, creating the Air Cadet League of Canada to collaborate with the RCAF. By 1942, there were 135 squadrons and 10,000 cadets, the majority of whom were drawn from the Army Cadets, after the first squadrons were established in 1941. There were 315 squadrons and 23,000 members by 1943. At its height, the program had 374 squadrons and 29,000 cadets in 1944. 

The Air Cadets initially wore hand-me-down uniforms from the RCAF's pre-war years. It included a full-collar tunic, slacks, and a cap (wedge) made of blue or grey wool. In 1943, this was phased out in favour of an open-collar version that resembled the RCAF enlisted man's tunic during the war. Before switching to the combat dress uniform, the air cadet organization got more hand-me-down outfits from the RCAF following the war. 

 Membership in 155 units fell to 11,000 after the war, and the Air Cadet program was redesigned to meet the evolving requirements of both the cadets and Canada. A flying scholarship course was created, summer training was provided at RCAF stations, and the Air Cadet League instituted awards for skill and squadron loyalty. Through the scholarship program, almost 15,000 cadets have obtained their private pilot's license to date. The emphasis of training changed to include civic engagement and aviation enthusiasm. Interest was rekindled, and by 1961 there were 332 squadrons, with permission granted for up to 28,000 cadets to join in 1972. 

Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was named Air Commodore-in-Chief of the organization in 1953 and remained in that role until he died in 2021. 

To handle the demand, more squadrons with distinct parade nights were formed in places where air cadets were highly desired. These squadrons were frequently assigned to air cadet wings, which are groups of two or more squadrons and were supervised by a separate wing headquarters staff that included both officers and senior cadets. In the late 1960s, the system was abandoned, and all squadrons regained their independence. 

Senior air cadets have had the chance to work alongside officers, some contracted civilians, and RCAF/CF members in staff roles at summer camps across Canada since the beginning. A system was created whereby senior cadets who were 16 years of age or older were assigned the rank of Acting Corporal and temporarily enrolled in the RCAF/CF on short-term contracts. People called them Call-out Corporals. Later on, the Cold Lake Senior Leaders Course employed the CF rank of Acting Master Corporal among its Call-out Corporal staff. After the system was discontinued, senior cadets were chosen for further training through the "staff cadet" program, and they were assigned as staff cadets to support the adult leadership. 

The Canadian Forces became the Air Cadet League's military partner in providing air cadet training after the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were unified in 1968. Laws were amended in 1975 to formally permit female cadets to join the Army, Air Cadets, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. The woollen Air Force blue "battle dress" uniform was replaced with a green safari-style CF rifle uniform. The weight and style were more appropriate for the program's indoor and summer training environment. Starting in 1978, cadet squadrons were given the first of these. Air cadet wings were worn on the left breast instead of the right, and a new, adorned brass cap badge was issued. Cadets adopted a new Air Force blue cadet uniform that was similar to the departing green uniform in style when the CF returned to using distinct uniform colours in the middle of the 1980s. These new uniforms were issued to squadrons starting in the fall of 1992. 

Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets now comprise the "largest federally funded youth program in the country" with roughly 23,000 members spread across 456 squadrons. Additionally, the membership has changed, becoming gender-balanced and drawing in and keeping visible minorities. 

Local training 

A "parade night" is the one night a week that each squadron trains to complete the local training program. The Director of Cadets prescribes the curriculum, which is detailed in the course training plans that are given to every squadron. Cadets in the six-year program learn citizenship, leadership, survival skills, instructional techniques, drill and ceremonial, and the fundamentals of aeronautics and aviation. Cadets may be tasked with teaching these classes to the younger cadets in their fifth and later years. September marks the start of the local training, which lasts until June. 

Cadets can participate in several regularly scheduled activities in addition to the required weekly training schedule. These activities include band, biathlon, military drill practice, first aid training and competitions, firearms safety and marksmanship using the 10-meter air rifle, and ground school instruction in preparation for glider pilot and private pilot training courses. Teams and individual cadets compete at the regional, provincial, or national levels in many of these events. Weekend exercises are arranged by the local squadrons all year long. Cadets may take part in familiarization flights, survival exercises, and Remembrance Day ceremonies at different times during the training year. Certain cadet squadrons take part in community activities like band concerts and parades. 

Cadet Program Update – Squadron program 

The program that had been in use since 1992 was replaced with a new training system starting with the 2008/2009 training year. New teaching resources and more modern approaches to education and youth development are included in the Cadet Program Update (CPU). The training shared by all three elements is more effectively provided by similar updates to the Army Cadet and Sea programs, which rationalize the connections between the three programs.

