Royal Canadian Air Cadets
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Royal Canadian Air Cadets | |
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| Motto | "To learn, to serve, to advance" |
| Formation | 1941 |
| Type | Youth program |
| Headquarters | Ottawa, Canada |
| Location | Canada |
| Membership | 26,000 |
| Official languages | English, French |
| Website | www.cadets.ca |
Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAirC) is a Canadian national youth program for persons aged 12 to 18. It is administered by the Canadian Forces (CF) and funded through the Department of National Defence (DND) with additional support from the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL).[1] The first squadrons were established in 1941 to train young men for duties during World War II.[2][3] The purpose has since changed to focus on citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, and general aviation — stimulating an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces. In recent years there have been approximately 26,000 Air Cadets in Canada.[4] Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, it forms the "largest federally-funded youth program in the country".[5] Due to the gliding and flying scholarships offered to air cadets, one in five private pilots in Canada is an ex-air cadet and 67% of commercial and airline pilots began as air cadets.[6]
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[edit] Overview
The aim of Royal Canadian Air 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 Forces. The RCAirC shares this aim with the Sea and Army Cadets; however, each focuses on its own parent element.[7] The Air Cadet motto is "To learn. To serve. To advance."[2]
Boys and girls aged 12 to 18 may join the RCAirC. The organization and rank system of the former Royal Canadian Air Force is used. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces and cadets have no power of command over any CF member. Adult leadership is provided by officers of the Canadian Forces Cadet Instructor Cadre, supplemented by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) members are specially trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet Program, and are drawn from all walks of life: former cadets, former long-service Regular and Reserve CF members, and the parents of long-time cadets are amongst those attracted to enroll in the Canadian Forces as members of the CIC.[8]
Along with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, the RCAirC forms part of the Canadian Cadet Organization. Though the RCAirC, and the other cadet programs, have a close relationship with the CF, cadets are not members of the Forces, and are not expected or required to join the Canadian Forces.[9] In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets stand last in the order of precedence, after the Royal Canadian Sea and Army Cadets.
[edit] History
The Air Cadet Organization originated in the early days of World War II when the war effort required young men to meet Canada's military obligations. In 1940, Air Minister Power directed that a nation-wide voluntary organization be formed to sponsor and develop a select group of young men who would be trained to meet the increasing need for operational pilots in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War Two.[10] Prior to 1940, Air Cadet squadrons did not exist and were in fact Army Cadet Corps that were affiliated with RCAF Air Reserve squadrons. On Nov. 11, 1940, an Order-in-Council was passed to establish the Air Cadet League of Canada to work in partnership with the RCAF. The first squadrons were organized in 1941 and by 1942 there were 135 squadrons and 10,000 cadets, mostly recruited from the Army Cadets. In the next year, by 1943, there were 315 squadrons with a membership of 23,000. In 1944, the program reached its peak membership with 29,000 cadets in 374 squadrons.[10]
After the war, membership dropped to a low of 11,000 in 155 squadrons and the Air Cadet program underwent a transformation to reflect the changing needs of Canada and the cadets. The Air Cadet League introduced awards for proficiency and loyalty to the squadrons, summer courses were offered at RCAF stations, and a flying scholarship course was developed.[11] To date, more than 15,000 cadets have received their private pilot licence through this scholarship course.[11] Training shifted to be focused on the development of citizenship and an interest in aviation.[11] Interest was renewed; by 1961, 332 squadrons were in existence and in 1972, authority was given for membership of up to 28,000 cadets.[11]
With the unification of the Royal Canadian Navy,the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1968, the Canadian Forces became the Air Cadet League's military partner in the delivery of air cadet training.[12] In 1975, legislation was changed to officially allow females to participate in the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets.[3]
Today, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has a membership of approximately 26,000 in 450 squadrons; and together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, forms the "largest federally-funded youth program in the country".[4][5] The membership has also diversified, becoming gender balanced and attracting and retaining visible minorities.[13]
[edit] Funding and military partnership
The RCAirC, along with the Royal Canadian Sea and Army Cadets, is sponsored by the CF/DND and the civilian Air Cadet League, along with the Navy League and Army Cadet League.[1] Each cadet unit is supported by a local sponsoring committee or League branch, responsible to the National League.[14] The basic Air Cadet program is free, including uniforms and activities. The local civilian sponsors must raise money to provide accommodation, liability insurance, and additional training aids not provided by the CF/DND. Cadets and their parents are encouraged to participate in fund-raising activities.[7]
[edit] Local training
Each squadron trains one night per week — a "parade night" — covering the local training program. These activities are prescribed by the national Director of Cadets and outlined in course training plans distributed to each squadron.[15] During the first four years in the cadet program, a cadet attends classes covering a range of topics including citizenship, leadership, survival training, instructional techniques, and a large number of aviation topics.[16] In the fifth and subsequent years, cadets will generally be assigned to instruct these classes to the younger cadets. This weekly training begins in September and continues until June, and is offered in about 450 air cadet squadrons located in every province and territory in Canada.
