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Royal Canadian Army Cadets Information

The Royal Canadian Army Cadets (RCAC) is a Canadian national youth program sponsored by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Army Cadet League of Canada. Administered by the Canadian Forces, the program is funded through the Department of National Defence with the civilian partner providing support in the local community. Many Army Cadet corps receive additional support from affiliated Regular or Reserve Army units. While cadets may wear the badges and acoutrements of their affiliated unit, cadets are civilians, they are members of the Canadian Forces .[2]

Recognized as Canada's oldest youth program, there are approximately 21,000 army cadets in about 450 corps across the country. Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, it forms the largest federally-funded youth program. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities.

Contents

Basics

Along with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the RCAC is part of the Canadian Cadet Organization. Although the RCAC and the other cadet programs are by the Canadian Forces and the civilian Leagues, cadets are members of the Forces, and are not expected to join the Canadian Forces. In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets stand second in the order of precedence, after the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, and before the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.

Persons aged 12 to 18 may join the RCAC, free of charge. Uniforms, training manuals, and instruction are provided. A cadet must leave the organization before their 19th birthday. Upon departing most items issued to them during their time in the program must be returned. Some cadet corps conduct a "leaving ceremony", to recognize departing cadets. If the senior-ranked cadet is departing he or she will relinquish the senior position by passing on the drill cane, or the Corps flag to his or her successor.

The organization and rank system of the Canadian Army is used, but cadets only use Non-Commissioned Officer ranks. Army Cadet Corps are usually affiliated to a Reserve or Regular Force army regiment and wear the accoutrements of their affiliated unit. Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve Subcomponent Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Branch, supplemented, if necessary, by contracted Civilian Instructors, authorized adult volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC Branch is specifically trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training program, and like all reservists come from all walks of life and all parts of the community. Some are former cadets, many have former regular or reserve force service.

RCAC Badge

The Royal Canadian Army Cadet Badge is the official emblem of RCAC. It is worn on the upper sleeve of the cadet uniform and on the breast of the issue parkas. It is also worn as a brass cap badge in place of an affiliated unit badge or for non-affiliated corps. The term Acer Acerpori is Latin for "as the maple, so the sapling."

Aim

The aim of Royal Canadian Army Cadets is to develop in youth the attributes of good combat and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces. The RCAC shares this aim with the Sea and Air Cadets; however, each organization focuses on its own parent element.

History

Early history

The Royal Canadian Army Cadets (RCAC) can trace its history to the creation of drill associations or militia companies in 1861, pre-dating confederation by six years. These early militia companies and drill associations were not cadet corps but were militia sub-units formed in educational and other public institutions. Enrollment was limited to men between the ages of 13 and 60. The drill was not only a parade square and discipline exercise, but a skill that was necessary for the defence of the Colony. The American Civil War and the threat of the Fenian Raids motivated their creation in Upper and Lower Canada.

Trinity College Volunteer Rifle Company was formed June 1, 1861 in Port Hope, Ontario. Bishop’s College Drill Association was formed in Lennoxville, Que. on December 6, 1861. Another 14 of the early "Drill Associations" or "Rifle Companies" stood up in Ontario and Quebec. Canada's oldest continually serving cadet corps is No. 2 Bishop's College School Cadet Corps in Lennoxville, Quebec, its roots firmly in the previous drill associations.

In 1904 the allocation of numbers to cadet corps was instituted and the Quarterly Militia List, correct to April 1, 1904 lists Cadet Organizations from 1 to 104. The earliest date of organization shown is November 28, 1879 four months after Militia General Order 18 of July 25, 1879 allowed the formations of 74 "Associations for Drill in Educational Institutions" for young men. These cadets were taught drill and marksmanship, but were not required to be employed in active service. The 74 associations included 34 in Ontario, 24 in Québec, 13 in the Maritimes, two in Manitoba, and one in British Columbia.

The origin of the term "Cadet Corps" is debatable, as some believe it was first used in 1898, in Ontario, bundled in a provision that the Corps' instructors would be a member of the local school teaching staff, and not from the local militia unit.

