Royal Canadian Army Cadets
Encyclopedia
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets (RCAC) is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces
and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada
. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence
with the civilian partner providing support in the local community. Many Army Cadet corps receive additional support from affiliated Regular or Reserve Army units. While cadets may wear the badges and acoutrements of their affiliated unit, cadets are civilians, they are not members of the Canadian Forces .
Recognized as Canada's oldest youth program, there are approximately 21,000 army cadets in about 450 corps across the country. Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
, it forms the largest federally-funded youth program. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities.
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
, the RCAC is part of the Canadian Cadet Organization. Although the RCAC and the other cadet programs are by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are not members of the Forces, and are not expected to join the Canadian Forces. In keeping with Commonwealth
custom, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets stand second in the order of precedence, after the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
, and before the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
.
Persons aged 12 to 18 may join the RCAC, free of charge. Uniforms, training manuals, and instruction are provided. A cadet must leave the organization before their 19th birthday. Upon departing most items issued to them during their time in the program must be returned. Some cadet corps conduct a "leaving ceremony", to recognize departing cadets. If the senior-ranked cadet is departing he or she will relinquish the senior position by passing on the drill
cane, or the Corps flag to his or her successor.
The organization and rank system of the Canadian Army is used, but cadets now use only Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, whereas at one time Commissioned Officer Cadet ranks (from Lieutenant up to and including Colonel) were used. Army Cadet Corps are usually affiliated to a Reserve or Regular Force army regiment and wear the accoutrements of their affiliated unit. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training program, and like all reservists come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, many have former regular or reserve force service.
for "as the maple, so the sapling."
. The RCAC shares this aim with the Sea and Air Cadets; however, each organization focuses on its own parent element.
by six years. These early militia companies and drill associations were not cadet corps but were militia sub-units formed in educational and other public institutions. Enrollment was limited to men between the ages of 13 and 60. The drill
was not only a parade square and discipline exercise, but a skill that was necessary for the defence of the Colony. The American Civil War
and the threat of the Fenian Raids
motivated their creation in Upper and Lower Canada.
Trinity College Volunteer Rifle Company was formed June 1, 1861 in Port Hope, Ontario. Bishop’s College Drill Association was formed in Lennoxville, Que. on December 6, 1861. Another 14 of the early "Drill Associations" or "Rifle Companies" stood up in Ontario and Quebec. Canada's oldest continually serving cadet corps is No. 2 Bishop's College School Cadet Corps in Lennoxville, Quebec, its roots firmly in the previous drill associations.
In 1904 the allocation of numbers to cadet corps was instituted and the Quarterly Militia List, correct to April 1, 1904 lists Cadet Organizations from 1 to 104. The earliest date of organization shown is November 28, 1879 four months after Militia General Order 18 of July 25, 1879 allowed the formations of 74 "Associations for Drill in Educational Institutions" for young men. These cadets were taught drill and marksmanship, but were not required to be employed in active service. The 74 associations included 34 in Ontario
, 24 in Québec
, 13 in the Maritimes, two in Manitoba
, and one in British Columbia
.
The origin of the term "Cadet Corps" is debatable, as some believe it was first used in 1898, in Ontario, bundled in a provision that the Corps' instructors would be a member of the local school teaching staff, and not from the local militia unit.
in 1968, the officer cadre was designated as the Cadet Instructors List a sub-component of the Canadian Forces Reserve. In July 1994 it was renamed Cadet Instructor Cadre. In 2009 the reserve sub-component was renamed the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service. It consists of the CIC Branch and other reserve officers and non-commissioned members.
, which is awarded to a cadet in each corps and squadron who best exemplifies the qualities of being a cadet.
During the twenty years following the First World War, cadet training came to a standstill. Many corps survived these hard times, but the Depression and the lack of public interest caused the cancellation of the uniform grant for Army Cadets in 1931 and the instructional grant for 12 and 13 year olds in 1934. In Alberta, only a couple of corps functioned beyond 1934.
The beginning of the Second World War brought a renewed public interest in cadet training. An astounding amount of cadet corps were formed in high schools across the country.
After 1945, quotas were imposed reducing Canada's total cadet population to about 75,000 members. Many of the closed corps, those with membership restricted to boys in one particular school, were disbanded; some of them became open corps, training in militia armouries or in Legion halls; others, acquired their own buildings.
