Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Q: Who can join army cadets?
A: To join army cadets, you must be at least 12 years old and not be older than 19 years old. You must have parent/guardian permission and legally reside in Canada.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Cadets is FREE. Even the uniform is issued free of charge.
Q: What is my time commitment?
A: Cadets are expected to regularly attend Thursday evening training, as well as weekend field training exercises and activity days (approximately 4 per year). Attendance is a way to show your commitment to Cadet training, and Cadets with a higher level of attendance will have more opportunities – as well as more fun! . However, we realize that school and other commitments are important. It is important to prioritize how one spends their time, and Cadets is no exception to this – academics, sports, family events, etc are valid reasons for missing Cadets, and in the event of an absence, we request the Cadet notifies both the office, as well as their immediate supervisor.
Q: What do army cadets do?
A: See our what army cadets do page
Q: Can cadets be used as academic credit?
A: Yes. Cadets may receive up to 12 academic credits for a wide range of cadet qualifications.
A: To join army cadets, you must be at least 12 years old and not be older than 19 years old. You must have parent/guardian permission and legally reside in Canada.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Cadets is FREE. Even the uniform is issued free of charge.
Q: What is my time commitment?
A: Cadets are expected to regularly attend Thursday evening training, as well as weekend field training exercises and activity days (approximately 4 per year). Attendance is a way to show your commitment to Cadet training, and Cadets with a higher level of attendance will have more opportunities – as well as more fun! . However, we realize that school and other commitments are important. It is important to prioritize how one spends their time, and Cadets is no exception to this – academics, sports, family events, etc are valid reasons for missing Cadets, and in the event of an absence, we request the Cadet notifies both the office, as well as their immediate supervisor.
Q: What do army cadets do?
A: See our what army cadets do page
Q: Can cadets be used as academic credit?
A: Yes. Cadets may receive up to 12 academic credits for a wide range of cadet qualifications.
About The Staff
Q: Who trains the cadets?
A: The cadets are trained by CIC Officer, Civilian Volunteers, and Senior Cadets.
Q: What is the CIC?
A: The CIC or Cadet Instructor Cadre is an element of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and specializes in providing the cadet program.
Q: How are volunteers chosen?
A: Volunteers have to apply and go through a background check before they are allowed to work with the cadets.
A: The cadets are trained by CIC Officer, Civilian Volunteers, and Senior Cadets.
Q: What is the CIC?
A: The CIC or Cadet Instructor Cadre is an element of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves and specializes in providing the cadet program.
Q: How are volunteers chosen?
A: Volunteers have to apply and go through a background check before they are allowed to work with the cadets.
About The Program
Q: Am I required to join the Canadian Forces after cadets?
A: No. There is no obligation to join the Canadian Forces. One of the aims of Cadets is to educate youth about the Canadian Forces - whether a cadet chooses to become a CF member is completely up to them.
Q: What extra activities are available at 3005 RCACC?
A: Marksmanship Team (precision shooting), Drill Team (marching), Orienteering, and Band.
Q: What about summer camps?
A: All cadets can apply to attend FREE summer training from 2-7 weeks in length. Each course is specialized in the following areas:
Year 1 - General Training (2 weeks) - A basic introduction to life at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) and includes a little bit of everything.
Year 2 - Basic Course (3 weeks) - A more direct focus on one of the following subjects: Marksmanship, Drill and Ceremonial, Sports and Fitness, Band, and Expedition.
Year 3 - Instructor Course (6 weeks) - Further specialization training in Marksmanship, Drill and Ceremonial, Sports and Fitness, Band, and Expedition.
Year 4/5 - Advanced Training (6-7 weeks) - Leadership and Challenge, Basic Parachutist Course, Exchange Courses, and Staff Cadet Opportunities.
Q: What is an Exchange Course?
A: Cadets can apply for international exchanges. Every summer, army cadets from across Canada travel to England, Scotland, or a Battlefield tour and get to experience the culture, country and challenge in each particular setting. Cadets must be 16 or older and have completed their Gold Star Level of Training.
Q: Are there employment opportunities?