Public support

Increased support, motivated in part by the Northwest Campaign during the Riel Rebellion of 1885, allowed improved issue of uniforms, weapons and other equipment to schools providing military training.

Officer cadre

The first authority for Cadet instructors to hold rank in the Militia was established by Special General Order Dec. 21, 1903. The appointment was 2nd Lieutenant and the officer was permitted to retain the rank only as long as he remained an instructor and the cadet corps remained efficient. On May 1, 1909 a cadre of commissioned officers, as a Corps of School Cadet Instructors was established. It was composed of qualified male school teachers. On May 1, 1921 the Corps was disbanded and reorganized on Jan 1, 1924 and designated the Cadet Services of Canada. It was a component of the Canadian Army Non-Permanent Active Militia and the forerunner of the current Cadet Instructor Cadre. With the integration of the Canadian Forces in 1968, the officer cadre was designated as the Cadet Instructors List a sub-component of the Canadian Forces Reserve. In July 1994 it was renamed Cadet Instructor Cadre. In 2009 the reserve sub-component was renamed the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service. It consists of the CIC Branch and other reserve officers and non-commissioned members.

Strathcona Trust

In 1910, Sir Donald Alexander Smith, Lord Strathcona, the Canadian High Commissioner to Britain, created a trust with the Dominion Government with a sum of $500,000, with the aim of inspiring citizenship and patriotism. through physical training, rifle shooting, and military drill.[3] He is remembered today with the Lord Strathcona Medal, which is awarded to a cadet in each corps and squadron who best exemplifies the qualities of being a cadet.

World Wars

Approximately forty thousand former cadets served in His Majesty's forces during the First World War. By the end of the war, there were approximately 64,000 boys enrolled in Army Cadet corps across Canada.

During the twenty years following the First World War, cadet training came to a standstill. Many corps survived these hard times, but the Depression and the lack of public interest caused the cancellation of the uniform grant for Army Cadets in 1931 and the instructional grant for 12 and 13 year olds in 1934. In Alberta, only a couple of corps functioned beyond 1934.

The beginning of the Second World War brought a renewed public interest in cadet training. An astounding amount of cadet corps were formed in high schools across the country.[citation needed]

Post-war years

In 1942, recognition of the significant contribution of former cadets to the ongoing war effort, His Majesty King George VI granted the "Royal" prefix to the Canadian Army Cadets, giving it the title of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. (The Royal prefix was also afforded Sea and Air Cadets at the same time) It is estimated that nearly 230,000 former army cadets served in His Majesty's forces during the Second World War.

After 1945, quotas were imposed reducing Canada's total cadet population to about 75,000 members. Many of the closed corps, those with membership restricted to boys in one particular school, were disbanded; some of them became open corps, training in militia armouries or in Legion halls; others, acquired their own buildings.

The Korean War stimulated growth among open corps in the early 1950s. Many school corps moved to armouries and drill halls. After 1954, Korea veterans staffed the Area Cadet Offices that began to manage these corps and the summer camps that trained them.

Unification of the Canadian Forces

Following the unification of the Canadian Forces in 1968, a number of changes occurred in the Army Cadet world:

Girls in the cadet program

Girls were unofficial participants in cadet training almost from the very beginning of Cadets. Shortly after the Highland Cadet Corps was formed at the Guelph Grammar School in 1882, a female cadet company called the Daughters of the Regiment was started. The Army provided no support for training, or uniforms. Nor could girls attend summer training.

On July 30, 1975, the Canadian parliament amended the relevant legislation by changing the word "boys" to "persons", therefore permitting girls to become members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. Girls became full participants in the Cadet Organization. The biggest change was during the summer training program. What had been for many decades an exclusively male environment changed dramatically at local corps and at Army Cadet Summer Training Centres. Today, boys and girls participate together in all cadet activities with girls regularly in leadership roles amongst cadets.

