The RCSU's Role
  

There are 135 cadet corps and squadrons in British Columbia.  Pacific Region accounts for 30 Sea Cadet corps, 50 Army Cadet corps and 55 Air Cadet squadrons.  Six new units were opened from 2002-2004.

The training of 7000 Sea, Army and Air Cadets in BC is supported by a full-time Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU), led by Commander Richard Mountford , as a sub-unit of Maritime Forces Pacific Headquarters in Victoria, BC.  The RCSU administrative team is comprised of 90 Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers, regular and reserve force officers and non-commissioned members, as well as civilians.  There are about 600 CIC officers located throughout the province with each of the local Cadet units.

RCSU (Pacific) provides leadership training for the Cadet organization at the Regional Cadet Instructor School (Pacific) located at Albert Head, and oversees the Air Cadet flying program at the Regional Cadet Air Operations centre at CFB Comox.

You are invited to read the Canadian Cadet Organization's Vision Statement, that is supplemental to the aim of the Cadet organization: "To develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces."

Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces and the program is not a recruiting program.  While a small number of Cadets choose a military career, the majority do not.  Former Cadets are quick to credit their cadet experience for their success as adults, regardless of their vocation.