Royal Canadian Air Cadets facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Quick facts for kids Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Cadets de l'Aviation royale du Canada (French)
Badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Active	April 9, 1941 – present
Country	Canada
Branch	Air
Type	Quasi-military youth organization
Size	454 squadrons (more than 26,000 cadets)
Part of	Canadian Cadet Organizations
Headquarters	Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Patron	Governor General of Canada
Motto(s)	To learn – to serve – to advance
March	Quick: "RCAF March Past"
Commanders
Current commander	Brigadier-General Dominique Brais
Formation Chief Warrant Officer	Chief Petty Officer 1st Class David Bliss
Insignia
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Trainer	Schweizer SGS 2-33A, Cessna L-19, Cessna 182, Bellanca Scout, Cessna 172

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (French: Cadets de l'Aviation royale du Canada) is a national youth program in Canada. It's for young people aged 12 to 19 who are interested in aviation and leadership. This program is run by the Canadian Forces (Canada's military) and gets money from the government.

The Air Cadet League of Canada also helps out. The Air Cadets, along with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, form the biggest youth program in Canada that's funded by the government. It's important to know that cadets are not part of the military. They don't have to join the Canadian Forces when they finish the program.

The first Air Cadet groups started in 1941. They helped train young men during World War II. Today, the program helps young people become good citizens and leaders. It also encourages physical fitness and an interest in aviation. A lot of the training happens at local squadrons during the school year. Some cadets also get to go to special summer training courses across Canada. A big part of the program is learning to fly gliders and planes. Many pilots in Canada started as Air Cadets! There are 454 squadrons across the country with over 26,000 Air Cadets.

What Are Air Cadets All About?
A Look Back: Air Cadet History
What Cadets Do: Local Training
- How Training Levels Work
- Extra Training Groups
Summer Adventures: Summer Training
Taking Flight: Gliding and Flying
- Aircraft Used
Your Air Cadet Uniform
Air Cadet Ranks
- How Promotions Work: Merit Review Board
Music Leaders: Drum and Pipe Majors
Awards and Recognition
Air Cadet Symbols
- Flags
- Badge
Get Fit: Fitness Program
- Fitness Assessment Tests
- Incentive Program
Famous Former Air Cadets
See also

What Are Air Cadets All About?

The main goal of the Cadet Program is to help young people become good citizens and leaders. It also promotes being physically fit. Plus, it gets young people interested in activities related to the sea, land, and air, like those of the Canadian Forces. The Air Cadet motto is "To learn. To serve. To advance."

You can join the Air Cadets if you are between 12 and 18 years old. The Air Cadets use a similar rank system to the Royal Canadian Air Force. However, some rank names are different, like Flight Corporal instead of Master Corporal. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces. There is no pressure to join the military after being a cadet.

Adult leaders in the program are often members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service. These are mostly officers specially trained to lead cadet programs. Sometimes, civilian instructors and volunteers also help out. Many of these leaders were cadets themselves or served in the military.

The Canadian Cadet Organization works with the Canadian Forces and civilian groups like the Air Cadet League. Each local Air Cadet group has a special committee that helps support it. The basic Air Cadet program is free, including uniforms and most activities. Many squadrons get local support from groups like the Royal Canadian Legion. These groups help raise money for things like buildings, insurance, and extra activities. Cadets and their parents often help with fundraising too.

A Look Back: Air Cadet History

The Air Cadet program began during World War II. Young men were needed to help with Canada's war efforts. Groups like the Winnipeg Air Cadets started forming around 1938.

In 1939, two people named Alan Duncan Bell-Irving and A.W. (Nick) Carter started the first Air Force Cadet Wing in Vancouver. This group worked with the Department of National Defence. In 1940, the government decided to create a national organization. This group would help train young men to become pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force.

On November 11, 1940, the Air Cadet League of Canada was officially created. It worked with the RCAF. The first squadrons started in 1941. By 1942, there were 135 squadrons and 10,000 cadets! By 1944, the program had its highest number of members, with 29,000 cadets in 374 squadrons.

At first, Air Cadets wore old uniforms from the RCAF. These were blue-grey wool uniforms. After the war, the uniforms changed to a "battle dress" style.