2004 - 125th anniversary

2004 marked the 125th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets. The Army Cadet League of Canada issued a 125th Anniversary pin to be worn by all 25,000+ army cadets across the country. Canada Post honoured the cadets with a stamp, unveiled in Ottawa in March 2004. Many parades honouring the century and a quarter of cadets occurred across Canada, there were Freedom of the City parades in Vernon, Oromocto and Calgary as well as other locations. The original Royal Banner was laid up in Vernon during the final battalion parade on August 19 at the ACSTC, and the new Royal Banner was paraded in front of 1500 cadets and 2000 members of the audience.[5]

RCAC training

Star Level Program

The Star Level Program is the main training program carried out by all Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Canada. This program is mandated by the Department of National Defence, through the Directorate of Cadets & Junior Rangers.

The Star Level Program is composed of four levels:

Currently the program is augmented by the National Star Certification Exam (NSCE). This exam may only be attempted upon successful completion of Gold Star. This exam will be phased out in accordance with the Cadet Program Update (CPU).

Cadets are taught a variety of subjects, known as Performance Objectives (PO) that include: citizenship, physical fitness, healthy living, drill, marksmanship, map and compass, outdoor survival, eco-friendly camping and military history and traditions. To better assist in understanding the Star Level’s training, the Green Star program is identified as follows:

Green Star

Flanking Maneuvers, Battle Drills and Patrolling. Also, participate in firefights, using a Blank Adapter on the C7 Rifle.

Summer training

Selected Army Cadets attend summer training at locations across Canada. The training supports and expands the Local Headquarters program. Courses last from two to six weeks, with most cadets attending the two week "Basic" Course in their first year. Experienced cadets may apply to be employed as staff cadets to assist the adult instructors.

Summer Training Courses

Summer Training Courses are as follows:

Cadet Leader (CL) (3 Weeks)

Once a cadet has completed a Cadet Leader Instructor course he or she may apply for advanced the training to be appointed as a staff cadetat a summer training centre (CSTC) or engage in the advanced training course or exchange, such as:

The Pioneer Course offered at Vernon ACSTC in the summers of 2004, 2005, 2006, and was discontinued for the 2007 training year.

Summer Training Centres

There are 8 Army Cadet Summer Training Centres across Canada and they are:

Fieldcraft

Just new to the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, is the subject of Fieldcraft. Fieldcraft has been practiced by the Army Cadet Force in the United Kingdom for some time, and the Royal Canadian Army Cadets began their Fieldcraft programme (called Fieldcraft A106) in 1993. Cadets often use C7 Rifles in the field whilst on 2-3 day Patrols in the area. However, the C7 replaced the FN C1A1, which had been used in the Canadian Army since 1954, in 1996. Most C7 are simply semi-automatic, however one section-support weapon, a Colt Canada LSW. When in the field, Cadets are given CADPAT, which unlike their drill Olive Drab, is far more useful. A CG634 helmet is optional, which most Cadets wear either a Boonie Cap or a Patrol Cap, but many also wear the CG634. However, in some circumstances, the Cadets wear the earlier-made Spectra helmet that the Canadian Forces fielded in the 90's and into the early 2000's. Most Cadets put a large ammount of scrim on their helmets, which helps break silhouette and improve camouflage.

Optional Training

Optional Training compliments the Star Level Program and Summer Training Program. Participation is completely dependant on a Corps’ resources. In some cases, an activity may be nationally or regionally directed.

Examples of some optional training include: combat / urban combat training with the Current Canadian assault rifle C7A1 with N.B.C Training, otherwise known as Urban Fieldcraft.

Marksmanship and Winter Biathlon are excellent examples of nationally directed activities. In both sports, cadets compete in hopes of advancing. These sports are open to all cadets, including those of the sea and air elements. The C11 and C12A1 target model rifle is a competition weapon used by members of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets for training and target shooting competitions.

The Cadet Biathlon Program has been recognized as assisting to develop the sport in Canada. Double gold Olympic medallist Myriam Bedard first competed in the sport of biathlon as a cadet in Valcartier, Quebec. Several CIC officers helped officiate the sport of biathlon at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games in 2010.

