| Q:
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What is the purpose of Cadets?
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| A:
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Cadets form a national organization whose purpose is to develop in youth the
attributes of leadership, engaged and active citizenship and physical fitness, all
within a safe environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces.
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| Q:
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What do Cadets do?
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| A:
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Lots of different things, many of which relate to flying!
- gliding
- precision drill
- team sports
- public speaking and
leadership training
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- first-aid
- camping
- music
- summer camps
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You will participate in these activities during the weekly meetings and on the
weekends. You will also support your community by taking part in citizenship events
organized by your cadet squadron. It all happens in a fun, friendly, safe
environment that will motivate you to give your best.
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| Q:
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Who joins Cadets?
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| A:
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With over 24,000 Air Cadets across Canada, we have an organization with a proud
history. Many former cadets say that the Cadet Program gave them a head start in
their successful careers. For example, did you know that astronaut Chris Hadfield
and world junior biathlon champion Jean-Philippe Le Guellec were once cadets? Maybe
someday we'll be using your name on our site!
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| Q:
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When do Cadets Meet?
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| A:
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Cadets usually meet once a week and some weekends throughout the school year. A
cadet must participate regularly in the activities to remain in good standing at the
squadron.
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| Q:
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Will Cadet training affect my schoolwork?
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| A:
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Education is very important to Cadets. Cadet training is a hands-on, activity-based
program that should complement school studies. In fact, some provincial and
territorial education boards accept Cadet subjects for school credits. As well,
there are several scholarships available through Cadets. The skills you develop at Cadets
will benefit you with your schoolwork. You'll be more organized, you'll be better able to
focus and you'll learn to work in a team.
Many cadet activities can also count towards the mandatory community involvement
component (40 hours) required to graduate.
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| Q:
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How old do I have to be to join Cadets?
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| A:
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You can join as soon as you've reached your 12th birthday and you can remain until
you turn 19.
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| Q:
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What do I need to join?
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| A:
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The documents required are:
- proof of provincial health insurance
- proof of age
- proof of Canadian citizenship or landed immigrant status
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| Q:
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What does it cost to join?
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| A:
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The Cadet Program is funded by the Department of National Defence in partnership
with the Air Cadet League of Canada. The civilian sponsor requires local community
support to meet its obligations that include accommodations, training aids and
equipment and program enhancements not otherwise provided. Parents and cadets are
expected to participate in and contribute to fund raising as required by the
League's local sponsoring element.
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| Q:
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What about summer training?
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| A:
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Cadets can go to camp for two to eight weeks on a variety of courses. Each camp
offers a unique mixture of outdoor activities and valuable instruction. The Canadian
Forces provide all transportation, meals, lodging and special equipment.
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| Q:
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What do I do at summer training?
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| A:
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Courses offered at Air Cadet summer camps include training in leadership,
instructional techniques, music, marksmanship, flying, navigation, meteorology, air
traffic control, ceremonial drill, physical education, computer skills, survival
training, aerospace studies and citizenship. Advanced Cadets can qualify for glider
and powered flight training. To obtain information on cadet summer camps and courses, please
visit the National Cadet Web site.
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| Q:
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Are there travel opportunities?
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| A:
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Definitely! For summer training, Cadets may have the opportunity to travel to summer
training centres located in different parts of Canada. In addition, selected Cadets
go on exchange trips to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore,
France, Sweden, Turkey, Hong Kong, Belgium, Japan and the United States under an
international exchange program. Exchange Cadets are selected on their standards
in performance, fitness and involvement in squadron activities.
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| Q:
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Who instructs cadets?
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| A:
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Cadets learn from members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, officers who are specially
trained to instruct and supervise youth. In some cases, civilian volunteers who
possess special skills are called in to assist Cadet Instructors. Both the Cadet
Instructors and civilian volunteers have chosen to dedicate their valuable time
to helping Cadets reach their potential.
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| Q:
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Will I be expected to join the Canadian Forces?
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| A:
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Absolutely not. Cadets is a great way to find out more about Canada, make friends
and develop new skills that will be with you for life, no matter what career you
choose.
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