Air Cadets
Introduction
In choosing to be an air cadet, a young person becomes one of more than 25,000 people across Canada involved in a fun and adventure filled program.
A young person must be 12 years of age to join one of over 82 Squadrons throughout Atlantic Canada.
Air Cadets meet once a minimum of once a week, to learn drill, citizenship, leadership, instructional techniques, effective speaking, aircraft identification, meteorology, principles of flight, aircraft engines, radio communication, survival and physical fitness.
Many Squadrons offer optional training such as: drill team, music training, flying, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, shooting, biathlon, first aid training and more.
For most cadets, the opportunity to attend summer training centres is the highlight of their year. Training is conducted across Canada and the Atlantic Region Summer Training Centre is located at 14 Wing Greenwood in Nova Scotia. Courses offered include: Basic, Introduction to Leadership, Physical Education and Recreational Training, Band, Aircrew Survival, Instructor’s Course and Survival Instructor.
If a young person is interested in flying, cadets who work hard enough have the opportunity to earn a glider or flying scholarship. Cadets who earn flying scholarships train at the Regional Gliding School (Atlantic) in Debert, Nova Scotia and at power sites in Shearwater, Gander and Moncton. Cadets receive a dept of transport glider or pilot’s license upon successful completion. For more information go to here.
Other course across Canada include: Technical Training, Senior Leaders and Athletic Leadership. There’s even a space course offered for those who want to reach for the stars.
Cadets even offer the opportunity to travel abroad as part of the International Air Cadet Exchange program. Cadets travel all over the world as goodwill youth ambassadors for Canada.
Perhaps the best thing about being an air cadet is that you get to meet new people, make new friends while learning to become more self reliant and a better citizen.