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Overview

Photo: Army Cadet walking across a rope bridge

Cadets is a federally-sponsored program for young Canadians ages 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of challenging and rewarding activities, and learning more about the Canadian Forces.

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.

What does it cost to join? There are no registration fees, dues or cost for the uniforms or for the basic Cadet Program. Cadets and parents are encouraged to participate in fundraising.

Cadets are not part of the Canadian Forces, nor is there any expectation for them to join the military.

Cadets choose to belong to one of the three elemental programs:

  • Royal Canadian Sea Cadets (commonly known as Sea Cadets)
  • Royal Canadian Army Cadets (commonly known as Army Cadets)
  • Royal Canadian Air Cadets (commonly known as Air Cadets)

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 night a week, plus optional weekend training depending on their interests.
  • Summer training - There are a total of 24 cadet summer training centres (CSTC) located across Canada. Approximately 21 000 course cadets receive training and 2500 staff cadets are employed each summer in the 24 CSTCs and abroad on cultural and training exchanges.

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