Recognizing that individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 go through three fundamental "Developmental Periods" (DPs) is the foundation of the CPU. These DPs indicate how their cognitive skills have evolved from a purely experiential (or "hands-on") approach to learning to abstract competency and problem-solving. The target age group of the cadets in each training level is reflected in the training techniques employed at that level.  

A combination of required and complementary enabling objectives (EOs) will be used to deliver the various performance objectives (POs). All air cadet squadrons will be required to complete the same EOs. Squadrons can support the required training by selecting from a variety of complementary EOs. At a local squadron, the cadets' interests and the available resources are taken into consideration when choosing complementary training exercises.

The new proficiency level 5 will be introduced for the 2012/2013 training year, and the program will be phased in one year at a time. Cadets currently training under the current system will finish their training under the system that is being phased out. 

The Cadet Program Rescope will soon update this program. 

Cadet Program Update – Squadron program 

A new training system replaced the program that had been in place since 1992, starting with the 2008/2009 training year. The Cadet Program Update (CPU) integrates more modern educational and youth development techniques along with new instructional materials. Analogous modifications to the Army Cadet and Sea programs streamline the connections among the three programs and more effectively deliver the training shared by all three. 

Recognizing that individuals between the ages of 12 and 18 go through three fundamental "Developmental Periods" (DPs) is the foundation of the CPU. These DPs indicate how their cognitive skills have evolved from a purely experiential (or "hands-on") approach to learning to abstract competency and problem-solving. The target age group of the cadets in each training level is reflected in the training techniques employed at that level. 

A combination of required and complementary enabling objectives (EOs) will be used to deliver the various performance objectives (POs). All air cadet squadrons will be required to complete the same EOs. Squadrons can support the required training by selecting from a variety of complementary EOs. At a local squadron, the cadets' interests and the available resources are taken into consideration when choosing complementary training exercises. 

The new proficiency level 5 will be introduced for the 2012/2013 training year, and the program will be phased in one year at a time. Cadets currently training under the current system will finish their training under the system that is being phased out. 

This program is soon to be updated by the Cadet Program Rescope. 

Squadron training levels 

Qualifying for five training levels is a challenge for air cadets. Typically, each level is finished during the ten-month training period, which runs from September to June. Cadets 14 years of age and up may finish levels 1 and 2 in a single training year with the commanding officer's permission. The appropriate level qualification badge is awarded upon successful completion of the required standard. Lessons are created to prepare cadets for responsibilities within the squadron, like instructing other cadets, as they progress through the program. The Royal Canadian Air Cadets' training level structure is shown in the chart below. PSRY (Positive Social Relations with Youth) training has been replaced by PHASE (Promoting Healthy And Safe Experiences) training as of the 2022–2023 training year. The Advanced Leadership Program, or ALP, will take the place of level 5 and higher in 2024 to enhance senior cadets' leadership development. 

Complementary training groups 

Squadrons may have some of the following teams or groups to supplement required training, depending on various factors. This list is not all-inclusive. 

Drill team: Most squadrons have a drill team of some kind. Cadets will hone their drill skills from required parade nights and pick up increasingly difficult drill manoeuvres on the drill team. Cadets on drill teams may be able to participate in regional competitions, join a flag party, or join a drill team at arms. The Drill and Ceremonial Instructor summer training course is an option for cadets who are interested in drill.

Marksmanship team: A marksmanship team may be part of some squadrons. The Daisy Air Rifle, which is not legally considered a firearm, is used by cadets on the marksmanship team to practice shooting lead pellets at paper targets. Cadets can participate in national or regional marksmanship events. The Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor summer training course is an option for cadets who want to learn marksmanship. 

Military band: Some squadrons may decide to provide training in music. The chance to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument is available to cadets in military bands. Cadets will learn a variety of specialized drill manoeuvres in addition to their instruments. Cadet Drum Majors and adult staff lead cadet military bands. Cadets might be able to participate in different levels of musical competitions. Cadets who have a passion for music can choose to enroll in the summer training program for Military Band Musicians. 

Pipe band: Some squadrons may provide drum and pipe instruction. In a pipe band, cadets can learn to play the bass drum, snare drum, tenor drum, or bagpipes. Cadets will learn a variety of specialized drill manoeuvres in addition to their instruments. Adult staff, a cadet pipe major, and a cadet drum major lead the cadets' pipe bands. In 2022, there was no summer training course available for pipe band musicians. 

