Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC)

Three cadets with a Cadet Instructor

What They Do

Cadet Instructors supervise and train young adults of the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadet Corps and Squadrons.

Although they may be assigned an administrative role, the primary duties of the Cadet Instructors are to work with and train youth in such activities as:

  • Team sports
  • Survival skills
  • Power boat handling
  • Sailing
  • Expeditions
  • Trekking
  • Glider familiarization

Working Environment

Officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre are members of the Reserve Force working as part of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service. They are asked to commit six hours per week and one weekend per month.

Cadet Instructors may work at any of the 1100 cadet corps and squadrons in Canada, or one of the 22 Cadet Summer Training Centres. Cadet corps and squadrons parade in schools, community centres, armouries and churches. The majority of the cadet summer training centres are located at Canadian Forces Bases, where staff and cadets train for periods up to 7 weeks during the summer months.

Career Development

Generally, Cadet Instructors begin working at a cadet corps or squadron where they train and instruct youth. They may also fill other roles such as level officer, assistant training officer, or drill team officer, depending on personal interest, knowledge and skills. At a cadet summer training centre, a Cadet Instructor may have opportunities to serve as an instructor, platoon commander, course director or standards officer. Cadet Instructors who demonstrate the required ability, dedication and potential are selected for opportunities for career progression, promotion and advanced training.

Related Civilian Occupations

  • Secondary and Post-secondary Instructors
  • Recreation, Sports and Fitness Program Leaders
  • Community and Social Service Workers

Basic Qualification

The Cadet Instructor Basic Officer Training Course is designed to provide members with the skills and knowledge required to perform as junior officers at the corps and squadron, or the cadet summer training centres. The course introduces Cadet Instructors to:

  • the military environment
  • basic military skills
  • leadership skills

Occupational Training

The Cadet Instructor Occupational Training Course is designed to provide members with the skills and basic knowledge to lead, develop, and coach youth while delivering a dynamic Cadet Program at the corps and squadron, or cadet summer training centre. Additional Occupational Training includes:

  • Intermediate officer training
  • Senior officer training
  • Leadership and command

Environmental Training

The Environmental Training Course is designed to prepare selected officers to perform specific duties associated with the Sea, Army or Air Cadets. The aim of this training is to provide Cadet Instructors with the skills and knowledge required to lead, develop and coach youth within a dynamic Sea, Army or Air Cadet program.

Professional Training

Professional training provides Cadet Instructors with the skills and knowledge to perform a specific occupation within the Cadet Instructors Cadre. There are a number of professional courses for Cadet Instructors, such as:

  • Administration officer
  • Supply officer
  • Commanding officer
  • Department head

Specialty Training

Cadet Instructors may be offered the opportunity to develop the specialized skills required of a limited number of individuals. Specialty courses include:

  • Unit Environmental Officer Course
  • Range Safety Officer (Air Rifle) Course
  • Range Safety Officer – Biathlon
    • Orienteering Instructor
    • Basic Canoe Instructor
  • Courses specific to Instructors for the Sea Cadets:
    • Sail Coach
    • Small Craft Operator Program Instructor
    • Tender Officer in Charge
  • Courses specific to Instructors for the Army Cadets:
    • Range Safety Officer – Large Bore
    • Cold Weather Instructor
    • Abseil Instructor
    • Flat Water Canoe Instructor
    • Moving Water Canoe Instructor
  • Courses specific to Instructors for the Air Cadets:
    • Glider Instructor
    • Tow Aircraft Conversion
    • Launch Control Officer