The Korean War stimulated growth among open corps in the early 1950s. Many school corps moved to armouries and drill halls. After 1954, Korea veterans staffed the Area Cadet Offices that began to manage these corps and the summer camps that trained them.
On July 30, 1975, the Canadian parliament amended the relevant legislation by changing the word "boys" to "persons", therefore permitting girls to become members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Girls became full participants in the Cadet Organization. The biggest change was during the summer training program. What had been for many decades an exclusively male environment changed dramatically at local corps and at Army Cadet Summer Training Centres. Today, boys and girls participate together in all cadet activities with girls regularly in leadership roles amongst cadets.
The Star Level Program is composed of four levels:
Currently the program is augmented by the National Star Certification Exam (NSCE). This exam may only be attempted upon successful completion of Gold Star. This exam will be phased out in accordance with the Cadet Program Update (CPU).
Cadets are taught a variety of subjects, known as Performance Objectives (PO) that include: citizenship, physical fitness, healthy living, drill, marksmanship, map and compass, outdoor survival, eco-friendly camping and military history and traditions. To better assist in understanding the Star Level’s training, the Green Star program is identified as follows:
Cadet Leader (CL) (3 Weeks)
CSTC Only)
Once a cadet has completed a Cadet Leader Instructor course he or she may apply for advanced the training to be appointed as a staff cadet at a summer training centre (CSTC) or engage in the advanced training course or exchange, such as:
The Pioneer Course offered at Vernon ACSTC in the summers of 2004, 2005, 2006, and was discontinued for the 2007 training year.
Marksmanship and Winter Biathlon are excellent examples of nationally directed activities. In both sports, cadets compete in hopes of advancing. These sports are open to all cadets, including those of the sea and air elements. The C11 and C12A1 target model rifle is a competition weapon used by members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets for training and target shooting competitions.
The Cadet Biathlon Program has been recognized as assisting to develop the sport in Canada. Double gold Olympic medallist Myriam Bedard first competed in the sport of biathlon as a cadet in Valcartier, Quebec. Several CIC officers helped officiate the sport of biathlon at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in 2010.
Rank structure=
In accordance with Cadet Administrative and Training Orders http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/support/cato-oaic/intro_e.asp (CATO) 13-02 (CADET RANK PROMOTIONS) the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's Commanding Officer, who generally promotes based on the advice of Platoon Officers and unit training staff.
The official phrasing for the ranks uses the word "Cadet" as a preface – as an example, Cadet Corporal. However, custom omits "Cadet" in casual reference. Thus, Corporal is the usual wording. Generally, where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, ranks will be written or spoken as Cadet Corporal and abbreviated as C/Cpl.
While it is customary within the organization to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation (Queens Rules and Regulations (Cadets) and CATO) vary: the senior document describing progression as an "appointment", the other describing progression as "promotion".
In keeping with Commonwealth military tradition, certain rank titles may vary depending on the kind of unit a corps is affiliated with – for example, an artillery unit or an armoured unit.
The rank Private in French is Soldat, meaning soldier. Due to the controversy and confusion it may cause in French areas as cadets are not military personnel, effective September 2009 the rank of Private has been replaced with Lance Corporal. Units with historical use of other terms, including Private (Mostly English units,) are allowed to keep using the titles.
and Bishop Ridley College where all students aged 12 to 18 are cadets.
There is no minimum or maximum number of the following ranks: Cadet Warrant Officer, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Master Corporal, Cadet Corporal, and Cadet Private. Corps however may locally limit certain ranks to ensure a balanced chain of command.
Notes:
Different appointments can also be held throughout the ranks:
The Canadian Forces Cadet Instructors Cadre
(CIC) is the largest officer branch in the Canadian Forces. The CIC is a Canadian Forces Branch within the Canadian Forces Reserve Cadet Organization, Administration and Training Service (COATS). Typical appointments include:
Officers are also employed in administrative and senior positions at National Defence Headquarters, Regional Headquarters, Cadet Summer Training Centres.
Army Cadet Corps are identified by a number and their affiliated unit. Numbers are assigned by the Director of Cadets. Generally the lower the number, the older the cadet corps. Numbers may be reassigned to new cadet corps based on affiliation to the former corps if said corps was inactive.
