Leadership and Citizenship

The Cadet Program takes young adults and teaches them how to be fair and responsible leaders. Throughout their cadet careers, these youth learn how to take responsibility for their actions and how to motivate their peers to follow their example.

"Cadets has taught me a lot. I’ve been shaped so much. It has taught me leadership and to finish what I have set out to do. It has been a personal journey where I have been enlightened to a higher level."
– Air Cadet Tara Grisdale, 826 Gryphon Squadron, Dundas, Ontario

Whether its on the parade square, during a canoe trip, while setting up a tent or sailing a boat, by the time they finish the Cadet Program, these youth will have been placed in a variety of positions of responsibility, and will have learned important life-long lessons about leadership.

The lessons in leadership that are taught to cadets are of value in all aspects of their lives beyond the Cadet Program. Schoolteachers, for example, often cite cadets as being uniquely willing to take on leadership roles with their fellow students. And thousands of former cadets credit the Cadet Program with teaching them how to be good leaders – a skill that benefits any employer.

One of the most important aspects of program is learning how to be responsible and caring citizens. Throughout the year, cadets are called upon to demonstrate the importance of being active members of their communities, and to participate in citizenship activities in cities and towns across Canada.