In addition to the mandatory weekly training, there are additional regularly scheduled activities that cadets can participate in at their local squadrons. These include band, firearms safety and marksmanship using the 10 m Air Rifle event as training and competition, biathlon, military drill practice, first aid training and competitions,[17] and ground school instruction in preparation for gliding and flying scholarship courses. Many of these activities also involve regional, provincial or national competitions between teams and individual cadets.
Throughout the year there are also several extra exercises organized by the local squadrons. Survival exercises, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, and familiarization flights are all common activities. Cadet squadrons also participate in community events such as parades and free concerts.[18][19]
[edit] Squadron training levels
Air Cadets are challenged to qualify to five training levels. Each level is generally completed in the ten month training period September to June. With the approval of the commanding officer, cadets 14 years of age and older may complete levels 1 and 2 in a single training year. Successfully meeting the required standard is rewarded with the appropriate level qualification badge. In Level Four cadets learn how to instruct so that when they reach Level Five, they are ready to teach other cadets the course of instruction. This chart displays the training level structure of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
| Level One | Level Two | Level Three |
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To achieve Level One a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following first year performance objectives:
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To achieve Level Two a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following second year performance objectives:
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To achieve Level Three a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following third year performance objectives
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| Level Four | Level Five | Onwards |
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To achieve Level Four a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fourth year performance objectives
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To achieve Level Five a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fifth year performance objectives
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* Cadets who have completed Level Five are often assigned responsibilities to help administer the squadron including assisting in clothing stores, squadron administration, training coordination and instruction
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[edit] Summer training
Over 10,000 Air Cadets take part in summer training, delivered at summer training centres across the country. The courses offered are divided into familiarization, introductory specialty, and advanced specialty courses.
- Introductory courses
The two-week long Basic Air Cadet course cadets attend classes in citizenship, aviation and military drill. They also do a variety of sports and participate in citizenship tours. Their training is meant to supplement the training received during the first year as a cadet. [20] Two other introductory courses are Cadet Musician - Basic and Pipes and Drums - Basic.
- Introductory specialty courses
The introductory specialty courses deliver training directed more specifically towards certain specialties. The Introduction to Instruction Course course prepares cadets for senior teaching roles within their home squadron. The Introduction to Leadership Course course prepares cadets for junior leadership roles within their home squadron.[21] The Introduction to Survival Course course introduces cadets to basic survival skills through instruction and situational training.[21] Introduction to Aviation expands on the aviation subjects that cadets are taught at the Squadron during the winter. It covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of flight. Introduction to Physical Education & Recreational Training develops attributes of sportsmanship and teamwork needed for assisting in the delivery of physical fitness programs at their home squadron.[21] The Introduction to Aerospace course is designed to instruct cadets on the development of space including scientific aspects, technical aspects, human aspects, as well as space exploration. The Introduction to Rifle Coaching course has two objectives, the first being to advance marksmanship skills and the second to teach how to coach fellow cadets during range activities in their local squadron. Cadets are given knowledge and practical experience in instructional techniques at the Introduction to Instruction course. One other introductory specialty course is Cadet Musician.
