# Royal Canadian Air Cadets

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (French: Cadets de l'Aviation royale du Canada) is a Canadian national youth program for young individuals aged 12 to 18. Under the authority of the National Defence Act, the program is administered by the Canadian Forces (CF) and funded through the Department of National Defence (DND). Additional support is provided by the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC). Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, it forms the "largest federally funded youth program in the country". Cadets are not members of the military and are not obliged to join the Canadian Armed Forces.
The first squadrons were established in 1941 to train young men for duties during World War II. Today the focus is on general aviation within the aim: "To instill in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces."
The majority of cadet training takes place at the local squadron during the regular school year, with a percentage of cadets selected for summer training courses across Canada. Central to the air cadet program are the gliding and flying courses offered to air cadets who qualify. One in five private pilots in Canada is an ex-air cadet, and 67% of commercial and airline pilots began their careers as an air cadet. There are 454 squadrons located across the country with enrolment of over 26,000 Air Cadets.

## Overview

The aim of the Cadet Program 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; however, each focuses on its own parent element. The Air Cadet motto is "To learn. To serve. To advance.", and was created by Robert Myles Colwell in 1966 when he was a cadet with 625 Squadron in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. 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.
Those aged 12 to 18 (inclusive) may become an air cadet. The organization and rank structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force is used with the exceptions of Flight Corporal (in place of Master Corporal), Flight Sergeant (in place of Warrant Officer), Warrant Officer 2nd class (in place of Master Warrant Officer)and Warrant Officer 1st Class (in place of Chief Warrant Officer). Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces, and there is no expectation for cadets to join the Canadian Forces upon graduation from the program, though cadets who do go on to join the Canadian Forces may be granted up to 180 days of incentive credit towards the Private IPC 2 pay category.
Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve subcomponent Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) and supplemented, if necessary, by contracted civilian instructors, authorized civilian volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC is specifically trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training program. Some are former cadets, and many have former regular or reserve force service.
The Canadian Cadet Organization is sponsored in partnership by the CF/DND and the civilian Air Cadet League, along with the Navy League and Army Cadet League. Each cadet unit is supported by a local squadron sponsoring committee responsible to the national League through each of the provincial committees. The basic Air Cadet program is provided at no cost, including uniforms and activities. Many Air Cadet squadrons are sponsored locally by a service organization or club such as a Royal Canadian Legion Branch, Royal Canadian Air Force Association Wing, Rotary Club, Lions Club, others are supported by a locally established committee often composed of parents of cadets. Civilian sponsors raise money for accommodations, utilities, liability insurance, local awards, and additional training resources or special activities, such as mess dinners, band instruments, or squadron excursions and trips that are not funded by the CF/DND. Cadets and their parents are encouraged to participate in fund-raising activities, such as selling paper tags or poppies.

## 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. By 1938 there existed a couple of groups that would help promote such an effort. In Winnipeg, Manitoba this was the Winnipeg Air Cadets launched by Albert Bennett. Other such groups existed in St. Catharines, ON and in Penhold, AB.
Prior to 1940, official Air Cadet squadrons did not exist. However, in 1939 Alan Duncan Bell-Irving and A.W. (Nick) Carter formed the 1601 Air Force Cadet Wing in Vancouver. This Squadron was operated directly by the Department of National Defence in association with the No. 111 Squadron of the RCAF, which was stationed in Vancouver at the time. A.W. (Nick) Carter became the first commanding officer of the 1601 Wing until he was called to Ottawa to assist in the formation of the new Air Cadet League of Canada. After the formation of the Air Cadet League of Canada the 1601 Wing was chartered to the League and became 111 Vancouver Squadron. The 111 Air Cadet Squadron still exists and parades at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver under the name 111 Pegasus Squadron.
In 1940, Air Minister Power directed that a nationwide 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 RCAF during World War II.
On November 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. 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.
The first uniform the Air Cadets used were hand-me-down uniforms from the Pre-War era RCAF. It consisted of a blue/gray wool uniform; cap (wedge), pants and a full collar tunic. This was phased out in 1943 with an open collar variation similar to the war time RCAF enlisted man's tunic. After the war the air cadet organization received more hand me down uniforms from the RCAF before adopting the battle dress style uniform.
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. To date, more than 15,000 cadets have received their private pilot licence through the scholarship course. Training shifted to be focused on the development of citizenship and an interest in aviation. Interest was renewed; by 1961, 332 squadrons were in existence and in 1972, authority was given for membership of up to 28,000 cadets.
In 1953, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was appointed the organization's Air Commodore-in-Chief, a position he held until his death in 2021.
In areas where there was a high interest in air cadets, additional squadrons were established with different parade nights to accommodate the numbers. These squadrons were often placed into air cadet wings (a formation of two or more squadrons) with a separate wing HQ staff of both officers and senior cadets overseeing the operation. The system was discontinued in the late 1960s and all squadrons became independent once again.
From the early days senior air cadets were given opportunities to work in staff positions beside officers, certain contracted civilians and RCAF/CF members at summer camps across Canada. A system was developed where senior cadets aged 16 or older were temporarily enrolled in the RCAF/CF on short-term contracts and given the rank of Acting Corporal. They were referred to as Call-out Corporals. The Senior Leaders Course at Cold Lake later even used the CF rank of Acting Master Corporal among its staff of Call-out Corporals. Later the system was abolished and the "staff cadet" program selected senior cadets for advanced training who were appointed as staff cadets to assist the adult leadership.
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. In 1975, legislation was changed to officially allow the enrolment of female cadets into the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadets. The "battle dress" style woollen air force blue uniform was changed to a CF rifle green safari style uniform. The style and weight were more suited to the indoor and summer training reality of the program. The first of these was issued to cadet squadrons commencing in 1978. A new embellished brass cap badge was issued and air cadet wings were worn on the left breast rather than the right. When the CF went back to separate uniform colours in the mid-1980s, cadets followed again with a new air force blue cadet uniform being issued but following the same style as the outgoing green uniform. Squadrons received these new uniforms commencing in the fall of 1992.
Today, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has a membership of approximately 23,000 in 456 squadrons; and together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, forms the "largest federally funded youth program in the country". The membership has also diversified, becoming gender balanced and attracting and retaining visible minorities.