External links=
Canadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada
Army Cadet League of Canada
The Army Cadet League of Canada is the civilian non-profit organization which works with the Department of National Defense to support the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program. It was founded in 1971 with a branch in every province and one for the northern region....
. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence
Department of National Defence (Canada)
The Department of National Defence , frequently referred to by its acronym DND, is the department within the government of Canada with responsibility for all matters concerning the defence of Canada...
with the civilian partner providing support in the local community. Many Army Cadet corps receive additional support from affiliated Regular or Reserve Army units. While cadets may wear the badges and acoutrements of their affiliated unit, cadets are civilians, they are not members of the Canadian Forces .
Recognized as Canada's oldest youth program, there are approximately 21,000 army cadets in about 450 corps across the country. Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local...
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
, it forms the largest federally-funded youth program. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities.
Basics
Along with the Royal Canadian Sea CadetsRoyal Canadian Sea Cadets
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local...
and Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
, the RCAC is part of the Canadian Cadet Organization. Although the RCAC and the other cadet programs are by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are not members of the Forces, and are not expected to join the Canadian Forces. In keeping with Commonwealth
Commonwealth of Nations
The Commonwealth of Nations, normally referred to as the Commonwealth and formerly known as the British Commonwealth, is an intergovernmental organisation of fifty-four independent member states...
custom, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets stand second in the order of precedence, after the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local...
, and before the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
.
Persons aged 12 to 18 may join the RCAC, free of charge. Uniforms, training manuals, and instruction are provided. A cadet must leave the organization before their 19th birthday. Upon departing most items issued to them during their time in the program must be returned. Some cadet corps conduct a "leaving ceremony", to recognize departing cadets. If the senior-ranked cadet is departing he or she will relinquish the senior position by passing on the drill
Parade (military)
A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manouevering known as drilling or marching. The American usage is "formation or military review". The military parade is now mostly ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th...
cane, or the Corps flag to his or her successor.
The organization and rank system of the Canadian Army is used, but cadets now use only Non-Commissioned Officer ranks, whereas at one time Commissioned Officer Cadet ranks (from Lieutenant up to and including Colonel) were used. Army Cadet Corps are usually affiliated to a Reserve or Regular Force army regiment and wear the accoutrements of their affiliated unit. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training program, and like all reservists come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, many have former regular or reserve force service.
RCAC Badge
The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Badge is the official emblem of RCAC. It is worn on the upper sleeve of the cadet uniform and on the breast of the issue parkas. It is also worn as a brass cap badge in place of an affiliated unit badge or for non-affiliated corps. The term Acer Acerpori is LatinLatin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
for "as the maple, so the sapling."
Aim
The aim of Royal Canadian Army Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian ForcesCanadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
. The RCAC shares this aim with the Sea and Air Cadets; however, each organization focuses on its own parent element.
Early history
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets (RCAC) can trace its history to the creation of drill associations or militia companies in 1861, pre-dating confederationCanadian Confederation
Canadian Confederation was the process by which the federal Dominion of Canada was formed on July 1, 1867. On that day, three British colonies were formed into four Canadian provinces...
by six years. These early militia companies and drill associations were not cadet corps but were militia sub-units formed in educational and other public institutions. Enrollment was limited to men between the ages of 13 and 60. The drill
Parade (military)
A military parade is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order manouevering known as drilling or marching. The American usage is "formation or military review". The military parade is now mostly ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th...
was not only a parade square and discipline exercise, but a skill that was necessary for the defence of the Colony. The American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and the threat of the Fenian Raids
Fenian raids
Between 1866 and 1871, the Fenian raids of the Fenian Brotherhood who were based in the United States; on British army forts, customs posts and other targets in Canada, were fought to bring pressure on Britain to withdraw from Ireland. They divided many Catholic Irish-Canadians, many of whom were...
motivated their creation in Upper and Lower Canada.
Trinity College Volunteer Rifle Company was formed June 1, 1861 in Port Hope, Ontario. Bishop’s College Drill Association was formed in Lennoxville, Que. on December 6, 1861. Another 14 of the early "Drill Associations" or "Rifle Companies" stood up in Ontario and Quebec. Canada's oldest continually serving cadet corps is No. 2 Bishop's College School Cadet Corps in Lennoxville, Quebec, its roots firmly in the previous drill associations.