Biathlon team: A biathlon team may be part of some squadrons. Cadets will learn how to shoot a target and run or ski cross-country. Cadets might be able to participate in national or regional tournaments. 

Ground school: Following Transport Canada regulations, certain squadrons may have a ground school group where cadets learn the principles of aviation. Since the launch of the national online ground school, the only approved ground school program for cadet PPTC and GPTC applications, fewer squadrons have provided this. 

Summer training 

During the summer, air cadets can take part in training activities outside of their squadron. Cadets can take part in national summer training courses or summer training courses at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC). 

Cadet Activity Program (CAP) 

In 2022, a community-based day camp called the Cadet Activity Program (CAP) was established to take the place of junior cadets' summer training programs. A 5-day CAP, which included a range of cadet-related activities, was attended by cadets in their first year of cadet service. In order to develop their leadership and teamwork skills, second-year cadets took part in a 12-day CAP. The 2024 discontinuation of the Cadet Activity Program was attributed to the resource constraints associated with the day camp model. 

Summer training courses 

Summer training courses are two-, four-, or six-to-seven-week overnight summer camps held at Cadet Training Centres (CTCs). Cadets are taught a particular aspect of cadet training, like marksmanship, drill, or music. Staff cadets, civilian adult staff, and CIC officers all provide instruction. After finishing a course successfully, cadets receive a badge to wear on their tunic. 

National courses 

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) 

Cadets can visit air bases, industry hubs, world landmarks, universities, cultural institutions, and museums during the three-week International Air Cadet Exchange. They can also stay in private homes with families. Outstanding senior cadets who will represent Canada with distinction are the target audience. Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States are among the countries that are accessible from Canada. 

Pilot training courses 

Two pilot training courses are available through the air cadet program: one for private pilots and one for glider pilots. These courses, which last six to seven weeks, allow cadets to earn a pilot's license from Transport Canada at no cost to them. The cadet program runs the Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) at the Mountain View and St-Jean Cadet Flying Training Centres (CFTC). Private flying schools under contract conduct the Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC). The selection process consists of an interview, a review of a cadet's file, and a 40-hour self-guided ground school course that ends with a 50-question test. All of the requirements set forth by Transport Canada for pilot training are met by these courses. Successful cadets have gone on to work for the Canadian Forces, commercial airlines, courier and charter companies, and more. They have also become instructors at different flight schools. One of the most prominent and alluring opportunities for air cadets is the chance to earn a private pilot's license. 

Cadets are presented with fabric and metal pilot wings to display on their Distinctive Elemental Uniform upon successful completion of a pilot training course. 

Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) 

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets' Cadet Training Centres (CTC) are dispersed throughout Canada and frequently share a location with a Canadian Forces base. As of 2024, air cadets use the following CTCs. As part of the Cadet Program Rescope in 2021–2022, there were only 12 CTCs overall. Closed CTCs were either returned to their military facilities, turned over to private companies, or utilized for other summer training activities like CAP. 

Summer training courses 

Flying 

Around 22,000 air cadets engage in familiarization gliding at regional gliding centres spread out across the nation during the spring and fall seasons. Through the Air Cadet Glider Pilot Training Course, 320 cadets obtain a Transport Canada glider pilot license each summer, and another 250 obtain a private pilot license. Every year, about 60,000 glider flights in Schweizer SGS 2-33 gliders are conducted by the Air Cadet Gliding Program. The Air Cadet League of Canada owns the fleet of aircraft used in the gliding program. Under a memorandum of understanding, the Canadian Forces are responsible for maintaining the fleet, which consists of over 100 gliders and tow planes. The fleet is run by Canadian Forces pilots and civilian instructors to instruct cadets. Depending on which flight school the cadet is assigned to during their course, a variety of aircraft are used during the Private Pilot Training Course. Private flight schools run the Private Pilot Training Course, and the instructors are not connected to the cadet program. The plane may be a DA20 Katana, Cessna 152, Cessna 150, or Cessna 172. 

Uniform 

For ceremonial and regular training events, uniform items are provided to all air cadets. The cadet receives uniforms free of charge. The issued kit must be kept clean, maintained, and returned by cadets when they are no longer cadets. 

Distinctive Elemental Uniform (DEU) 

It is utilized on formal and ceremonial occasions and is also known as the C1. All air cadets are provided with a black necktie, blue trousers, a black web belt with a silver-brass buckle, grey wool socks, polishable black leather boots, a blue wedge, a blue jacket (tunic) with a belt, and a short-sleeved sky blue collared shirt. Along with slip-on ranks and stand-alone rank insignia sewn onto the tunic, cadets are also given a plastic name tag bearing their last name.