## Local training

Each squadron trains one night per week—a "parade night"—to undertake the local training program. The course of instruction is prescribed by the Director of Cadets and outlined in course training plans distributed to each squadron. The six-year program provides cadets instruction in citizenship, leadership, survival training, instructional techniques, drill and ceremonial and the basics of aviation and aeronautics. In the fifth and subsequent years, cadets may be assigned to instruct these classes to the younger cadets. The local training begins in September and continues until June.
In addition to the mandatory weekly training syllabus, there are additional regularly scheduled activities that cadets can participate in optional training that includes band, firearms safety and marksmanship using the 10 metre air rifle for both training and competition, biathlon, military drill practice, first aid training, and competitions, and ground school instruction in preparation for glider pilot and private pilot training courses. Many of these activities also involve regional, provincial, or national competitions between teams and individual cadets. Throughout the year there are weekend exercises organized by the local squadrons. Survival exercises, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, and familiarization flights, are all activities in which cadets may participate at various points throughout the training year. Some cadet squadrons participate in community events such as parades and band concerts.

### Cadet Program Update – Squadron program

Beginning with the 2008/2009 training year, a new training system was introduced replacing the program that was in use since 1992. The Cadet Program Update (CPU) brings new teaching materials and incorporates more contemporary educational and youth development methods. Similar updates to the Sea and Army Cadet programs rationalize the connectivity between the three programs and more efficiently provides the training that is common to all three elements.
The cornerstone of the CPU is the recognition that people between the ages of 12-18 pass through three basic "Developmental Periods" (DPs). These DPs mark the development of their cognitive abilities from a purely experienced-based (i.e. "hands-on") method of learning to abstract problem-solving and competency. The training methods used at each training level reflect the target age group of the cadets in that training level.
The delivery of the various performance objectives (POs) will be through a mixture of mandatory and complementary enabling objectives (EOs). The mandatory EOs will be the same for all air cadet squadrons. Individual squadrons may choose from a number of complementary EOs to support the mandatory training. The selection of complementary training activities at a local squadron is based on the local resources and the interests of the cadets involved.
The program will be phased in one year at a time with the new proficiency level 5 being introduced for the 2012/2013 training year. Cadets already undergoing training in the current system will complete their training under the outgoing system.
This program is soon to be updated by the Cadet Program Rescope.