Rank structure

In accordance with Cadet Administrative and Training Orders [1] (CATO) 13-02 (CADET RANK PROMOTIONS) the following are the rank badges of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets.[6][7] In addition to the rank-specific criteria given below, all appointments are subject to the approval of the cadet's Commanding Officer, who generally promotes based on the advice of Platoon Officers and unit training staff.

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. 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.

While it is customary within the organization to refer to a cadet receiving a rank as being "promoted," the official documentation (Queens Rules and Regulations (Cadets) and CATO) vary: the senior document describing progression as an "appointment", the other describing progression as "promotion".

In keeping with Commonwealth military tradition, certain rank titles may vary depending on the kind of unit a corps is affiliated with - for example, an artillery unit or an armoured unit.

The rank Private in French is Soldat, meaning soldier. Due to the controversy and confusion it may cause in French areas as cadets are not military personnel, effective September 2009 the rank of Private has been replaced with Lance Corporal. Units with historical use of other terms, including Private (Mostly English units,) are allowed to keep using the titles.

Ranks of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets (Junior Cadets)
Cadet - Cadet Lance Corporal - Lance Caporal Corporal - Caporal
  • Rank of Cadet (Rec in French) granted on joining;
  • No prerequisites for this rank;
  • Cadet Recruits wear no rank;
 For promotion to LCpl (LCpl), a cadet must:
  • have participated for a minimum of 5 months in Green Star level training;
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
  • be recommended by their course officer or platoon commander .

Alternately termed:

  • Craftsman (EME/GEM)
  • Signalman (Signals)
  • Sapper (Engineers)
  • Trooper (Armour)
  • Gunner or Lance Bombardier (Artillery)
  • Guardsman (Guards)
  • Private (Various Units)
  • Rifleman or Highlander (Infantry and other support regiments)
  • Fusilier (Fusiliers)
 For promotion to Cpl (Cpl), a cadet must: Worn on the upper right sleeve of the dress uniform
  • have successfully completed the Green Star level;
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
  • be recommended by their course officer or platoon commander .

Alternately termed:

  • Bombardier (Artillery)
Ranks of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets (NCO)
Master Corporal - Caporal-chef Sergeant - Sergent
For promotion to MCpl (cplc), a cadet must: Worn on the upper right sleeve of the dress uniform
  • have successfully completed the Red Star level;
  • have served 6 months at the

rank of Corporal;

  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
  • be recommended by their course officer or platoon commander.

Alternately termed:

  • Master Bombardier (Artillery)
  • Normal appointments include section 2IC
 For promotion to Sgt (Sgt), a cadet must: Worn on the upper right sleeve of the dress uniform
  • have successfully completed the Silver Star level;
  • have completed 6 months of service at the rank of MCpl;
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment; and
  • be recommended by their course officer or platoon commander.
  • normal appointments include Section commander and sometimes platoon commander of smaller platoons in smaller corps, as well as 2IC of platoons in larger corps.
Rank of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets (Warrant Officers)
Warrant Officer - Adjudant Master Warrant Officer - Adjudant-maître Chief Warrant Officer - Adjudant-chef
For promotion to WO (adj), a cadet must: Worn on the lower right sleeve of the dress uniform
  • successfully completed the Gold Star level (prior to Sept 2008 you must complete NSCE);
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment;
  • be recommended by their course officer or platoon commander.

