In Canada, there are currently more than 444 squadrons and over 31,000 Air Cadets, representing 50% of the cadet population in the program!
The Air Cadet program in British Columbia is as active, exciting and challenging as ever! Currently, over 3600 youth in the province of British Columbia are involved with Air Cadets in 57 Squadrons.
To join Air Cadets, you must be between 12 to 18 years of age. The success of the program is the result of a strong partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Support from Cadet Instructors Cadre officers, representing the CF and many community-minded sponsoring committees (SSC), representing the Air Cadet League, ensure the resources required are available to deliver the best program possible.
Air Cadets in BC meet once a week to participate in the Local Headquarters (LHQ) training program, which includes a variety of activities, such as: flying and gliding, marksmanship, effective speaking, leadership, physical fitness, citizenship and survival training. Air Cadets also have the opportunity to attain their private pilots license during summer training!
Many Air Cadet Squadrons in BC also offer a number of optional training activities, such as, music training, drill team, marksmanship, biathlon, first aid training and much more.
Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They learn valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership, and citizenship. Cadets also reap the personal benefits of increased self-confidence and physical fitness, learning how to take initiative, and how to make decisions. Cadets make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities.
Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces, nor is there any expectation for them to join the military.
The program is also divided according to its training period:
The Air Cadet program in British Columbia is as active, exciting and challenging as ever! Currently, over 3600 youth in the province of British Columbia are involved with Air Cadets in 57 Squadrons.
To join Air Cadets, you must be between 12 to 18 years of age. The success of the program is the result of a strong partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Air Cadet League of Canada. Support from Cadet Instructors Cadre officers, representing the CF and many community-minded sponsoring committees (SSC), representing the Air Cadet League, ensure the resources required are available to deliver the best program possible.
Air Cadets in BC meet once a week to participate in the Local Headquarters (LHQ) training program, which includes a variety of activities, such as: flying and gliding, marksmanship, effective speaking, leadership, physical fitness, citizenship and survival training. Air Cadets also have the opportunity to attain their private pilots license during summer training!
Many Air Cadet Squadrons in BC also offer a number of optional training activities, such as, music training, drill team, marksmanship, biathlon, first aid training and much more.
Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They learn valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership, and citizenship. Cadets also reap the personal benefits of increased self-confidence and physical fitness, learning how to take initiative, and how to make decisions. Cadets make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities.
Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces, nor is there any expectation for them to join the military.
The program is also divided according to its training period:
- Local training - Cadets participate in training on a weekly basis during the regular school year (Sept - June) on an average of one to two night a week, plus optional weekend training depending on their interests.
- Summer training - There are a total of 24 cadet training centres (CTC) located across Canada. Approximately 21 000 course cadets receive training and 2500 staff cadets are employed each summer in the 24 CTCs and abroad on cultural and training exchanges.