A: Yes. Cadets who are 16 years old and have completed their Gold Star level may be employed at summer training centres as instructors and supervisors.
Q: What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award program?
A: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program with the goal of challenging, empowering and recognizing young people between the ages of 14 and 24. To learn more visit here.
Q: How does the ranking system work in Cadets?
A: Each cadet is promoted based on merit, completion of training, and leadership abilities. Each rank has its own pre-requisites and once those are met the officers then decide whether or not they think the cadet is ready for a promotion.
Q: What are the star levels?
A: Star levels are the different years of training a cadet goes through. Usually, a cadet will complete 1 star level each training year similar to school. There are four main star levels Green Star (Year 1), Red Star (Year 2), Silver Star (Year 3), and Gold Star (Year 4). After the completion of Gold Star, the cadets will complete Master Cadet as well as teaching or filling other administrative or corps roles.
Q: What is ACR?
A: ACR or Annual Ceremonial Review is a large parade cadets participate in to wrap up the end of the training year. At ACR yearly awards and medals are presented, the band and drill teams present dynamic displays, as well as many static displays pertaining to the year's training.
Q: What is Tag Day?
A: Tag Days are a fundraiser done by the cadets to raise money for things not subsidies by the government. The cadets stand outside local businesses and collect donations from the public.
A: No. There is no obligation to join the Canadian Forces. One of the aims of Cadets is to educate youth about the Canadian Forces - whether a cadet chooses to become a CF member is completely up to them.
Q: What extra activities are available at 3005 RCACC?
A: Marksmanship Team (precision shooting), Drill Team (marching), Orienteering, and Band.
Q: What about summer camps?
A: All cadets can apply to attend FREE summer training from 2-7 weeks in length. Each course is specialized in the following areas:
Year 1 - General Training (2 weeks) - A basic introduction to life at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) and includes a little bit of everything.
Year 2 - Basic Course (3 weeks) - A more direct focus on one of the following subjects: Marksmanship, Drill and Ceremonial, Sports and Fitness, Band, and Expedition.
Year 3 - Instructor Course (6 weeks) - Further specialization training in Marksmanship, Drill and Ceremonial, Sports and Fitness, Band, and Expedition.
Year 4/5 - Advanced Training (6-7 weeks) - Leadership and Challenge, Basic Parachutist Course, Exchange Courses, and Staff Cadet Opportunities.
Q: What is an Exchange Course?
A: Cadets can apply for international exchanges. Every summer, army cadets from across Canada travel to England, Scotland, or a Battlefield tour and get to experience the culture, country and challenge in each particular setting. Cadets must be 16 or older and have completed their Gold Star Level of Training.
Q: Are there employment opportunities?
A: Yes. Cadets who are 16 years old and have completed their Gold Star level may be employed at summer training centres as instructors and supervisors.
Q: What is the Duke of Edinburgh Award program?
A: The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global program with the goal of challenging, empowering and recognizing young people between the ages of 14 and 24. To learn more visit here.
Q: How does the ranking system work in Cadets?
A: Each cadet is promoted based on merit, completion of training, and leadership abilities. Each rank has its own pre-requisites and once those are met the officers then decide whether or not they think the cadet is ready for a promotion.
Q: What are the star levels?
A: Star levels are the different years of training a cadet goes through. Usually, a cadet will complete 1 star level each training year similar to school. There are four main star levels Green Star (Year 1), Red Star (Year 2), Silver Star (Year 3), and Gold Star (Year 4). After the completion of Gold Star, the cadets will complete Master Cadet as well as teaching or filling other administrative or corps roles.
Q: What is ACR?
A: ACR or Annual Ceremonial Review is a large parade cadets participate in to wrap up the end of the training year. At ACR yearly awards and medals are presented, the band and drill teams present dynamic displays, as well as many static displays pertaining to the year's training.
Q: What is Tag Day?
A: Tag Days are a fundraiser done by the cadets to raise money for things not subsidies by the government. The cadets stand outside local businesses and collect donations from the public.
If you have additional questions, please contact us. We'll be happy to answers any questions you may have.