After the war, fewer people joined. The program changed to focus on citizenship and aviation. Summer courses and flying scholarships were introduced. More than 15,000 cadets have earned their private pilot's license through these scholarships. By 1972, up to 28,000 cadets were allowed to join.

In 1953, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, became the organization's Air Commodore-in-Chief. He held this special role until he passed away in 2021.

In 1975, a big change happened: girls were officially allowed to join the Air Cadets! The uniform changed again, to a green safari-style uniform. Later, in the 1990s, new air force blue uniforms were issued.

Today, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has about 23,000 members in 456 squadrons. It's still the largest government-funded youth program in Canada. The program has also become more diverse, with many girls and visible minorities joining.

What Cadets Do: Local Training

An Air Cadet squadron marching

Each squadron has a "parade night" once a week. This is where cadets do their local training. The training program teaches cadets about citizenship, leadership, survival training, and how to teach others. They also learn about drill (marching) and the basics of aviation. Older cadets often teach these classes to younger cadets. Local training runs from September to June.

Besides the weekly training, cadets can join extra activities. These include band, marksmanship (shooting air rifles safely), biathlon (running/skiing and shooting), military drill practice, and first aid. Many of these activities have competitions at different levels.

Throughout the year, there are weekend activities. These might include survival exercises, taking part in Remembrance Day ceremonies, or familiarization flights. Some squadrons also participate in community events like parades.

How Training Levels Work

Air Cadets work through five training levels. Each level usually takes ten months to complete. If a cadet is 14 or older, they can sometimes finish levels 1 and 2 in one year. When cadets successfully complete a level, they get a special badge. As cadets move up, they learn to take on more responsibility. They also learn to help teach other cadets.

The program uses something called PHASE training (Promoting Healthy And Safe Experiences). This helps ensure a safe and positive environment for all cadets.

Levels of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets – Junior Cadets
Level One	Level Two	Level Three
To achieve Level One a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following first year performance objectives: PO 101 – Citizenship PO 102 – Community Service PO 103 – Leadership PO 104 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 105 – Recreational Sports PO 106 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 107 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 108 – Drill PO 120 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 121 – Canadian Aviation, Aerospace and Aerodrome Operations Community Familiarization PO 129 – Radio Communication PO 130 – Aviation Activities PO 140 – Aerospace Activities PO 160 – Aerodrome Operations Activities PO 190 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training	To achieve Level Two a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following second year performance objectives: PO 201 – Citizenship PO 202 – Community Service PO 203 – Leadership PO 204 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 205 – Recreational Sports PO 206 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 207 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 208 – Drill PO 211 – Biathlon PO 230 – Aviation History PO 231 – Principles of Flight PO 232 – Propulsion PO 240 – Aerospace PO 260 – Aerodrome Operations PO 270 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 290 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training	To achieve Level Three a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following third year performance objectives PO 301 – Citizenship PO 302 – Community Service PO 303 – Leadership PO 304 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 305 – Recreational Sports PO 306 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 307 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 308 – Drill PO 309 – Instructional Techniques PO 311 – Biathlon PO 320 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 331 – Principles of Flight PO 336 – Meteorology PO 337 – Air Navigation PO 340 – Aerospace PO 360 – Aerodrome Operations PO 370 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 390 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training

Levels of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets – Senior Cadets
Level Four	Level Five	Onwards
To achieve Level Four a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fourth year performance objectives PO 401 – Citizenship PO 402 – Community Service PO 403 – Leadership PO 404 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 405 – Recreational Sports PO 406 – Air Rifle Marksmanship PO 407 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 408 – Drill PO 409 – Instructional Techniques PO 420 – Canadian Forces Familiarization PO 429 – Radio Communication PO 431 – Principles of Flight PO 432 – Propulsion PO 436 – Meteorology PO 437 – Air Navigation PO 440 – Aerospace PO 460 – Aerodrome Operations PO 470 – Aircraft Manufacturing and Maintenance PO 490 – Aircrew Survival PHASE Training	To achieve Level Five a cadet must satisfactorily complete the following fifth year performance objectives PO 501 - Citizenship PO 502 – Community Service PO 503 – Leadership PO 504 – Personal Fitness and Healthy Living PO 507 – General Cadet Knowledge PO 509 – Instructional Techniques PO 513 – Personal Development (Workshops) PO 514 – Personal Development (Individual Learning)	Cadets who have completed Level Five often help run the squadron. They might help with uniforms, paperwork, training, or public relations. There are no more badges awarded after Level Five.