Alternately termed:

  • Colour Sergeant (Guards)
  • Normal appointments include Platoon Warrant Officer, Company Sergeant Major in smaller corps., and historically in small corps Regimental Sergeant Major. (although promotion to MWO usually follows shortly after appointment of RSM)
 For appointment to MWO (adjum), a cadet must: Worn on the lower right sleeve of the dress uniform
  • have successfully completed the NSCE;
  • have held the confirmed rank of WO for at least 5 months;
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment;
  • there must be a vacancy on the corps MWO establishment.
  • normal appointments include Company/Battery/Squadron Sergeant Major, Drill Sergeant Major, and Regimental Sergeant Major of smaller corps.
 For appointment to CWO (adjuc), a cadet must: Worn on the lower right sleeve on the dress uniform
  • have successfully completed the NSCE;
  • have held the confirmed rank of MWO for at least 5 months;
  • maintain a satisfactory level of dress and deportment;
  • there must be a vacancy on the corps CWO establishment - one per corps; and
  • Chief Warrant Officers almost always serve as Regimental Sergeant Major of their corps

Forms of address

Rank Quotas and Appointments

The number of cadets in a cadet corps determines how many cadets may be appointed to each rank. Until January 1993 cadet officer ranks were authorized. The ranks were represented by plain slip-ons with stripes designating the rank; one stripe for cadet lieutenant, two for captain, three for major, and four for lieutenant-colonel. As corps became smaller the practice fell into disuse. While cadet officer ranks are no longer authorized, because of their size, the only corps that still use them are private schools such as St. Andrew's College and Bishop Ridley College where all students aged 12 to 18 are cadets.

There is no minimum or maximum number of the following ranks: Cadet Warrant Officer, Cadet Sergeant, Cadet Master Corporal, Cadet Corporal, and Cadet Private. Corps however may locally limit certain ranks to ensure a balanced chain of command.

Corps Quota Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Cadet Master Warrant Officer
0-29 Note 1 Note 1
30-59 1 1
60-89 1 2
90-119 1 2
120-149 1 3
150+ 1 Note 2

Notes:

  1. A cadet corps with a quota of 0-29 is authorized one Cadet Master Warrant Officer or one Cadet Chief Warrant Officer.
  2. For a cadet corps with a quota of 150 +, regions are to contact D Cdts 4-4.

Different appointments can also be held throughout the ranks:

Officers

See also CIC Roles and duties

The Canadian Forces Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) is the largest officer branch in the Canadian Forces. The CIC is a Canadian Forces Branch within the Canadian Forces Reserve Cadet Organization, Administration and Training Service (COATS). Typical appointments include:

Officers are also employed in administrative and senior positions at National Defence Headquarters, Regional Headquarters, Cadet Summer Training Centres.

Army Cadet Corps are identified by a number and their affiliated unit. Numbers are assigned by the Director of Cadets. Generally the lower the number, the older the cadet corps. Numbers may be reassigned to new cadet corps based on affiliation to the former corps if said corps was inactive.

Partnership with Canadian Forces

Along with the Sea Cadets and Air Cadets, the Army cadets make up a program sponsored by the Canadian Forces funded primarily through the Department of National Defence. The Canadian Forces provides training, pay and allowances for reserve force cadet instructors; uniforms for instructors and cadets; transportation, facilities and staff for summer training; the training program and training aids; and policy and regulation regarding the operation of the cadet organization. The civilian Army Cadet League provides local support by way of accommodation, utilities, liability insurance, transportation and training aids not provided by the CF.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Royal Canadian Army Cadets

References

  1. ^ http://www.armycadethistory.com/colonels_in_chief.htm
  2. ^
  3. ^ http://www.cadets.ca/_docs/army-arm%E9e/pocket-poche/A-CR-CCP-120-402_e.pdf
  4. ^ http://archive.gg.ca/heraldry/pub-reg/project.asp?lang=e&ProjectID=526 Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
  5. ^ http://www.armycadethistory.com/
  6. ^ http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/_docs/cato-oaic/1302_b.pdf CADET RANK PROMOTIONS
  7. ^ http://www.cadets.forces.gc.ca/_docs/cato-oaic/4601D_b.pdf Army Cadet Badges (See Appendix 6)

External links

· · Canadian Cadet Organizations
Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service · Cadet Instructors Cadre
Royal Canadian Sea Cadets · Royal Canadian Army Cadets · Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Navy League · Army Cadet League · Air Cadet League
Canadian Forces portal

Categories: Military of Canada | Army Cadet organisations | Canadian Cadet organizations | Youth organizations based in Canada

 

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