The Cadet Program is a dynamic, federally-funded initiative for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 across the country. Calgary youth can join the Sea, Army, or Air Cadets to participate in challenging and exciting activities designed to build valuable life skills. Learn more below on calgaryes.
The Army Cadet Program
As one of the three cadet programs, the Army Cadets is the oldest. Its main focus is on adventure training. Army Cadets learn outdoors, engaging in activities like rappelling, trekking, canoeing, and survival training. These hands-on experiences equip them with valuable life skills that they carry throughout their lives.
The core mandatory training curriculum is the Army Cadet Star Level Training Program. This curriculum is used by all Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps from September 1st to June 30th (during the regular school year). The program practices the minimum knowledge and skills required to achieve the goals of the Army Cadets, specifically for each of the four star levels.
The levels are designated as Green, Red, Silver, and Gold Stars, with the Master Cadet achieving a 5th-level star. These stars signify the completed level, which is why a cadet purposefully trains and practices to achieve one star level per training year.
- The Green Star is designed to teach recruits the fundamentals of cadet life and is intended for cadets aged 12–13. The primary focus is on drill and ceremonial training, covering all the most common movements.
- The Red Star builds on the previous course and is for cadets aged 13–14. While the emphasis on drill remains, other aspects are introduced. Cadets are exposed to the principles of leadership.
- The Silver Star focuses on leadership and teaching, and the program is designed for cadets aged 14–15. Upon completion of this course, students qualify as Senior Cadets.
- The Gold Star complements the knowledge gained in the preceding courses. This program is for cadets aged 15–16, and Senior Cadets are given opportunities to command and instruct others.
The Corps’ History and Location
Cadets are housed by age in Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps during regular service. Let’s look back at the history. During World War II, the Second Reserve Battalion, The Calgary Highlanders, began training young men aged 12 to 18 who wished to take part in the war effort. It took a year, but this officially documented a new cadet corps. On September 18, 1944, all necessary forms were submitted, and the initial roster listed 25 cadet names. The corps was officially formed on January 16, 1945.
On February 17, 1950, the unit was disbanded, after which it became part of the 2378 Calgary Cadet Corps, located at the Mewata Armory.
In the early years, cadets were recruited from Woods Christian Homes. They wore kilts, only boys were enrolled, and the corps featured a bugle and pipe band.
In recent years, the cadet movement shifted its focus away from strictly drill training to concentrate more on citizenship and adventure training. This opportunity was also extended to girls starting in 1978.
It’s important to note that cadets are not part of the Canadian Armed Forces. The knowledge gained will provide an understanding of the CAF and will be useful if cadets choose to pursue a military career. It’s worth adding that most senior officers in the Royal Canadian Navy, Army, and Royal Canadian Air Force were previously cadets.
The Corps Flag
The Calgary Cadet Program is sponsored by the 264 Kensington Royal Canadian Legion. It also maintains strong ties with its affiliated unit, the Calgary Highlanders. The flag of this cadet corps was presented after the corps received its Charter. The flag’s design includes the following elements:
- A white silk background with red, white, and gold fringe.
- The Flag of Canada in the top-left corner.
- The Royal Canadian Army Cadets badge in the centre.
- The Calgary Highlanders regimental badge in the bottom-right corner.
- The corps number, “2137,” centered at the bottom.
Uniform and Pride
Cadets receive their uniform free of charge, though it must be returned when the cadet leaves the corps.
Upon joining the Cadet Corps, cadets are issued two forms of dress: ceremonial and field training uniform. The ceremonial training uniform is issued approximately four weeks after official enrollment. It is used for ceremonial events and training, and cadets are expected to maintain and wear it properly.
The field training uniform is intended for field training and practical exercises.
Since the Corps is affiliated with the Calgary Highlanders, cadets can earn the right to wear their uniform pieces. For example, a cadet earns the right to wear the Glengarry headdress and the Calgary Highlanders badge after successfully passing the “Glen Test,” which confirms their knowledge of the Battle of St. Julien Wood.
How to Join the Program
There are several enrollment requirements. To be eligible for membership as a cadet, an applicant must be a legal resident of Canada (a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or a dependent of a person who is lawfully residing in Canada temporarily for the purpose of education or employment). The cadet must be between 12 and 19 years old. They will need to provide proof of provincial medical coverage or its equivalent, and they must not belong to another cadet corps or squadron during this time.
The step-by-step process for joining the Cadets is as follows:
- Decide which cadets you wish to join (Sea, Army, or Air). Then, use the Corps and Squadron directory to find a cadet unit near your home.
- The next step is to use the online registration tool. Before filling out the application, ensure you have your medical card, address, and parents’ or guardians’ phone numbers ready.
- The final step is contact. Corps or Squadron staff will contact you to review official identification and answer any questions you may have.
Open House and Meetings
A special note on joining the 2137 Calgary Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps: they meet every Thursday evening from 6:15 PM to 9:30 PM at the Mewata Armory, located at 801 11th Street SW.
Furthermore, an Open House is held during the third week of September. This is a fantastic opportunity for parents and youth to get a general overview of the Army Cadet Program. By visiting the Armory and learning about the program and its activities, Calgary residents can gain a comprehensive understanding of what the Army Cadets offer. A demonstration of the corps in action is also an engaging experience.
Youth will see some of the activities included in the curriculum, and cadets will share their experiences and answer questions about the program.
On Open House day, parents get to meet the staff and the parent and community support group, and enjoy light refreshments. Cadets who are currently training will share how the decision to join has impacted their lives.
To attend the Open House, you should fill out the online application, which is accepted year-round. After completing this simple step, Calgary residents will be contacted and provided with further instructions.