Extra Training Groups

Many squadrons have special teams or groups for extra training. Here are some examples:

Drill Team: Cadets practice advanced marching and movements. They might compete in regional events.
Marksmanship Team: Cadets learn to shoot air rifles safely at targets. They can compete in shooting competitions.
Military Band: Cadets can learn to play brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. They also learn special drill movements for bands.
Pipe Band: Cadets can learn to play the bagpipes or drums. They also learn special drill movements.
Biathlon Team: Cadets learn to run or ski cross-country and shoot targets. They can compete in these events.
Ground School: Cadets learn the basics of aviation. This helps them prepare for pilot training courses.

Summer Adventures: Summer Training

Sunset at Penhold Air Cadet Summer Training Centre

Air Cadets can go to special training programs during the summer. These programs happen at Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) across Canada. There are also national summer training courses.

Summer Training Courses

Summer training courses are like overnight summer camps. They last two, four, or six to seven weeks. Cadets learn about a specific area, like drill, music, or marksmanship. Adult staff and older cadets (called staff cadets) teach these courses. When cadets finish a course successfully, they get a badge for their uniform.

Special National Courses

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)

The International Air Cadet Exchange is a three-week trip. It allows top senior cadets to visit other countries. They see air bases, factories, famous landmarks, and museums. They also get to stay with local families. This exchange helps cadets represent Canada and learn about other cultures. Destinations include countries like Australia, France, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Pilot Training Courses

The Air Cadet program offers two amazing pilot training courses. One is for glider pilots, and the other is for private pilots. These courses last six to seven weeks. Cadets can earn a Transport Canada pilot license for free! To get in, cadets must complete an online ground school course and pass an exam. They also have an interview. Many cadets who complete these courses go on to become commercial pilots or join the Canadian Forces. Getting a pilot's license is one of the most exciting opportunities for Air Cadets.

When cadets successfully finish a pilot course, they receive special fabric and metal pilot wings for their uniform.

Cadet Training Centres (CTCs)

Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) for Air Cadets are located across Canada. They are often found on Canadian Forces bases. As of 2024, there are 12 CTCs used for Air Cadets. Some CTCs have closed or merged in recent years to make the program more efficient.

CTC	Location	Region	Year	Language
Argonaut CTC	CFB Gagetown	Atlantic		English
Bagotville CTC	CFB Bagotville, Quebec	Eastern	1969	Bilingual
Blackdown CTC	CFB Borden, Ontario	Central		English
Cold Lake CTC	CFB Cold Lake, AB	Northwest	1973	English
Valcartier CTC	CFB Valcartier, Quebec	Eastern	1968	French
Vernon CTC	Vernon, BC	Pacific	1949	English
HMCS Ontario CTC	Kingston, ON	Central		English
HMCS Quadra CTC	CFB Comox, BC	Pacific	1956	English
Rocky Mountain CTC	Rocky Mountain House, AB	Northwest		English
S^t-Jean CTC	Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec	Eastern	1975	Bilingual
Trenton CTC	CFB Trenton, Ontario	Central		English
Whitehorse CTC	Whitehorse, YK	Northwest		English

Summer Training Courses Offered

Here is a list of summer training courses available as of March 2024. Introductory courses (Level 2) are two weeks long. Instructor or advanced courses (Level 3+) are four weeks long, except for the pilot training courses. Cadets in Level 1 do not attend summer training.

