The programme is free. DND provides the basic funding the essential mandatory training, but 15 Sqn does far, far more than the minimum. Additional training and opportunities do cost the squadron money, but not the cadet.
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 and supervised by Canadian Forces officers a curriculum designed and maintained by the Canadian Forces, but cadets 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 Canadian astronauts (and former fighter pilots) Chris Hadfield, Jeremy Hansen, and Joshua Kutryk.
Definitely! For summer training, Cadets travel to one of 28 summer training centres located in different parts of Canada.
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 for incidental costs and small expenses (ex: sweet treats, course shirts, souvenirs, etc.), normally $60 per week. Cadets in hired to fill staff cadet positions (advanced training) receive a salary similar to any other job. Current pay rates (Jul 2019) range from $90-$110/day, depending on the job and rank assigned after Staff Cadet Indoc.
Courses offered include training in leadership, instructional techniques, music, marksmanship, flying, navigation, meteorology, air traffic control, ceremonial drill, physical education, survival training, aerospace studies and citizenship. Cadets can qualify for glider scholarships and powered flight scholarships, and can earn their Transport Canada Glider Pilot or Private Pilot licences for free.
More details on summer training courses available to air cadets can be viewed here.
It can be. We do our best to make sure our expectations of you are as clear as possible, and we provide training and guidance to help you get there, but we can’t do the work for you. You will learn an amazing amount and experience lots, if you put in the effort. As you progress in rank and responsibility, the challenges and demands will grow, but so does the reward.
Absolutely. We will accept interested youth between the ages of 12-18.
- To have fun;
- To be with their friends or to make new ones;
- To partake in interesting and unique challenges;
- To participate in diverse training at no cost;
- To learn valuable life skills (work and personal);
- To improve their self-confidence and sense of responsibility;
- To pursue an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces;
- And to be part of a program that is both welcoming and nurturing, where they feel included and have a sense of belonging
Air Cadets is fun!
What is Air Cadets? Air Cadets is a nationally funded program for youth ages 12-18. Each week we meet to parade, practice drill, and learn things like how to fly or survive in the woods, Aviation, Aerospace and more! Weekends are when we take part in local activities such as FTX , gliding days, Familiarization Flying Community Service Ceremonies and more.
How Much does it cost?
There is no initial cost to joining. Through a combination of fundraising and funding provided to us by the Department of National Defense, the cadet program is one of the only programs in Canada for young people that costs nothing at all! The uniform, your training, your weekend activities, and even summer training camps are covered. We only ask that you help the squadron in fundraising whenever you can.
We accept new recruits throughout the training year from September - June.
