EN
Translate:
EN
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Army Cadet Basics 101
What does it mean to be an Army Cadet?
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets are the oldest youth organization in Canada. The Canadian Cadet Organization, which includes Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadets, enrols both males and females and currently has enrolled about 70,000 cadets across Canada of which about 25,000 are army cadets. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces, have no obligation to perform military service, and are not subject to military discipline. The officers who train cadets are members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, a branch of the Canadian Forces Reserve. Cadets,
Army Cadets are expected to:
- Respect their officers, superior cadets and peers,
- Attend cadet training each week,
- Observe military standards of grooming and conduct
- Care responsibly for all uniforms and equipment entrusted to them.
Cadet Corps Name, Number and Affiliated Unit
Every cadet corps has a name and number. The numbers of some cadet corps, Some corps numbers recall the numbers of First World War battalions, or year the corps was founded etc. The number of this cadet corps is 2632.
Every cadet corps has an affiliated unit, which may be a reserve force regiment or some component of the regular forces. Some cadet corps names are associated with that of their affiliated unit. The name of this cadet corps is the 2632 Halifax West Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and is affiliated with the Military Police, which is why our cadet corp wears the special red beret and their capbadge, signified with the Thunderbird.
Attendance
Attendance is important. Everything you will gain from cadets will be directly related to what you put into it.
Mandatory VS Optional Training:
In order to complete your star level training. You are are expected to attend at least 60% of Mandatory training along with at least one mandatory Field Training Exercise.
Our Mandatory training is every Monday evening from 6:30-9:00pm. If you can not able to attend it is responsibility to contact the unit to let us know ahead of time.
Optional training consists of different unit team practices etc. We have a marksmanship team, Biathlon team, Drill team, and a Band. These teams are optional, you do not need to participate however the more you participate in the more skills and experiences you gain.
If you are late, first report in to the Administration Officer (Capt Henneberry) so your attendance can be noted.
Conduct
Army cadets have a higher expectation on how we behave and conduct our selves due to the recognized uniform and program. The reputation of the whole cadet organization, and even the Canadian Forces, is affected by how you look and act in public – on the bus, on the street, in malls and restaurants, etc.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when in uniform, or even in civilian clothing, as a representative of the cadet movement, and the 2632 Halifax West RCACC Unit:
- Walk in a professional manner with your head high
- Respect those around you
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Wear your uniform smartly, and don’t chew gum.
- Don’t remove your beret in public, except in a restaurant or mess hall.
- Don’t unbutton your jacket, or loosen your tie in public.
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t throw litter on the street.
- Avoid horseplay, and keep your voice pleasant and dignified.
- Males and females should not hold hands or show other displays of affection in uniform, or when participating in any cadet activity.
- When walking around a military building in a group (or alone), walk or march in a single file, not a large grouping, and ensure you pay the proper respects to all officers you pass by saluting when in uniform and wearing a beret.
Even your conduct at school will reflect on the reputation of your cadet corps – and of all cadet corps and all their members, so make a conscious effort to act in a professional and orderly manner, and most importantly use common sense!
The Cadet Uniform
Each Cadet will receive a free uniform approximately 6-8 weeks after you join (delivery delays may occur). Once you receive your uniform you will wear your uniform for all regular training. Some regular training nights my not require you to wear your uniform, so make sure you check before coming to cadets.
Your uniform includes boots, socks, pants, shirt, tunic, necktie, and beret, and a toque, turtleneck, and coat for winter.
You are NOT to wear parts of the uniform with parts of civilian clothing.
It is your responsibility to prepare your uniform. Don’t expect your parents or legal guardian to do your washing, ironing, sewing, or shining for you. There are lots of youtube Videos out there on how to prepare your Army Cadet uniform.
We aim to issue cadets a Field Training Uniform after 6 months of enrollment. This can be different due to supply issues.
Badge Placement
Rank Structure of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets
Rank is a system of grading seniority and command within military organizations. The Canadian military rank structure is divided into two sections, Non-Commissioned Members (NCM’s), and Commissioned Officers (Officer Ranks). Like the military, the army cadets use the same rank structure and system. Officers and are the adults in charge, and the NCM’s are the cadets. All orders from an officer should be obeyed, but if there is a question of safety, it is in your full right to refuse the order.
