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Royal Canadian Air Cadets

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Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Formation1941
TypeYouth program
HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
Location
  • Canada
Membership
26,000
Official language
English, French
Websitehttp://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] It was 1941 when the first air cadet squadron was raised under this partnership for the purpose of training young men for World War Two.[2][3] The purpose has since changed to include focus on citizenship, leadership, physical fitness, and aviation — stimulating an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces. In recent years there are 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 percent of commercial and airline pilots began as air cadets.[6]

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]

Young men and women between the ages of 12 and 18 may join the RCAirC, free of charge. 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.

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]

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]

Local training

File:222 RCAirCS March Past.JPG
An Air Cadet squadron marches past.

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, range, biathlon, military drill practice, first aid training and competitions,[17] and ground school instruction in preparation for gliding and flying scholarship courses.

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]

Ranks

A new person joining the Air Cadet program holds the rank of "Air Cadet" (AC). Appointment to higher ranks occurs after the cadet has met certain nationally prescribed standards and possibly additional standards prescribed by the local squadron.[20]

Responsibilities are given to cadets upon reaching corporal, the first NCO rank, generally as assistants to a more senior cadet — often as second-in-command of a flight (a small, organizational group of cadets). In September 2007, the rank of "Flight Corporal" will be introduced.[21] The additional rank brings the rank progression for sea, army, and air cadets into line. Sergeants are responsible for most of the day-to-day activities of the squadron. Flight Sergeants supervise the Sergeants, or use them as assistants. Each flight is usually lead by a Flight Sergeant; sometimes Sergeants often take this role. Warrant Officers handle administrative, working closely with the officer staff of the squadron, assisting with administration, logistical, leadership, and training work, though, in smaller squadrons, these roles will also 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. It is customary within the organization to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted", though cadets receive only "appointments."[22]

This chart displays the rank structure of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Ranks of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets - Junior Cadets
Air Cadet - Recrue Leading Air Cadet - Cadet de l'Air 1ière classe Corporal - Caporal
  • No prerequisites for this rank, except a minimum age of 12 years;
  • No rank badges worn.
 For promotion to Leading Air Cadet (LAC) a cadet must:
File:Leading Air Cadet.jpg
Worn on the upper arms
  • Actively participate in the squadron mandatory training for a period of five months
 For promotion to Corporal (Cpl) a cadet must:
File:Corporal RCAC.jpg
Worn on the upper arms
  • hold the rank of LAC;
  • have successfully completed Proficiency Level 1
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment
Ranks of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets - Non-Commissioned Officers
Flight Corporal - Caporal de Section Sergeant - Sergent Flight Sergeant - Sergent de Section
* The rank Flight Corporal (FCpl) is not yet an active rank. It becomes active in September 2007. For promotion to Sgt (Sgt), a cadet must:
File:Sergeant RCAirC.jpg
Worn on the upper arms
  • have successfully completed proficiency level 2
  • have completed at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of Corporal
  • preferably have successfully completed a Summer Familiarization Course
 For promotion to Flight Sergeant (FSgt), a cadet must:
File:Cadet flight sergeant.jpg
Worn on the upper arms
  • have successfully completed proficiency level 3
  • have completed at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of Sergeant
  • preferably have successfully completed a Summer Introductory Specialty Course
Ranks of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets - Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
Warrant Officer 2nd Class - Adjudant 2ième classe Warrant Officer 1st Class - Adjudant 1ière classe
For promotion to Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2), a cadet must:
Worn on the lower sleeve
  • have successfully completed proficiency level 4
  • have completed at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of Flight Sergeant
  • preferably have successfully completed a Summer Advanced Specialty Course
 For promotion to Warrant Officer 1st Class (WO1), a cadet must:
Worn on the lower sleeve
  • have successfully completed proficiency level 5
  • have completed at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class
  • preferably have successfully completed a Summer Advanced Specialty Course

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 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.[23] 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 Leadership course prepares cadets for junior leadership roles within their home squadron.[24] The Introduction to Survival course introduces cadets to basic survival skills through instruction and situational training.[24] 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 & Recreation develops attributes of sportsmanship and teamwork needed for assisting in the delivery of physical fitness programs at their home squadron.[24] The Introduction to Aerospace course is designed to instruct cadets on the development of space this includes many aspects such as the scientific aspects, technical aspects, and 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

File:RCAirC Glider Wings.PNG
Air Cadet Glider Wings

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.[25] Cadets must be 16 to hold a Glider Pilot Licence.

File:RCAirC Power Wings.PNG
Air Cadet Power Wings

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 letter of interest, and an interview. The Senior Learership course 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 Airport Operations, Technical Training, Service Band, Pipes and Drums, and the International Air Cadet Exchange. One course no longer offered is the Air Traffic Control course.