Course Category	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4
Drill and Ceremonial	No summer training available	Introduction to Drill and Ceremonial (ITDC)	Drill and Ceremonial Instructor (DCI)
Aviation		Aviation Technology and Aerospace (ATA)	Advanced Aviation (AAC)	Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) – 7 weeks
Aviation		Aviation Technology and Aerospace (ATA)	Advanced Aviation (AAC)	Private Pilot Training Course (PPTC) – 6 weeks
Fitness and Sports		Introduction to Fitness and Sports (ITFS)	Fitness and Sports Instructor (FSI)
Survival		Introduction to Survival (ITS)	Survival Instructor (SI)
Music		Introduction to Military Band (ITMB)	Military Band Musician (MB)
Music		Introduction to Pipe Band (ITPB)	Pipe Band Musician (PB)
Marksmanship		Introduction to Marksmanship (ITM)	Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor (ARMI)
Staff Cadet		N/A	Staff Cadet – 7 weeks or more

Taking Flight: Gliding and Flying

The Schweizer SGS 2-33 (2-33A), used for training in the Air Cadet Gliding Program

Every spring and fall, about 22,000 Air Cadets get to experience familiarization gliding. This happens at special gliding centres across the country. Each summer, 320 cadets earn their Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence. Another 250 cadets earn their Private Pilot Licence.

The Air Cadet Gliding Program does about 60,000 glider flights each year. They use Schweizer SGS 2-33 gliders. The Air Cadet League of Canada owns these gliders and tow planes. The Canadian Forces help maintain them. Canadian Forces pilots and civilian instructors fly the planes to train cadets.

For the Private Pilot Training Course, cadets go to private flight schools. The aircraft used can vary, including Cessna 152, Cessna 150, Cessna 172, or DA20 Katana.

Aircraft Used

Make/Model	Type	Manufacturer	Origins
Schweizer SGS 2-33A	Glider	Schweizer Aircraft	United States
Cessna L-19 Superdog	Tow Plane	Cessna	United States
Cessna 182	Tow Plane	Cessna	United States
Bellanca Scout	Tow Plane	Bellanca	United States

Your Air Cadet Uniform

All Air Cadets receive uniform items for free. Cadets are responsible for taking care of their uniform. They must return it when they leave the program.

Formal Uniform (DEU)

This uniform is for formal events and ceremonies. It includes a blue wedge cap, a blue jacket (tunic) with a belt, a light blue shirt, and a black necktie. Cadets also wear blue trousers, a black web belt, grey socks, and black leather boots. They get a name tag, slip-on ranks, and rank badges to sew on their tunic.

Some cadets in special roles wear white cotton gloves, a white lanyard, and a white nylon belt. The white lanyard goes around the left shoulder. The white nylon belt replaces the regular tunic belt. It has a gold buckle with the Canadian Armed Forces symbol. Cadets also wear any medals or awards they have earned.

Cadets with religious beliefs that require changes to the uniform can wear a turban instead of the wedge cap. This is common for cadets of the Sikh faith.

Special Highland Dress

Highland dress is a special uniform for cadets in a pipe band. These cadets get a Glengarry hat and a kilt with the air cadet tartan pattern. They also get two sporrans (pouches), special socks, and white spats. Other items can include a drum major's sash or a leopard skin apron for drummers.

Daily Training Uniform (FTU)

For daily training, cadets wear the Field Training Uniform (FTU). This includes an air force blue beret with the Air Cadet badge. They also wear a blue t-shirt, olive green tunic, olive green pants, and black multi-purpose boots. The black web belt from the formal uniform is worn with the FTU pants. Cadets may also get an olive green name tape for their FTU tunic.

Cold Weather Gear

Cadets receive items for cold weather. These include an all-season coat, black winter gloves, and a blue toque. Cadets can wear these items when it's cold outside. The all-season coat has a removable liner.

How to Wear Your Uniform: Orders of Dress

All cadet uniform items are worn according to specific "orders of dress." These rules tell cadets exactly what to wear for different occasions. Cold weather items can be worn with any order of dress.

Air Cadet Numbered Orders of Dress
Name	Number	Description
Ceremonial Dress	C1A	Cadets wear all parts of the formal uniform. This is for important events like parades and church services. All medals are worn.
Ceremonial Dress	C1H	Same as C1, but with the special highland dress for pipe band members.
Mess Dress	C2	Cadets wear the formal uniform, but with ribbons instead of medals and a black bowtie instead of a necktie. This is for special dinners or events.
Service Dress	C3	Cadets wear all parts of the formal uniform, with or without the jacket depending on the weather. Sometimes worn for daily training.
	C3A	Same as C3, worn with the jacket but without the necktie. The squadron commander decides when to wear this.
	C3B	Same as C3A, worn without the jacket. The squadron commander decides when to wear this.
	C3C	Cadets wear the formal uniform, but with the blue t-shirt instead of the collared shirt. No medals or name tags are worn. This is often worn when traveling to summer training.
Training Dress	C5	Cadets wear all parts of the daily training uniform. This is for regular squadron training.
	C5A	Same as C5, worn without the tunic (jacket).
	C5B	Cadets wear a ball cap, t-shirt, boots, and a Canadian Armed Forces flight suit. This is only for cadets on pilot training courses.
	C5C	Cadets wear their own civilian clothes. This is for sports activities, if the commander allows it.

