Training Overview
The Canadian cadet program has something for everybody. Mandatory and optional training takes place throughout the year at different times and locations. See below for more information and be sure to listen to announcements for details. New recruits are free to try different activities as long as once they’ve made a commitment to an activity they attend regularly.
Play a Musical Instrument
The Joint Music Program take place weekly and includes cadets from 395 Squadron and 504 Squadron. This band performs at annual reviews and other special events at the discretion of both unit COs. The Music Program Coordinator coordinates all performances and training. For purposes of regular unit training, selected members of the band perform as sub groups under the direction of the Unit Band Officer.
Everyone who is a cadet of 395 Squadron is invited to join the band. No prior experience is required as instruction on various instruments will be given. All instruments are provided at no cost to the cadets. Band practice is on Monday night from 1830hrs to 2100 hrs at the 504/Alberta Aviation Museum Hangar, located at 11410 Kingsway Ave.
Drill
Squadron drill team train most Saturdays between October and April, concluding with an Edmonton and area competition in May of each year. The drill team is open to all members of 395 Squadron. Training begins in October of each year.
Fitness Activities
Most Saturdays a fitness activity is held for cadets to participate in. It is open to all cadets of 395 Squadron. Activities conducted is based on the number of cadets who show up and what they would like to do. Activities include basketball, volleyball, etc.
Karate
The Karate Club trains on most Saturdays between October and May. The club is open to all members of 395 Squadron. Training begins in October of each year.
Marksmanship Team
Marksmanship training takes place at various times throughout the year. The zone competition is scheduled for February each year. A team of 5 cadets will be selected to take part in this competition. Anyone is eligible to be on the team.
Biathlon
Biathlon training takes place at various times throughout the year. There are male and female teams that compete at Zone Competition.
Effective Speaking
Effective speaking is a good way to learn public speaking and speech writing skills as well as boost the confidence and leadership abilities of a cadet. The effective speaking competition is usually scheduled sometime between March and April each year. This program is open to all cadets in any level.
Ground School
Ground school is intended for level 3 cadets and up that are applying for either the Glider Pilot or Power Pilot Training Course. Ground school has moved to an online self driven program applied for in early September/October. This program includes the qualification exam required to apply for the Glider or Power Training Course.
Field training exercise
Field Training Exercise is a major training period that is held outside of the regular Tuesday night training period. 395 Squadron holds at least one Weekend per year. At FTX Weekend many training points (performance objectives) are performed during exercises that can’t be done at any other time during the training year.
A camp facility is booked from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon for the cadets to be able to eat, sleep, and perform all of the necessary activities. Since the vast majority of activities are performed outdoors, it is essential that the cadets are dressed for the weather and have any additional clothing required should the weather conditions change. The days are long and the cadets are challenged, however, it is all done in an informative and enjoyable fashion. The squadron staff and senior cadets provide the training and supervision throughout the weekend and the parent sponsoring committee and volunteers are responsible for keeping everyone nourished throughout. Significant preparation takes place ahead of time, and everyone (staff, cadets, and volunteers) puts in long hours, and faces a variety of challenges, however, everyone leaves with a strong sense of accomplishment.
Summer TRAIning
Outstanding and highly motivated cadets often have the opportunity to attend a summer training course. This is a perfect opportunity for them to travel, make friends and discover an entirely different way of life! Cadets learn to manage their time and become more responsible, under the supervision of Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) officers specifically trained to work with teenagers.
Familiarization Gliding
An average of 55 000 glider flights are done every year. In Canada, the majority of glider pilots licenses are earned by Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Cadets must be 16 to write the certifying Transport Canada exam.
Each year, 250 air cadets earn their Transport Canada Private Pilot License through the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship program. Cadets aged 17 and 18 years old who have proven themselves to be high achievers in the cadet program and who have a particular interest and aptitude in the field of aviation have the opportunity to learn how to fly.
Familiarization flying
Familiarization flying includes a detailed pre and post flight briefing. During the flight cadets are introduced to the primary aircraft controls and how they maneuver the aircraft in flight. Cadets will be given the opportunity to fly straight and level, maneuver the aircraft in turns and get a description of the flight instruments.
Optional familiarization flying is strongly encouraged by both the Air Cadet League and DND as a means to broaden and enhance the aviation experiences of cadets. However, it must be remembered that in the interests of safety, all familiarization flying activities are strictly controlled by DND.
Scholarships
In 2018, the Air Cadet League of Canada awarded more than $20,000 in post-secondary scholarships to deserving Air Cadets across the country. This year, we are proud to offer eight post-secondary education scholarship awards to Royal Canadian Air Cadets. They are the Young Citizen Foundation Scholarship, the Birchall Scholarship, the Dale Scholarship, the Alex Venables Scholarship in Engineering, the Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism, the Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity, and, new this year, two Air Cadet League of Canada Foundation Scholarships.
Get a head start on the competition, start working today on your application! You have until April 1st to complete the ACC64 form. An application example is also available to help you fill the form.
https://aircadetleague.com/for-cadets-squadrons/awards/scholarships/
PAMRA
Parents’ Association Meritorious Remuneration Award (PAMRA)
– $500 award for cadets enrolled in post-secondary studies.