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.[26]

Summer training centres (CSTCs)

Sunset at Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre

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.[27] In 1966, Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre was opened at Penhold, Alberta.[28] A summer training centre in Albert Head, British Columbia was established in 1995.[29] 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.[30] They are located in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.[30]

Flying

File:Wings both.jpg
Power wings and glider wings
The Schweizer SGS 2-33 (2-33A), used for training in the Air Cadet Gliding Program

Each year, 22,000 junior air cadets participate in familiarization gliding flights during the spring and fall.[31] In summer, 320 senior cadets earn their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence through the Air Cadet Gliding Scholarship and 250 earn their Private Pilot licence.[32] [33] Approximately 60,000 glider flights are completed every year.[6] The Schweizer SGS 2-33 is the glider used in the Air Cadet Gliding Program.[34] The total number of aircraft operated by the Air Cadet League is more than 100.[6]

Honorary appointments

In 1983 Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was appointed the Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.[35]

Symbols

Flags

File:Air Cadet Banner II.jpg
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Banner

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. The Banner was presented in 1991 at the Senior leadership School at CFB Cold Lake.

File:Air Cadet Ensign II.jpg
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Ensign

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.

File:Air Cadet Squdn Banner II.jpg
Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Banner

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.

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 badge on the wedge cap and other formal headdress, and as an embroidered patch on the all-weather jacket.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada" (PDF). 2005-12-01. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  2. ^ a b c "Level one Air Cadet training handbook (7.7 MB)" (PDF). Department of National Defence (Canada). 1998-07-01. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  3. ^ a b "National Defence Cadet Website: About - History". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-10-22. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  4. ^ a b "National Defence Cadet Website: Media info - Statistics". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-09-29. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  5. ^ a b "Backgrounder: The Canadian Cadet Organizations" (PDF). Department of National Defence (Canada). 1999-12-06. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  6. ^ a b c "The Air Cadet Story: The "Air" in Air Cadets". The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  7. ^ a b "National Defence Cadet Website: About - Program overview". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2006-09-06. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  8. ^ "Backgrounder: The Cadet Instructors Cadre" (PDF). Department of National Defence (Canada). 1999-12-06. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  9. ^ "National Defence Act". Department of Justice (Canada). 2007-03-19. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  10. ^ a b "The Air Cadet Story: The Early Days". The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  11. ^ a b c d "The Air Cadet Story: The Post-War Period". The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  12. ^ "The Air Cadet Story: The Post-Unification Years". The Air Cadet League of Canada (Manitoba). Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  13. ^ Srikanthan, Thulasi (2005-08-04). "'A lot fewer white people': Once pale and male, the cadet corps is diversifying". MacLean's. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: About - Partnership". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-03-04. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  15. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadet Course Training Standards and Plans". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-07-20. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  16. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: About - Air Cadets". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-10-22. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  17. ^ Topf, Andrew (2007-05-09). "Cadets top the field at First Aid contest". Goldstream News Gazette. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |accessday= ignored (help)
  18. ^ Mandel, Michelle (2007-04-12). "'I had to be here'". Toronto Sun. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Henderson, Paul (2007-03-16). "Strike up the band". Chilliwack Times. Retrieved 2007-04-12. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "Queen's Regulations and Orders (Cadets) 4.11(c)" (PDF). Department of National Defence (Canada). 1998-04-30. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  21. ^ "Cadet Administrative and Training Orders 51-2" (PDF). Department of National Defence (Canada). 2007-03-01. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  22. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets (menu)". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-09-08. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  23. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Familiarization Course Descriptions". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-05-05. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  24. ^ a b c "National Defence Cadet Website: Introduction to Specialty Course Descriptions". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-05-05. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  25. ^ "Transport Canada quarterly licencing statistics". Transport Canada. 2007-01-15. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  26. ^ "Air Cadet Symbols". Department of National Defence (Canada). Retrieved 2007-04-12.
  27. ^ "National Cadet Website: The History of the Greenwood Air Cadet Summer Training Centre". Department_of_National_Defence_(Canada). 2004-02-27. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  28. ^ "History of Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre". Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  29. ^ "National Cadet Website: Albert Head". Department_of_National_Defence_(Canada). 2006-07-10. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  30. ^ a b "BC Air Cadets unveil brand new tow plane". Department_of_National_Defence_(Canada). 2007-01-30. Retrieved 2007-05-24.
  31. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Gliding". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-09-08. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
  32. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Gliding Scholarships". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2005-04-12. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
  33. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - Power Flying". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-09-08. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
  34. ^ "National Defence Cadet Website: Air Cadets - The Glider". Department of National Defence (Canada). 2004-09-08. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
  35. ^ "Burke's Peerage and Gentry (archived)". 2006-05-29. Retrieved 2007-04-12.
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