| Question |
Answer |
| How old do I have to be to join? |
To join, you must have reached your 12th birthday. Cadets must 'retire' when they turn 19. |
| Can I join if I am over 12? |
Yes, Cadets joining at 14 or over can complete the first two training levels in one compressed year - or they can participate at the regular rate of training. |
| Are Cadets members of the military? |
In one word: NO. Cadets are not members of the military and there is no commitment to join the military. |
| What does it cost? |
Joining the Squadron is free. Mandatory training is free. There are some optional activities that will have some costs that are discounted by our sponsors. In return, Cadets are required to participate in fundraising activities. |
| The marching and uniforms makes it look like the military. Am I going go get yelled at? |
The aim of the Air Cadet program is to develop in youth the attributes of leadership and good citizenship. We are not going to do that by yelling. It is important to note that the delivery of commands on a parade can seem like yelling - but the leader must be heard over the band and other noise, so they will raise their voice. That is not yelling at people. |
| How much does the uniform cost? |
The uniform is loaned to the Cadet without any fee. Cadets can exchange items of their uniform as they grow (which teenagers constantly do). Cadets are required to take care of their uniform and must return it when they leave Cadets. |
| Is it true that there are camps in the summer? |
Yes. There are Summer Training Courses available. The course offerings vary from year to year. Details will usually be given to Cadets late in the fall. |
| Can I become a pilot? |
Yes! Air Cadets can earn the Transport Canada licenses as Glider Pilot and Private Pilot through the Summer Training courses. Also, Cadets can take to the air each year at the Squadron as we get familiarization flights in Gliders. |
| Is there anything in the Air Cadet program for people not interested in flying? |
Absolutely! Cadets learn survival skills, marksmanship, learn a musical instrument, there are lots of sports, model rockets and lots more. Along with aviation and many other subjects, Cadets learn about leadership, instructional techniques and citizenship. |
| Who are the leaders/teachers of the Cadets? |
Air Cadet instructors are often past cadets themselves. They are members of the community and have civilian occupations. Some are Civilian Volunteers and some are Members of the Canadian Forces. ALL adults are screened. As Cadets gain experience, they become instructors as well! |
| I am also in soccer, hockey, and other activities. Is that okay? |
The only mandatory events on the Cadet schedule is the weekly training evening and a few other events over the year. Most activities are optional. Cadets can participate in as many or as few activities as they wish. NOTE: It is important to remember that school comes first - so if you have too much homework (or are sick), Cadets can call in to be excused from any activity (even the mandatory ones). |
| Okay, I am interested but still not sure. If I join, do I have to stay all year? |
Cadets may leave the program at any time. We encourage all Cadets to stay for the entire year, because, if you don't like what we are doing right now, there may be something that you will find more fun in the coming weeks and months. |
| How do I join? |
Visit the National Cadets website, on the
Join the Cadet Program
page, there is are many details along with an option to REGISTER NOW!. Come fly with us! |
Still have questions? Come out to a Squadron Training evening and we'll be happy to answer them all.
Before new Cadets join, there may be a number of Frequently Asked Questions.
To become a Cadet, a great resource to find a Squadron near you, answer commonly asked questions and submit an application is the Join the Cadet Program site on the Government of Canada website.