- Advanced specialty courses
Cadets may receive their glider pilot licence through a Gliding Scholarship course offered by the Air Cadet program. In Canada, the majority of glider pilots licenses are earned by Royal Canadian Air Cadets.[22] Cadets must be 16 to hold a Glider Pilot Licence.
Additionally, 250 air cadets earn their Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence through the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship program each year. This scholarship is available to cadets aged 17 to 18. Cadets are selected for this scholarship based on their cadet performance, academic performance, a written examination, a narrative, and an interview. The Senior Leaders Course (commonly abbreviated SLC) teaches senior cadets how take a senior leadership role at their squadron or as staff at a summer training centre. The Survival Instructor Course gives cadets further training in wilderness survival techniques and instruction. The Athletic Instructor course teaches cadets instruction and leadership in the domain of physical training. Other advanced specialty courses are Technical Training (Airport Operations, Photography, or Aircraft Maintenance), Service Band, Pipes and Drums, and the International Air Cadet Exchange.
After successfully completing a summer course, cadets are presented with a qualification badge to place on their uniform. The various badges may be viewed on the Cadets.ca website.[23]
[edit] Summer training centres (CSTCs)
The cadet summer training centres (CSTC) of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets are distributed across Canada, often co-located with a Canadian Forces base. CFB Greenwood was opened in 1951.[24] In 1966, CSTC Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) Penhold was opened at Penhold, Alberta.[25] A summer training centre in Albert Head, British Columbia was established in 1995.[26] Other summer training centres are at CFB Bagotville, Blackdown (at CFB Borden, Ontario), CSTC Cold Lake (Alberta), CSTC Connaught in Ontario, Sea Cadet Summer Training Centre (SCSTC) Acadia in Nova Scotia, SCSTC Ontario, SCSTC Quadra, SCSTC Quebec, CSTC Trenton, CSTC Valcartier, and CSTC Whitehorse in the Yukon. Most summer training centres host a mix of Air, Army, and Sea Cadets during the summers. There are five regional gliding schools dedicated to the training of cadets receiving the gliding scholarship course.[27] They are located in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.[27]
- Summer Training Courses
| Aviation Courses | Technical Course | Music Course | Athletic and Marksmanship Courses | Leadership Courses | Survival Course | Senior Cadet Opportunities |
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| Introduction to Aviation Course | Technical Training- Aircraft Servicing Course | Basic Music Course | Introduction to Rifle Coaching Course | Introduction to Leadership Course | Introduction to Survival Training Course | International Air Cadet Exchange |
| Introduction to Aerospace Course | Technical Training- Photography Course | Basic Pipes and Drums Course | Introduction to Physical Education and Recreational Training Course | Senior Leaders Course | Survival Instructor Course | Staff Cadet |
| Advanced Aviation Technology - Airport Operations Course | Technical Training- Basic Electronics Course | Pipes and Drums Levels 1-2-3 Course | Athletic Instructor Course | |||
| Glider Pilot Scholarship | Pipes and Drums 4-5 Course | |||||
| Power Pilot Scholarship | Music Levels 1-2-3 Course | |||||
| Music Levels 4-5 Course | ||||||
| Service Band |
[edit] Flying
Throughout the spring and fall approximately 22,000 air cadets participate in familiarization gliding at regional gliding centres located across the country.[28] Each summer, 320 cadets earn a Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence through the Air Cadet Gliding Scholarship and 250 more earn a Private Pilot licence.[29][30] The Air Cadet Gliding Program conducts approximately 60,000 glider flights annually in Schweizer SGS 2-33 and 2-33A gliders.[31][31] The aircraft fleet used by gliding program is owned by the Air Cadet League of Canada. The fleet, consisting of more than 100 gliders and tow planes is maintained by the Canadian Forces under a memorandum of understanding. Canadian Forces pilots and Civilian Instructors operate the fleet to train cadets.[6]
[edit] Aircraft
| Make/Model | Type | Manufacturer | Origins |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schweizer SGS 2-33 | Glider | Schweizer Aircraft |  United States |
| Schweizer SGS 2-33A | Glider | Schweizer Aircraft | United States |
[edit] Ranks
Upon enrolment, someone joining the Air Cadet program is known as an "Air Cadet" (AC). Appointment (or promotion) to higher ranks occurs after the cadet has met certain nationally prescribed standards, and in some cases, additional standards prescribed by the local squadron.