### Squadron training levels

Air cadets are challenged to qualify to five training levels. Each level is normally completed in the ten-month training period from 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. Success in meeting the required standard is rewarded with the appropriate level qualification badge. As cadets advance in the program, lessons are designed to prepare them to take on responsibilities within the squadron, such as teaching other cadets. The chart below displays the training level structure of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. As of the 2022-2023 training year, PHASE (Promoting Healthy And Safe Experiences) training has replaced PSRY (Positive Social Relations with Youth) training. In 2024, level 5 and beyond are replaced with the ALP, Advanced Leadership Program, to improve the leadership training of senior cadets.
Levels of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets – Junior Cadets :
| Level One | Level Two | Level Three |
| To achieve Level One a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following first year performance objectives: PO 101 – Citizenship PO 102 – Community Service PO 103 – Leadership PO 104 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 105 – Recreational Sports PO 106 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 107 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 108 – Drill PO 120 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 121 – Canadian Aviation, Aerospace and Aerodrome Operations Community Familiarization PO 129 – Radio Communication PO 130 – Aviation Activities PO 140 – Aerospace Activities PO 160 – Aerodrome Operations Activities PO 190 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training | To achieve Level Two a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following second year performance objectives: PO 201 – Citizenship PO 202 – Community Service PO 203 – Leadership PO 204 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 205 – Recreational Sports PO 206 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 207 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 208 – Drill PO 211 – Biathlon PO 230 – Aviation History PO 231 – Principles of Flight PO 232 – Propulsion PO 240 – Aerospace PO 260 – Aerodrome Operations PO 270 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 290 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training | To achieve Level Three a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following third year performance objectives PO 301 – Citizenship PO 302 – Community Service PO 303 – Leadership PO 304 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 305 – Recreational Sports PO 306 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 307 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 308 – Drill PO 309 – Instructional Techniques PO 311 – Biathlon PO 320 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 331 – Principles of Flight PO 336 – Meteorology PO 337 – Air Navigation PO 340 – Aerospace PO 360 – Aerodrome Operations PO 370 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 390 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training |
Levels of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets – Senior Cadets :
| Level Four | Level Five | Onwards |
| To achieve Level Four a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fourth year performance objectives PO 401 – Citizenship PO 402 – Community Service PO 403 – Leadership PO 404 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 405 – Recreational Sports PO 406 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 407 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 408 – Drill PO 409 – Instructional Techniques PO 420 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 429 – Radio Communication PO 431 – Principles of Flight PO 432 – Propulsion PO 436 – Meteorology PO 437 – Air Navigation PO 440 – Aerospace PO 460 – Aerodrome Operations PO 470 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 490 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training | To achieve Level Five a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fifth year performance objectives PO 501 - Citizenship PO 502 – Community Service PO 503 – Leadership PO 504 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 507 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 509 – Instructional Techniques PO 513 – Personal Development (Workshops) PO 514 – Personal Development (Individual Learning) | 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 There are no further badges awarded beyond Level Five |

### Complementary training groups

Squadrons, depending on a number of factors, may have some of the following teams/groups to complement mandatory training. This is not an exhaustive list.
* Drill team: The vast majority of squadrons have some sort of drill team. On drill team, cadets will refine their drill learned during mandatory parade nights and learn more complex drill manoeuvres. Cadets on drill team may have the opportunity to join a drill team at arms, join a flag party, or compete in regional competitions. Cadets interested in drill may elect to take the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor summer training course.
* Marksmanship team: Some squadrons may have a marksmanship team. Cadets on marksmanship team learn to fire lead pellets at paper targets using the Daisy Air Rifle, which is not legally classified as a firearm. Cadets may compete in regional or national marksmanship competitions. Cadets interested in marksmanship may elect to take the Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor summer training course.
* Military band: Some squadrons may elect to offer musical training. Cadets in military band have the opportunity to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Cadets will learn their instrument as well as various specialized drill manoeuvres. Military bands in cadets are led by adult staff and a cadet Drum Major. Cadets may have the opportunity to compete in musical competitions at various levels. Cadets interested in music may elect to take the Military Band Musician summer training course.
* Pipe band: Some squadrons may offer pipes and drums training. Cadets in a pipe band have the opportunity to learn the bagpipes, snare drum, tenor drum, or bass drum. Cadets will learn their instrument as well as various specialized drill manoeuvres. Pipe bands in the cadets are led by adult staff, a cadet Pipe Major, and a cadet Drum Major. Pipe Band Musician was not offered as summer training course in 2022.
* Biathlon team: Some squadrons may have a biathlon team. Cadets will learn how to run or ski cross-country and learn how to shoot a target. Cadets may have the opportunity to compete in regional or national competitions.
* Ground school: Some squadrons may have a ground school group, where cadets learn the fundamentals of aviation (per Transport Canada guidelines). Less squadrons have offered this in recent years due to the introduction of the national online ground school, which is the only recognized ground school program for applications for the cadet PPTC and GPTC.

## Summer training

Air cadets have the opportunity to participate in training outside of their squadron during the summer. Cadets can participate in summer training courses at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) or national summer training courses.