In 1904 the allocation of numbers to cadet corps was instituted and the Quarterly Militia List, correct to April 1, 1904 lists Cadet Organizations from 1 to 104. The earliest date of organization shown is November 28, 1879 four months after Militia General Order 18 of July 25, 1879 allowed the formations of 74 "Associations for Drill in Educational Institutions" for young men. These cadets were taught drill and marksmanship, but were not required to be employed in active service. The 74 associations included 34 in Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, 24 in Québec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, 13 in the Maritimes, two in Manitoba
Manitoba
Manitoba is a Canadian prairie province with an area of . The province has over 110,000 lakes and has a largely continental climate because of its flat topography. Agriculture, mostly concentrated in the fertile southern and western parts of the province, is vital to the province's economy; other...
, and one in British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
.
The origin of the term "Cadet Corps" is debatable, as some believe it was first used in 1898, in Ontario, bundled in a provision that the Corps' instructors would be a member of the local school teaching staff, and not from the local militia unit.
Public support
Increased support, motivated in part by the Northwest Campaign during the Riel Rebellion of 1885, allowed improved issue of uniforms, weapons and other equipment to schools providing military training.Officer cadre
The first authority for Cadet instructors to hold rank in the Militia was established by Special General Order Dec. 21, 1903. The appointment was 2nd Lieutenant and the officer was permitted to retain the rank only as long as he remained an instructor and the cadet corps remained efficient. On May 1, 1909 a cadre of commissioned officers, as a Corps of School Cadet Instructors was established. It was composed of qualified male school teachers. On May 1, 1921 the Corps was disbanded and reorganized on Jan 1, 1924 and designated the Cadet Services of Canada. It was a component of the Canadian Army Non-Permanent Active Militia and the forerunner of the current Cadet Instructor Cadre. With the integration of the Canadian ForcesCanadian Forces
The Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
in 1968, the officer cadre was designated as the Cadet Instructors List a sub-component of the Canadian Forces Reserve. In July 1994 it was renamed Cadet Instructor Cadre. In 2009 the reserve sub-component was renamed the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service. It consists of the CIC Branch and other reserve officers and non-commissioned members.
Strathcona Trust
In 1910, Sir Donald Alexander Smith, Lord Strathcona, the Canadian High Commissioner to Britain, created a trust with the Dominion Government with a sum of $500,000, with the aim of inspiring citizenship and patriotism. through physical training, rifle shooting, and military drill. He is remembered today with the Lord Strathcona MedalLord Strathcona Medal
The Lord Strathcona Medal, is the highest award which can be bestowed upon a Canadian cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.Lord Strathcona's objectives in establishing his endowment were to:...
, which is awarded to a cadet in each corps and squadron who best exemplifies the qualities of being a cadet.
World Wars
Approximately forty thousand former cadets served in His Majesty's forces during the First World War. By the end of the war, there were approximately 64,000 boys enrolled in Army Cadet corps across Canada.During the twenty years following the First World War, cadet training came to a standstill. Many corps survived these hard times, but the Depression and the lack of public interest caused the cancellation of the uniform grant for Army Cadets in 1931 and the instructional grant for 12 and 13 year olds in 1934. In Alberta, only a couple of corps functioned beyond 1934.
The beginning of the Second World War brought a renewed public interest in cadet training. An astounding amount of cadet corps were formed in high schools across the country.
Post-war years
In 1942, recognition of the significant contribution of former cadets to the ongoing war effort, His Majesty King George VI granted the "Royal" prefix to the Canadian Army Cadets, giving it the title of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. (The Royal prefix was also afforded Sea and Air Cadets at the same time) It is estimated that nearly 230,000 former army cadets served in His Majesty's forces during the Second World War.After 1945, quotas were imposed reducing Canada's total cadet population to about 75,000 members. Many of the closed corps, those with membership restricted to boys in one particular school, were disbanded; some of them became open corps, training in militia armouries or in Legion halls; others, acquired their own buildings.
The Korean War stimulated growth among open corps in the early 1950s. Many school corps moved to armouries and drill halls. After 1954, Korea veterans staffed the Area Cadet Offices that began to manage these corps and the summer camps that trained them.