Cadet Ranks:
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
Corporal (Cpl)
Master Corporal (MCpl)
Sergeant (Sgt)
Warrant Officer (WO)
Master Warrant Officer (MWO)
Chief Warrant Officer (CWO)
Officer Ranks:
Officer Cadet (OCdt)
Second Lieutenant (2Lt)
Lieutenant (Lt)
Captain (Capt)
Major (Maj)
Lieutenant - Colonel (LCol)
Colonel (Col)
Brigadier-General (BGen)
Major-General (MGen)
Lieutenant-General (LGen)
General (Gen)
Promotions
The cadet corps operates on the “merit system”. This means that you will advance when you deserve to do so, provided you are qualified, and a vacancy exists.
There is a national policy that prescribes minimum course proficiency qualifications for promotion to each rank. Click here to learn more about minimum requirements in order to be promoted
Promotions are usually done bi-annually (twice a year)
The Chain of Command
The “Chain of command” within the cadet corps exists so that information and instructions can be passed efficiently between all levels. It allows leaders to organize their teams quickly and efficiently between all levels, and gives everyone a job to do.
A chain of command consists of various appointments including Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), Company Sergeant Major (DSM), and Platoon Warrant Officers. The job you do is a result of your appointment, not necessarily because of the rank you hold. All cadets appointed to certain positions are there because they have been selected to do this job by an officer, because they have deserved recognition and can be trusted to do what needs to be done.
To receive an appointment is equally, if not more important, than receiving a rank. The higher up the chain of command you are, the more responsibilities you have, however, everyone has an equally important role to play in the success of the corps.
The chain works both ways, both for passing information down and for passing information questions or answers back up. If you need information or have a problem, ask your Patrol WO first. If your Patrol WO can’t help, they will find someone who can.
However, in your cadet corps, as in the Canadian Forces, any member may approach any officer they feel comfortable with for a confidential interview to discuss any matter of personal importance.
Badges
In addition to receiving rank badges upon promotion through the Army Cadet ranks, you have the opportunity to attain badges and medals for various qualifications and activities that are part of the Army Cadet Program.
First and foremost, upon the successful completion of each star level, you will receive a star level badge, signifying your achievement in each training year, and your advancement through the Army Cadet Local Unit Training Program. In order to complete your star level successfully, most importantly, you must attend the scheduled training nights and weekends. Failure to attend more than 60 percent of training will result in having to repeat the star level.
Remember, it is the effort that YOU put in to the program that will determine YOUR success, achievement, and overall experiences.
The star levels are as follows:
- Green Star (year 1)
- Red Star (year 2)
- Silver Star (year 3)
- Gold Star (year 4)
- Master Cadet (year 5).
In addition to regular star level training, you may participate in additional activities, which may qualify you for certain proficiency badges, if you reach a certain standard for each. These include: physical fitness, marksmanship, biathlon, first aid, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and music badges.
Medals
There are also several medals you can receive throughout your Army Cadet career.
These include:
Medal of Bravery: given for demonstrating superior bravery in the face of danger in trying to save the lives or property of others.
Army Cadet Long Service Medal: given for four continuous years of good service as a Cadet
Lord Strathcona Medal: given for demonstrating proficiency in the skills required for being an army cadet.
Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence: given for demonstrating superior commitment to your corps and community.
ANAVET (Army, Navy, and Air Force Veterans) Cadet Medal of Merit: given for overall achievement on a Cadet Leader Instructor Course at summer camp.
Major General W.A. Howard Award: awarded for exemplary cadet service and outstanding performance
Summer Training
Summer 2024 training is still being finalized. However, check the link below to learn more about what is offered during the summer.
Advanced Training & Expeditions
As you advance through the Army Cadet Program, you may have opportunities to participate in various types of advanced training courses such as expeditions, leadership and challenge courses, advanced music courses, military parachuting courses, and exchanges to countries such as Wales, Scotland, England, and several others. Keep in mind that in order to qualify for these courses, you must strive to excel in your unit star level training, participate in optional training, and overall achievement as an army cadet