The DEU comes with several approved accessories, such as a white nylon belt, a white lanyard, and white cotton gloves. These are given to the cadets who hold prominent "parade positions" on parade nights. The standard-issue fabric tunic belt is replaced with a white nylon belt, and the white lanyard is worn around the left shoulder. The Canadian Armed Forces insignia is stamped on a gold-brass buckle that is attached to the white nylon belt. These decorations are worn with the DEU by cadets who have received medals or other awards from the cadet program.  

The standard-issue wedge cap may be replaced with a turban for cadets whose religious beliefs necessitate alterations to the uniform, such as those of the Sikh faith. 

Highland Dress 

The special order of dress known as "Halloween dress" is only worn by cadets who play in their squadron's pipe band. A kilt woven with the air cadet tartan, two sporrans (one leather, one hair), hose tops, white spats, and a Glengarry headdress is provided to pipe band players. A sgian-dubh, a leopard skin worn on the front of the uniform like an apron, and a drum major's sash are some of the accessories that go with the highland dress. Only Pipe Majors are permitted to carry the sgian-dubh, and only bass and tenor drummers are permitted to wear the leopard skin. 

Field Training Uniform (FTU) 

Cadets wear an olive green tunic, olive green pants, black multipurpose boots, and an Air Force blue beret or side cap, depending on their squadron, with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets badge sewn on it as part of their daily training attire (Field Training Uniform, or FTU). The FTU pants are worn with the DEU's black web belt. Additionally, cadets may receive an olive green name tape that is sewn onto the FTU tunic and features their last name in dark blue lettering akin to that of the Canadian Armed Forces. 

Cold weather uniform items 

Cadets will receive a variety of uniform items, such as a blue toque, black winter gloves, and an all-season coat, to wear in cold weather. These items may be worn by cadets "when weather conditions dictate" Both an outer coat and a liner are included with the all-season coat. 

Numbered orders of dress 

The numbered orders of dress are followed when wearing any part of the cadet uniform. Cold-weather uniform items can be worn with any order of dress. 

Ranks 

A new member of the Air Cadet Program is referred to as an "Air Cadet" (AC) at the time of enrollment. After the cadet satisfies specific nationally prescribed standards, they are promoted to higher ranks. To guarantee that every cadet who receives a rank promotion has the same fundamental skills or comparable experience, that all cadets are evaluated using the same criteria—the successful completion of squadron training—and that all cadets are given an equal chance to progress, specific criteria for each rank have been established. 

When cadets advance to the rank of Flight Corporal, they begin to be given responsibilities within their flights. Within their flights, flight corporals can serve as section commanders, advising junior cadet sections on matters like drill and uniforms. Sergeants oversee the squadron's daily operations and are in charge of training EOs, handling various administrative duties (such as taking attendance), and supporting flight NCOs in their capacity as seconds-in-command. Flight Sergeants have duties akin to those of Sergeants and are in charge of flights. To guarantee seamless operations and the accomplishment of all required tasks, Warrant Officers 2nd Class collaborate closely with adult leadership. They typically help officers in support positions in public relations, administration, training, and supply. First-class warrant officers supervise all squadron operations and answer directly to the squadron's commanding officer. 

Each rank's official name begins with the word "cadet" (e.g.: cadet corporal). However, corporal is the typical wording because custom avoids using the word "cadet" in casual references. In situations where it is necessary to differentiate between cadets and members of the Canadian Forces, ranks will be written or spoken as cadet corporal, with the abbreviation C/Cpl. 

Merit Review Board (MRB) process 

A Merit Review Board (MRB) must recommend the cadet for any promotion to the rank of Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) or Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2). A minimum of three and a maximum of five members make up the MRB. A representative of the Air Cadet League or local sponsor, the commanding officer (or delegate) serving as the board's chairperson, and one to three other members are chosen by the squadron commanding officer.

The MRB consists of an interview and a review of the cadet's file. The board chairperson sets the criteria for the file review, which are the same for all candidates. These criteria typically include attendance rates, a review of the cadet's performance during squadron training, a review of performance evaluations or reports from summer training courses, any pertinent disciplinary or positive notes on file, and a list of squadron and national awards the cadet has received. Cadets will be asked to complete the interview after the file review is finished. The identical questions will be sent to all participating cadets up to 72 hours prior to the interview. Cadets may be questioned regarding their involvement in the program, their objectives, their leadership experiences, and their reactions to different situations. The board will determine whether the cadet deserves to be promoted to the next rank after both parts of the MRB process are finished.