Unification of the Canadian Forces
Following the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968, a number of changes occurred in the Army Cadet world:- QR&O (Cadets) brought Sea and Air Cadet Officers under the single service control of the Canadian Forces and standardized the three Cadet Organizations;
- A directorate of cadets was established in Ottawa, at National Defence Headquarters, to set policy and co-ordinate the activities of the Sea, Army and Air Cadet Organizations;
- The Army Cadet League of Canada was formed in 1971 to provide the Army Cadet Organization the same civilian/CF partnership structure enjoyed by Sea Cadets and Air Cadets through the long established Navy League and the Air Cadet League;
- Officers of the Cadet Services of Canada, The Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and former RCAF Air Reserve Cadet Instructors were consolidated in the Cadet Instructor List, which was redesignated the Cadet Instructor Cadre in July 1994.
- The Army Cadet League's Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge were registered with the Canadian Heraldic AuthorityCanadian Heraldic AuthorityThe Canadian Heraldic Authority is part of the Canadian honours system under the Queen of Canada, whose authority is exercised by the Governor General. The Authority is responsible for the creation and granting of new coats of arms , flags and badges for Canadian citizens, permanent residents and...
on March 31, 1995
Girls in the cadet program
Girls were unofficial participants in cadet training almost from the very beginning of Cadets. Shortly after the Highland Cadet Corps was formed at the Guelph Grammar School in 1882, a female cadet company called the Daughters of the Regiment was started. The Army provided no support for training, or uniforms. Nor could girls attend summer training.On July 30, 1975, the Canadian parliament amended the relevant legislation by changing the word "boys" to "persons", therefore permitting girls to become members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Girls became full participants in the Cadet Organization. The biggest change was during the summer training program. What had been for many decades an exclusively male environment changed dramatically at local corps and at Army Cadet Summer Training Centres. Today, boys and girls participate together in all cadet activities with girls regularly in leadership roles amongst cadets.
2004 – 125th anniversary
2004 marked the 125th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. The Army Cadet League of Canada issued a 125th Anniversary pin to be worn by all 25,000+ army cadets across the country. Canada Post honoured the cadets with a stamp, unveiled in Ottawa in March 2004. Many parades honouring the century and a quarter of cadets occurred across Canada, there were Freedom of the City parades in Vernon, Oromocto and Calgary as well as other locations. The original Royal Banner was laid up in Vernon during the final battalion parade on August 19 at the ACSTC, and the new Royal Banner was paraded in front of 1500 cadets and 2000 members of the audience.Star Level Program
The Star Level Program is the main training program carried out by all Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Canada. This program is mandated by the Department of National Defence, through the Directorate of Cadets & Junior Rangers.The Star Level Program is composed of four levels:
- Green Star (Level 1)
- Red Star (Level 2)
- Silver Star (Level 3)
- Gold Star (Level 4)
Currently the program is augmented by the National Star Certification Exam (NSCE). This exam may only be attempted upon successful completion of Gold Star. This exam will be phased out in accordance with the Cadet Program Update (CPU).
Cadets are taught a variety of subjects, known as Performance Objectives (PO) that include: citizenship, physical fitness, healthy living, drill, marksmanship, map and compass, outdoor survival, eco-friendly camping and military history and traditions. To better assist in understanding the Star Level’s training, the Green Star program is identified as follows:
Green Star
- PO 101—Participate in Citizenship Activities: Cadets are introduced to Canadian history, traditions and symbols. Cadets are also introduced to Canada’s political system, along with a high-education of the Canadian Forces.
- PO 102 – Perform Community ServiceCommunity serviceCommunity service is donated service or activity that is performed by someone or a group of people for the benefit of the public or its institutions....
: Cadets are introduced to the concept of volunteerism and importance of community involvement. - PO 103 – Participate as a Member of a Team: Cadets are introduced to the concept of teamwork and are introduced to the roles of a follower.
- PO 104 – Develop a Personal Activity Plan: Cadets are introduced to the importance of physical activity, physical fitness and physical health.
- PO 105 – Participate in Recreational Sports: Cadets participate in a variety of recreational sports, such as running, biking, hiking, marchesMarchesA march or mark refers to a border region similar to a frontier, such as the Welsh Marches, the borderland between England and Wales. During the Frankish Carolingian Dynasty, the word spread throughout Europe....
and swimming activities. - PO 106 – Marksmanship
- PO 107 – Serve in an Army Cadet Corps: Cadets are introduced to the history and traditions of the Cadet Corps. Cadets are introduced to Green Star and Year 1 training opportunities. Cadets are taught the basic rules with regards to being a cadet.