### Cadet Activity Program (CAP)

The Cadet Activity Program (CAP) was a community-based day camp created in 2022 to replace summer training courses for junior cadets. Cadets in their first year of cadets participated in a 5-day CAP, which consisted a variety of miscellaneous cadet-oriented activities. Cadets in their second year of cadets participated in a 12-day CAP with a focus on team-building and leadership skills. Citing challenges to resources that came with a day-camp model, the Cadet Activity Program was discontinued in 2024.

### Summer training courses

Summer training courses are overnight summer camps that take place at Cadet Training Centres (CTCs), lasting two, four, or six-to-seven weeks. Cadets receive instruction in a specific area of cadet training, such as drill, music, or marksmanship. Instruction is delivered by officers of the CIC, civilian adult staff, and staff cadets. Upon successful completion of a course, cadets are issued a badge to be worn on their tunic.

### National courses
#### International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

The International Air Cadet Exchange is a three-week exchange that allow cadets to visit air bases, industry centres, world landmarks, universities, cultural centres and museums, and experience private hospitality with families in their homes. It is intended for outstanding senior cadets who will represent Canada with distinction. Outside of Canada, destinations include Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

#### Pilot training courses

The air cadet program offers two pilot training courses; one for glider pilots and one for private pilots. These courses are six-to-seven weeks in duration that give cadets the opportunity to each a Transport Canada pilot licence without charge to the cadet. The Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) is operated by the cadet program at two Cadet Flying Training Centres (CFTC), Mountain View and St-Jean. The Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC) is done at contracted private flying schools. The selection process includes a 40-hour self-guided ground school course (culminating with a 50-question exam), a review of a cadet's file, and an interview. These course satisfy all components of the Transport Canada requirements for pilot training. Cadets who have been successful within the program have gone on to work with commercial airlines, the Canadian Forces, various courier and charter companies, and have also gone on to become instructors at various flight schools. The opportunity to obtain a private pilots' licence is one of the most prestigious and attractive opportunities available to air cadets.
Cadets are presented with fabric and metal pilot wings to display on their Distinctive Elemental Uniform upon successful completion of a pilot training course.

### Cadet Training Centres (CTCs)

The Cadet Training Centres (CTC) of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets are distributed across Canada, often co-located with a Canadian Forces base. The following are CTCs used for air cadets as of 2024. In 2021–2022, as part of the Cadet Program Rescope, the total number of CTCs were reduced to 12. CTCs closed were either handed over to civilian firms, returned to their military establishments, or used for other aspects of summer training such as CAP.
| CTC | Location | Region | Year | Language |
| Argonaut CTC | CFB Gagetown | Atlantic | | English |
| Bagotville CTC | CFB Bagotville, Quebec | Eastern | 1969 | Bilingual |
| Blackdown CTC | CFB Borden, Ontario | Central | | English |
| Cold Lake CTC | CFB Cold Lake, AB | Northwest | 1973 | English |
| Valcartier CTC | CFB Valcartier, Quebec | Eastern | 1968 | French |
| Vernon CTC | Vernon, BC | Pacific | 1949 | English |
| HMCS Ontario CTC | Kingston, ON | Central | | English |
| HMCS Quadra CTC | CFB Comox, BC | Pacific | 1956 | English |
| Rocky Mountain CTC | Rocky Mountain House, AB | Northwest | | English |
| S$^t$-Jean CFTC | Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec | Eastern | 1975 | Bilingual |
| Trenton CTC | CFB Trenton, Ontario | Central | | English |
| Whitehorse CTC | Whitehorse, YK | Northwest | | English |
| Former CTC | Location | Region | Year Closed | Notes |
| Albert Head Cadet Training Centre | CFB Esquimalt, BC | Pacific | 2022 | Returned to CFB Esquimalt |
| Brandon Cadet Training Centre | Brandon, MB | Northwest | 2024 | |
| Comox Cadet Flying Training Centre | CFB Comox, BC | Pacific | 2022 | Merged with HMCS Quadra |
| Connaught Cadet Training Centre | Ottawa, ON | Central | 2024 | |
| Gimli Cadet Flying Training Centre | Gimli, MB | Northwest | 2022 | Replaced by Brandon CTC |
| Greenwood Cadet Training Centre | CFB Greenwood, NS | Atlantic | 2024 | |
| Mont S$^t$-Sacrement Cadet Music Training Centre | Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC | Eastern | 2022 | Back to CEC Valcartier |
| HMCS Acadia Cadet Training Centre (Sea) | CFB Cornwallis, NS | Atlantic | 2022 | |
| Mountainview Cadet Flying Training Centre | CFB Trenton, Ontario | Central | 2022 | Reorganized into Trenton CTC |
| Debert Cadet Flying Training Centre | Debert, NS | Atlantic | 2021 | |
| Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre | Springbrook, Alberta | Prairie | 2014 | |