Become an Air Cadet today!
Welcome to Air Cadets, where adventure awaits, and dreams take flight!
From thrilling aviation-related activities like flying and gliding to studies in aerospace, Air Cadets offers a unique opportunity to do what you love while becoming a better leader, citizen, and staying fit.
In Air Cadets, everyone is treated with respect and kindness. It’s a safe and friendly place where every Cadet belongs and feels appreciated.
The aims of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets are to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, to promote physical fitness, and to stimulate the interest of youth in the air element of the Canadian Forces. All this achieved through a challenging, yet disciplined environment.
Air Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces. However, the Canadian Cadet Movement is sponsored by the Department of National Defense in partnership with the Air Cadet League of Canada.
FAQs
1. Is this the military? Will I have to join after?
Short answer, no and no.
The Cadet program is provided through a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the Air Cadet League of Canada.
Cadets are not, at any time, enrolled in the Canadian Forces. They are taught (by Canadian Forces’ officers) a curriculum designed and maintained by the Canadian Forces, but they are not members.
Similarly, Cadets make absolutely no commitments regarding future military service and are free to leave at any time.
However, those who decide to join the Forces later on start out with the advantage of having learned valuable skills through Cadets. Many successful military members were former Cadets – like astronaut Chris Hadfield!
2. Why join cadets?
Cadets offers challenges, friendship and adventure! It’s an opportunity to expand your own horizons, contribute to your community and make friends for life. Many former Cadets credit their participation in the program with giving them a head-start toward their successful careers. Did you know that astronaut Chris Hadfield, Olympic biathlon gold medalist Myriam Bédard, and actor Jim Carrey were all Cadets in their teens?
3.What do we learn?
Some of the activities you can expect at your unit include ceremonial drill, first aid, sports, band and citizenship events that support your community. Occasional weekend activities include survival training and marksmanship. There will also be plenty of time to have fun and make new friends!
4.When does training take place?
Mandatory Training:
Regular training takes place every week. Depending on the Squadron will depend on the night of the week. The training includes the foundation of Cadet training which is fundamental to the development of every Cadet.
In addition to the regular training night, there are a few other types of mandatory training that Cadets are required to attend:
Gliding/Fam Flying: every Cadet at every level has a requirement to attend flying sessions. These occur on weekends throughout the year and are communicated in advance.
Survival Training (i.e Field Exercises, or FTXs): survival training is a core component of the Air Cadet program and is also mandatory. It takes place over entire weekends (usually from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon), again throughout the year. This is also communicated in advance.
Optional Training:
In addition to mandatory training, there are a number of optional training activities Cadets can choose to participate in. Some of these activities require Cadets to qualify or have previous training in order to participate. Most training sessions take place on a night other than regular training nights, and usually only take place during a specific period of the training year.
5. Will cadets affect my school marks?
Education is very important to Cadets. Cadet training is a hands-on, activity-based program that should complement your school studies. In fact, the BC Provincial school board accepts Cadet Subjects and years of service for school credits (see our online form for more information).
As well, there are several scholarships and training bursaries available through Cadets.
If your Cadet commitments begin to negatively impact your grades, you should speak with your chain of command about reducing commitments or even taking a leave of absence. Your grades are the priority and the squadron will do all it can to support your Cadet and academic success.
6. Do cadets travel anywhere?
Definitely! For summer training, Cadets travel to one of 28 Summer Camps located in different parts of Canada.
Cadets often travel to areas within their geographical area to participate in survival training, as well as training (and competitions) held at other squadrons and cadet corps.
Except in unique circumstances, all travel is free for Cadets and is organized and provided by the Department of National Defence as part of the Cadet program.
7. What is Summer Training?
For those interested, Cadets have the opportunity to apply for training at various summer training centres located across Canada. Courses range from two to eight weeks in duration. Each training session offers a unique mixture of outdoor activities and valuable instruction.’
Attendance at Cadet Summer Training is free. The Canadian Forces provide all transportation, meals, lodging and special equipment. Every Cadet attending summer camp receives a training allowance (i.e. Cadets are paid to attend summer training). Cadets in staff positions at camp receive a salary.
Courses offered 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 scholarships and powered flight scholarships.