- PO 108 – Participate in an Annual Ceremonial Review: Cadets are introduced and taught ceremonial drill, in preparation for public parades.
- PO 109 – Participate in FieldcraftFieldcraftFieldcraft is a term used especially in American, Canadian and British military circles to describe the basic military skills required to operate stealthily and the methods used to do so, which can differ during day or night and due to weather or terrain...
Summer training
Selected Army Cadets attend summer training at locations across Canada. The training supports and expands the Local Headquarters program. Courses last from two to six weeks, with most cadets attending the two week "Basic" Course in their first year. Experienced cadets may apply to be employed as staff cadets to assist the adult instructors.Summer Training Courses
Summer Training Courses are as follows:- General Training (2 Weeks) (Formerly known as "Basic")
- Basic Expedition (3 weeks)
- Basic Leadership (3 weeks)
- Basic Fitness & Sports (3 Weeks)
- Basic Marksman (3 Weeks)
- Basic Military Band (3 Weeks)
- Basic Pipes and Drums (P&D) (3 Weeks)
- Basic Ceremonial Leadership (3 Weeks) (in development, a pre-course to CLI D&C)
- Basic Fieldcraft (3 Weeks)
Cadet Leader (CL) (3 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader (CL) – Marksman (6 Weeks) (Connaught CSTC Only)
- Cadet Leader (CL) – Military Band (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader (CL) – Pipes and Drums (P&D) (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader (CL) – Platoon/Section Fieldcraft Leader
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Expedition Instructor (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Drill and Ceremonial Instructor (DCI) (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Marksman (7 Weeks) (Connaught
CSTC Only)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Military Band (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Pipes and Drums (P&D) (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Physical Education and Recreational Training (PE+RT) (6 Weeks)
- Cadet Leader Instructor (CLI) – Rifle Coach (6 Weeks)
Once a cadet has completed a Cadet Leader Instructor course he or she may apply for advanced the training to be appointed as a staff cadet at a summer training centre (CSTC) or engage in the advanced training course or exchange, such as:
- Advanced Military Band
- Advanced Pipes and Drums
- Expedition
- Army Cadet Leadership & Challenge
- Federal Republic of Germany Exchange
- Outward Bound: Wales/Scotland
- Canadian Forces Basic Parachutist Course
- Maple Leaf Exchange
- Canadian Forces Fieldcraft Course
- National Rifle TeamNational Rifle TeamA National Rifle Team is a traveling competitive marksmanship team from a country. Several countries field a national rifle team, such as Belgium, Canada, Cina, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States....
(BisleySurreySurrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
) - Other various exchanges under the ACE (Army Cadet Exchange) Program
The Pioneer Course offered at Vernon ACSTC in the summers of 2004, 2005, 2006, and was discontinued for the 2007 training year.
Summer Training Centres
There are 8 Army Cadet Summer Training Centres across Canada and they are:- Blackdown Cadet Training CentreBlackdown Cadet Training CentreThe Blackdown Army Cadet Summer Training Centre is a training centre formerly known as the Army Cadet Summer Training Center Blackdown for Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and, since 2003, included the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets...
- ACSTC Argonaut|Argonaut Army Cadet Summer Training Centre
- Connaught Army Cadet National Summer Training Centre (CACNSTC)
- Mont St-Sacrement Cadet Summer Training Centre
- Rocky Mountain National Army Cadet Summer Training Centre (RMNACSTC)
- Valcartier Army Cadet Summer Training Centre
- Vernon Army Cadet Summer Training Centre (VACSTC)
- Whitehorse Cadet Summer Training Centre (WCSTC)
Optional Training
Optional Training compliments the Star Level Program and Summer Training Program. Participation is completely dependant on a Corps’ resources. In some cases, an activity may be nationally or regionally directed.- Marksmanship (Sport Shooting)
- Biathlon
- Precision Drill
- Music
- Orienteering
- Eco-challenge
- Urban-challenge
Marksmanship and Winter Biathlon are excellent examples of nationally directed activities. In both sports, cadets compete in hopes of advancing. These sports are open to all cadets, including those of the sea and air elements. The C11 and C12A1 target model rifle is a competition weapon used by members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets for training and target shooting competitions.
