We have compiled a list of questions that we are frequently asked by prospective cadets and their parents/guardians. If you have questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.

 

 

1. Who can join cadets?

2. How much does it cost?

3. What is the time commitment?

4. Do I get to wear a uniform?

5. Can I be promoted?

6. What is Summer Training?

7. Can I earn my pilots licence?

8. Are cadets part of the Canadian Forces or required to join the Canadian Forces?

9. Who instructs the cadets?

 

 

1.  Who can join cadets?

 

You must be a Canadian citizen, or have landed immigrant status, and be between 12 and 18 years old.

 

2.  How much does it cost?

 

There is a yearly assessment fee of $100. The only other fees that may arise would be optional; some of our optional activities may have a small fee associated with them. We do our best to keep optional activities at low or no cost to the cadets; to help us achieve this cadets are required to attend our Tag Day fundraisers which we hold twice a year. All mandatory training, including field training exercises, familiarization flying, as well as our teams, are offered at no cost. Summer courses are also free, in fact cadets on course are paid $60 per week and senior cadets have the opportunity of summer employment at Summer Training Centres.

 

It is our goal to make our program accessible to as many youth as possible. If you are concerned about the affordability of the program, please contact us.

 

3. What is the time commitment?

 

Our regular training is on Wednesday nights from 6:14 PM to 9:30 PM. Cadets are expected to attend as many regular training nights as possible. To progress through our training program cadets are also required to attend at least one of our field training exercises, which we offer two to three times per year. Cadets that choose to join teams will have additional commitments. Cadets undergo regular training with 614 Squadron from early September to mid June. Summer Training takes place at various Cadet Training Centres during the summer months and is not mandatory.

 

4. Do I get to wear a uniform?

 

Yes. Cadets are fitted for their uniforms after three weeks of good attendance. Some cadets will receive their complete uniform during their fitting depending on the availability of sizes. Uniform parts that need to be ordered arrive within a few weeks. All uniform parts are supplied at no cost and cadets are expected to maintain their uniforms to our standard.

 

5. Can I be promoted?

 

Yes. Senior cadets fulfil a critical leadership role at the squadron and the squadron is largely cadet-run. Cadets are promoted based on experience and merit.

 

6. What is Summer Training?

 

Summer Training takes place at various Cadet Training Centres across Ontario. Courses offered are two weeks, three weeks, six weeks, and seven weeks in duration. Courses are offered with various subject matter including leadership, drill and ceremonial, survival, aviation, marksmanship, and band. There is also an International Air Cadet Exchange program, where cadets have the opportunity to go on exchange in another country.

 

7. Can I earn my pilots licence?

 

Yes. The Air Cadet Program offers a Glider Pilot Scholarship and a Power Pilot Scholarship which allow cadets to earn their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence and Transport Canada Private Pilot Licence, respectively. Obtaining a glider pilot licence costs upwards of $5,000 and a private pilot licence costs upwards of $10,000. Cadets who receive these scholarships receive their training in a six or seven week summer course for free, plus just like other summer courses they receive $60 per week. This is an incredible opportunity for youth with goals of pursuing a carrer in aviation or just a passion for flying.

 

8. Are cadets part of the Canadian Forces or required to join the Canadian Forces?

 

No. Cadets are civilians and are not members of the Canadian Forces. Throughout their time in cadets youth will be exposed to the career opportunities available to them in the Canadian Forces, however they will also be exposed to civilian career opportunities and are not required or pressured to join the Canadain Forces.

 

9. Who instructs the cadets?

 

Cadet instructors are Civilian Volunteers (CV) and Instructors (CI) as well as Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers. CIC Officers are members of the Canadian Forces (CF) Reserve. Cadets may also be instructed by CF Regular Force members, retired CF members, and qualified members of the community. Senior cadets also provide much of the training that their younger peers receive.