Since there is no maximum establishment for the ranks of leading air cadet, corporal and flight corporal, promotions to these ranks are based on national standards only and the cadet is automatically promoted when these standards are met.
Because there is a maximum number of established positions for ranks for sergeant and above, promotions are based both on qualifications and merit. For these ranks, squadrons are authorised to supplement national standards with additional local standards to establish a merit list. Some common local standards include the requirement to write a formal letter or complete an application requesting promotion; participation in fund-raising and optional training; and rank qualification exams and preferably have successfully completed an Introduction to Specialty Summer Course
For promotions to flight sergeant and above, a member of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee must be included in the selection process. This often takes the form of interview boards. They should have preferably have successfully completed a Advanced Specialty Summer Course
Cadets may be appointed to acting ranks where there is a shortage of available candidates or there is a cadet of exceptional ability. The acting rank is temporary only and the cadet has until the beginning of the next training year to complete all prerequisites for promotion to have the promotion become substantive. Cadets failing to meet the prerequisites by the deadline revert to their previously held substantive rank. A cadet may not be promoted to the same acting rank twice.
In all cases, the squadron commanding officer is the final authority for all promotions within the squadron.[32]
Responsibilities are given to cadets upon reaching corporal, the first NCO rank. In September 2007, the rank of "flight corporal" was introduced. The badge is similar to the insignia of a flight sergeant incorporating a crown above two chevrons.[33] The new rank brought the rank progression for the sea, army, and air cadet programs into line. Flight corporals and corporals generally assistant a more senior cadet — such as a flight sergeant who leads a flight (a small, organizational group of cadets). Sergeants are responsible for most of the day-to-day activities of the squadron and assist the flight sergeants as second in command of a flight. Warrant Officers work closely with the officer staff of the squadron, assisting with administration, logistical, leadership, and training. In smaller squadrons, these roles may be filled by more junior cadets.
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.[2] 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".
This chart displays the rank structure of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
| Air Cadet | Leading Air Cadet - Cadet de l'Air 1ière classe |
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For promotion to Leading Air Cadet (LAC) a cadet must:
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| Corporal - Caporal | Flight Corporal - Caporal de Section |
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For promotion to Corporal (Cpl) a cadet must:
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For promotion to Flight Corporal (FCpl), a cadet must:
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| Sergeant - Sergent | Flight Sergeant - Sergent de Section |
For promotion to Sergeant (Sgt), a cadet must:
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For promotion to Flight Sergeant (FSgt), a cadet must:
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| Warrant Officer 2nd Class - Adjudant 2ième classe | Warrant Officer 1st Class - Adjudant 1ière classe |
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For promotion to Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2), a cadet must:
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For promotion to Warrant Officer 1st Class (WO1), a cadet must:
substantive rank of WO2; and
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[edit] Music appointments
Cadet bands are led by cadets holding the appointment of drum major or, in the case of pipe and drum bands, a pipe major and a drum major. The pipe major is responible for song selection and other musical aspects of the band with the drum major being responsible for drill, dress and discipline. The appointments are made at the discretion of the Squadron Commanding Officer often with the recommendations of the Band and Training Officers. Unlike other cadet appointments, there is no rank or training prerequisites for drum major or pipe major.
| Drum Major | Pipe Major |
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[edit] Honorary appointments
In 1983 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed the Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.[34]
[edit] Symbols
[edit] Flags
The RCAC Banner is flown only on important ceremonial occasions to indicate the presence of a formed body of cadets, and, at the end of useful life, is deposited, after the manner of colours, in some suitable location. Currently, the banner is paraded only during the Senior Leadership Course graduation parade in August of each year. The Banner was presented in 1991 at the Senior Leadership School at CFB Cold Lake, and is paraded at the Senior Leaders Course graduation parades each summer.
The RCAirC Ensign is flown at the Squadron, often as part of a flag party, and is always flown from a mast or pole at RCAirC summer training centres.