The Cadet Biathlon Program has been recognized as assisting to develop the sport in Canada. Double gold Olympic medallist Myriam Bedard first competed in the sport of biathlon as a cadet in Valcartier, Quebec. Several CIC officers helped officiate the sport of biathlon at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in 2010.
Rank structure=
In accordance with Cadet Administrative and Training Orders http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/support/cato-oaic/intro_e.asp (CATO) 13-02 (CADET RANK PROMOTIONS) the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's Commanding Officer, who generally promotes based on the advice of Platoon Officers and unit training staff.
The official phrasing for the ranks uses the word "Cadet" as a preface – as an example, Cadet Corporal. However, custom omits "Cadet" in casual reference. Thus, Corporal is the usual wording. Generally, where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, ranks will be written or spoken as Cadet Corporal and abbreviated as C/Cpl.
While it is customary within the organization to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation (Queens Rules and Regulations (Cadets) and CATO) vary: the senior document describing progression as an "appointment", the other describing progression as "promotion".
In keeping with Commonwealth military tradition, certain rank titles may vary depending on the kind of unit a corps is affiliated with – for example, an artillery unit or an armoured unit.
The rank Private in French is Soldat, meaning soldier. Due to the controversy and confusion it may cause in French areas as cadets are not military personnel, effective September 2009 the rank of Private has been replaced with Lance Corporal. Units with historical use of other terms, including Private (Mostly English units,) are allowed to keep using the titles.
| Cadet – Cadet | | Lance Corporal – Lance Caporal | | Corporal – Caporal |
|---|---|---|
|
For promotion to LCpl (LCpl), a cadet must:
Alternately termed:
|
For promotion to Cpl (Cpl), a cadet must:
Alternately termed:
|
| Master Corporal – Caporal-chef | | Sergeant – Sergent |
|---|---|
For promotion to MCpl (cplc), a cadet must:
rank of Corporal;
Alternately termed:
|
For promotion to Sgt (Sgt), a cadet must:
|
| Warrant Officer – Adjudant | | Master Warrant Officer – Adjudant-maître | | Chief Warrant Officer – Adjudant-chef |
|---|---|---|
For promotion to WO (adj), a cadet must:
Alternately termed:
|
For promotion to MWO (adjum), a cadet must:
|
For promotion to CWO (adjuc), a cadet must:
|
Forms of address
- Junior Cadets are typically addressed by their last name by all ranks; however, a superior might address them as simply "Cadet," "Recruit," or "Lance Corporal," especially in situations where names aren't known, as at multi-unit events or at the beginning of a Cadet year.
- Sergeants and cadets appointed Master Corporal are typically addressed by their juniors as "(Rank) So-and-So," or, conversationally, as "(Rank)." Superiors and equals will often use last name only.
- Sergeant Majors (Master Warrant Officers, and Chief Warrant Officers) are addressed by their juniors as "Sir" or "Ma'am." Superiors and equals might use some suitable contraction of the rank "Master Warrant," and "Chief Warrant / Chief." Superiors and equals may use last name depending on unit circumstances.
- Additionally, cadets often hold an appointment in addition to their rank, and many of these are used as an alternate form of address (e.g. Drum or Pipe Major, Company or Regimental Sergeant Major).
- In formal situations; for example, being called up for an award or promotion; a cadet's full rank and his/her surname is generally used (e.g. Sergeant J. Kelt).
Rank Quotas and Appointments
The number of cadets in a cadet corps determines how many cadets may be appointed to each rank. Until January 1993 cadet officer ranks were authorized. The ranks were represented by plain slip-ons with stripes designating the rank; one stripe for cadet lieutenant, two for captain, three for major, and four for lieutenant-colonel. As corps became smaller the practice fell into disuse. While cadet officer ranks are no longer authorized, because of their size, the only corps that still use them are private schools such as St. Andrew's CollegeSt. Andrew's College (Aurora, Ontario)
St. Andrew's College, also known as SAC, is an independent school founded in 1899 located in Aurora, Ontario, Canada. It is a university-preparatory school for boys in grades 6 to 12, with a focus on academic achievement, athletics, and leadership development...
and Bishop Ridley College where all students aged 12 to 18 are cadets.
