FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Whether you are new to the idea of Cadets or you just need a refresher,
We got you. Below are the answers to your most pressing questions.
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Q1 / What is Army Cadets?
Army cadets are youth age 12-18 who are interested in outdoor activities and meeting new people. We provide opportunities that you won't find anywhere else.
Q2 / What do Army Cadets do?
Army cadets are youth who participate in a variety of activities. Cadets focus on leadership, citizenship, marksmanship, and adventurous activities. There is also a focus on military skills including drill, bushcraft, and engineering skills. We provide a basic understanding of the Canadian military structure and working environment. There are also opportunities for the cadets to attend summer training and travel abroad.
Q3 / How old do I need to be to join?
You can join as soon as you are 12 years old and can stay until your 19th birthday.
Q4 /How much does the program cost?
Cadets is a free program, there is no cost to join. We provide cadets with their uniforms and with any other equipment they may need. Cadets will need to pay for some things such as boot polish and hair cuts. Cadets are also asked to participate in fundraising activities to support the cadet corps.
Q5 / What do I need in order to join?
If you decide to join cadets we're going to require some information including a completed cadet application.
When you come down to join please bring the following documents:
- Provincial Care Card
- Proof of age (valid Canadian Passport, birth certificate, or Provincial ID card)
- Proof of permanent residence or visas that allow you to reside in Canada for an extended period of time (non-citizens only)
Q6 / How often do cadets meet?
Cadets meet once a week from September until mid June and some weekends throughout the year.
Q7 / What happens on a Tuesday night?
Once cadets arrive they participate in an opening parade run by the senior cadets. After this they attend lessons which range in topic from drill, map and compass, citizenship, healthy living, leadership, marksmanship, and history of the Canadian Forces.
Q8 / What other opportunities are available?
The cadet program provides many opportunities for youth including summer training, international exchanges and employment at summer training centres. Our corps also runs a marksmanship team and a drill team that cadets may participate in addition to the regular training program.
Q8 / What other opportunities are available?
The cadet program provides many opportunities for youth including summer training, international exchanges and employment at summer training centres. Our corps also runs a marksmanship team, drill team, and a first aid team that cadets may participate in addition to the regular training program.
Q9 / What is summer training?
Cadets have the opportunity to attend summer training at various camps around the country where they will gain different skills. Summer training is between 2 and 6 weeks long during the summer break. Cadets can specialize in different areas of training such as music, marksmanship, leadership, fitness and sports, or expedition. Later in your cadet career you may have the opportunity to attend advanced training and travel overseas.
Q10 / Who trains the cadets?
Cadets are primarily supervised and instructed by officers of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC). CIC officers are member of the Canadian Forces reserve force who specialize in delivering the cadet program. We also rely on volunteers to help support our program. Check out the Army Cadet League of BC for more information on volunteering with this great program.