The Squadron Banner is flown by specific squadrons as their unit identifier; the squadron's name and number are embroidered in place of "Squadron Banner" and "000."
In some squadrons, the Ensign and Squadron Banner are carried by a flag party with the Canadian flag (see image in the Local training section above), despite Canadian Forces custom being for one- or two-flag parties only. A flag party carrying 2 flags (consisting of 5 people) will have 2 escorts positioned behind the flags usually with deactivated Lee Enfield rifles.[citation needed] A flag party only carrying 1 flag (consisting of 3 people) usually carries no rifles.[citation needed]
[edit] Badge
The emblem (seen at the head of the page) consists of a circle surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, superimposed with a flying eagle, the head to the sinister (left). The whole is crowned by the Royal crown — fashioned as a St. Edward's Crown — to symbolise the Canadian Monarch as the Cadets' source of authority. This all rests on a scroll displaying the words "Royal Canadian Air Cadets/Cadets de l'aviation royale du Canada". It is worn as a brass or embroidered badge on the left side of the wedge cap and other formal headdress, and as an embroidered patch on the all-weather jacket.
[edit] Notable former air cadets
- Chris Hadfield, Astronaut
- Marc Garneau, Astronaut
- Joe Clark, former Prime Minister
- Rick Mercer, Actor and comedian
- The Honourable Brian Tobin, Former premier of Newfoundland & Labrador[35]
[edit] See also
- List of Air Cadet Squadrons in Canada
- Department of National Defence (Canada)
- Cadets Canada
- Civil Air Patrol
- JROTC
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[edit] References
- ^ a b Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada (2005-12-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b c Level one Air Cadet training handbook (7.7 MB). Department of National Defence (Canada) (1998-07-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b National Defence Cadet Website: About - History. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-10-22). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b National Defence Cadet Website: Media info - Statistics. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-09-29). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b Backgrounder: The Canadian Cadet Organizations. Department of National Defence (Canada) (1999-12-06). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b The Air Cadet Story: The "Air" in Air Cadets. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b National Defence Cadet Website: About - Program overview. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2006-09-06). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Backgrounder: The Cadet Instructors Cadre. Department of National Defence (Canada) (1999-12-06). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Defence Act. Department of Justice (Canada) (2007-03-19). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b The Air Cadet Story: The Early Days. The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b c d The Air Cadet Story: The Post-War Period. The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ The Air Cadet Story: The Post-Unification Years. The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Srikanthan, Thulasi. "'A lot fewer white people': Once pale and male, the cadet corps is diversifying", MacLean's, 2005-08-04. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: About - Partnership. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-03-04). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadet Course Training Standards and Plans. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-07-20). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: About - Air Cadets. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-10-22). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Topf, Andrew. "Cadets top the field at First Aid contest", Goldstream News Gazette, 2007-05-09.
- ^ Mandel, Michelle. "'I had to be here'", Toronto Sun, 2007-04-12. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Henderson, Paul. "Strike up the band", Chilliwack Times, 2007-03-16. Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: Familiarization Course Descriptions. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-05-05). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ a b c National Defence Cadet Website: Introduction to Specialty Course Descriptions. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-05-05). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Transport Canada quarterly licencing statistics. Transport Canada (2007-01-15). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Air Cadet Symbols. Department of National Defence (Canada). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ National Cadet Website: The History of the Greenwood Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-02-27). Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ History of Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre. Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ National Cadet Website: Albert Head. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2006-07-10). Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ a b BC Air Cadets unveil brand new tow plane. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2007-01-30). Retrieved on 2007-05-24.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Gliding. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-09-08). Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Gliding Scholarships. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2005-04-12). Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ^ National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Power Flying. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-09-08). Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ^ a b National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - The Glider. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2004-09-08). Retrieved on 2007-05-28.
- ^ Cadet Administrative Training Orders 51-02. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2007-03-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Cadet Administrative and Training Orders 51-2. Department of National Defence (Canada) (2007-03-01). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Burke's Peerage and Gentry (archived) (2006-05-29). Retrieved on 2007-04-12.
- ^ Cadet Alumni (2004-10-22). Retrieved on 2007-08-05.