There is no minimum or maximum number of the following ranks: Cadet Warrant Officer, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Master Corporal, Cadet Corporal, and Cadet Private. Corps however may locally limit certain ranks to ensure a balanced chain of command.
| Corps Quota | Cadet Chief Warrant Officer | Cadet Master Warrant Officer |
|---|---|---|
| 0–29 | Note 1 | Note 1 |
| 30–59 | 1 | 1 |
| 60–89 | 1 | 2 |
| 90–119 | 1 | 2 |
| 120–149 | 1 | 3 |
| 150+ | 1 | Note 2 |
Notes:
- A cadet corps with a quota of 0–29 is authorized one Cadet Master Warrant Officer or one Cadet Chief Warrant Officer.
- For a cadet corps with a quota of 150 +, regions are to contact D Cdts 4-4.
Different appointments can also be held throughout the ranks:
- Section 2 I/C (Usually MCpls or Sgts)
- Section Commander
- Platoon or Troop 2 I/C
- Platoon or Troop Commander
- Standards Warrant Officer (SWO)
- Squadron (SSM), Battery (BSM) or Company Sergeant Major (CSM)
- Company Quarter Master Sergeant
- Recruiting NCO
- Training NCO
- Sports NCO
- Range NCO
- Operations NCO
- Drum Major
- Pipe Major
- Flag Party Commander
- Drill Sergeant Major (DSM)
- Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM)
Officers
See also CIC Roles and dutiesThe Canadian Forces Cadet Instructors Cadre
Cadet Instructors Cadre
The Cadet Instructors Cadre Branch consists of approximately 7,500 Canadian Forces officers whose primary duty is the safety, supervision, administration and training of Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air cadets...
(CIC) is the largest officer branch in the Canadian Forces. The CIC is a Canadian Forces Branch within the Canadian Forces Reserve Cadet Organization, Administration and Training Service (COATS). Typical appointments include:
- Commanding Officer (CO)
- Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO)
- Training Officer (TrgO)
- Supply (SupO)
- Administration (AdminO)
- Standards Officer (StdsO)
- Troop/Platoon Commander (Pl Cmdr)
- Unit Human Rights Advisor (UHRA)
Officers are also employed in administrative and senior positions at National Defence Headquarters, Regional Headquarters, Cadet Summer Training Centres.
Army Cadet Corps are identified by a number and their affiliated unit. Numbers are assigned by the Director of Cadets. Generally the lower the number, the older the cadet corps. Numbers may be reassigned to new cadet corps based on affiliation to the former corps if said corps was inactive.
Partnership with Canadian Forces
Along with the Sea Cadets and Air Cadets, the Army cadets make up a program sponsored by the Canadian Forces funded primarily through the Department of National Defence. The Canadian Forces provides training, pay and allowances for reserve force cadet instructors; uniforms for instructors and cadets; transportation, facilities and staff for summer training; the training program and training aids; and policy and regulation regarding the operation of the cadet organization. The civilian Army Cadet League provides local support by way of accommodation, utilities, liability insurance, transportation and training aids not provided by the CF.See also
- Canadian Cadet MovementCanadian Cadet MovementThe Canadian Cadet Organizations, marketed under the term Cadets Canada, are youth cadet programs known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, and Air Cadets...
- Royal Canadian Sea CadetsRoyal Canadian Sea CadetsRoyal Canadian Sea Cadets is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Navy League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local...
- Royal Canadian Air CadetsRoyal Canadian Air CadetsRoyal Canadian Air Cadets is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces and funded through the Department of National Defence with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada...
. - List of Canadian organizations with royal patronage
- Cadets Canada – corporate identity
- Canadian ForcesCanadian ForcesThe Canadian Forces , officially the Canadian Armed Forces , are the unified armed forces of Canada, as constituted by the National Defence Act, which states: "The Canadian Forces are the armed forces of Her Majesty raised by Canada and consist of one Service called the Canadian Armed Forces."...
- History of the Cadet Instructors CadreHistory of the Cadet Instructors CadreThe Cadet Instructors Cadre was founded on May 1, 1909 when the Canadian Army establishment of a "Corps of School Cadet Instructors ." Previously, a Special General Order issued on December 21, 1903 had allowed qualified male school teachers be appointed as a Second Lieutenant, and to be...
External links=