Air Cadet Ranks

When you join the Air Cadets, you start as an "Air Cadet" (AC). To move up in rank, cadets must meet certain standards. These standards ensure that all cadets at a certain rank have similar skills and experience. Every cadet has the chance to advance.

Cadets start getting leadership roles when they reach the rank of Flight Corporal. Flight Corporals might lead small groups of younger cadets. Sergeants help with daily squadron activities, like teaching classes or taking attendance. Flight Sergeants lead larger groups (flights). Warrant Officers 2nd Class work closely with adult leaders to help the squadron run smoothly. They assist with things like training and supplies. Warrant Officers 1st Class report directly to the squadron's Commanding Officer. They oversee all squadron activities.

The full name of each rank includes "cadet" (e.g., "cadet corporal"). But usually, people just say "corporal." If you need to tell the difference between a cadet and a Canadian Forces member, you would say "cadet corporal."

How Promotions Work: Merit Review Board

To be promoted to Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) and Warrant Officer First Class (WO1), cadets need to be recommended by a Merit Review Board (MRB). This board has three to five members, including the Commanding Officer.

The MRB looks at the cadet's file. They check things like attendance, training performance, and awards. Then, the cadet has an interview. They are asked questions about their time in the program, their leadership experiences, and how they would handle different situations. After the interview, the board decides if the cadet should be promoted.

Ranks of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets
Junior Cadets (Air Cadet - Flight Corporal)
CDT 1	CDT 2	CDT 3	CDT 4
Air Cadet (AC) *cadet de l'air*	Leading Air Cadet (LAC) *cadet de l'air de 1^er Classe*	Cadet Corporal (Cpl) caporal	Cadet Flight Corporal (FCpl) *caporal de section*
No insignia	One double-bladed Propeller.	a two-bar Chevron	A two-bar Chevron surmounted by a St Edward's Crown
The rank of Air Cadet is granted upon enrollment. Those wishing to enroll must be at least 12 years of age and younger than 19 years of age.	For promotion to Leading Air Cadet, a cadet must: Actively participate in the proficiency level 1 of the LHQ training program for a minimum period of five months Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)	For promotion to Corporal, a cadet must: Hold the rank of Leading Air Cadet Have successfully completed the first year of the proficiency level training (Proficiency Level 1) Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer) Particpated in	For promotion to Flight Corporal, a cadet must: Complete at least six months service at the rank of Corporal Have successfully completed the second year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 2) Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)
Senior Cadets (Sergeant - Warrant Officer First Class)
CDT 5	CDT 6	CDT 7	CDT 8
Cadet Sergeant (Sgt) *sergent*	Cadet Flight Sergeant (FSgt) *sergent de section*	Cadet Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) *adjudant 2^e classe*	Cadet Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) *adjudant 1^er classe*
A three-bar Chevron	A three-bar Chevron surmounted by a St Edward's Crown	A St Edward's Crown within a wreath of Maple leaves	A simplified version of the 1957 Coat of arms of canada
For promotion to Sergeant, a cadet must: Complete at least six months service at the rank of Flight Corporal Have successfully completed the third year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 3) Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO303 (Leadership) Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)	For promotion to Flight Sergeant, a cadet must: Complete at least six months service at the rank of Sergeant Have successfully completed the fourth year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 4) Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO403 (Leadership) Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)	For promotion to Warrant Officer Second Class, a cadet must: Completed at least six months service at the substantive rank of Flight Sergeant Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO503 (Leadership) Be identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)	For promotion to Warrant Officer First Class, a cadet must: Complete at least six months service at the substantive rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class Be identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process Hold a leadership position within the squadron Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer) Promotion to Warrant Officer 1st Class is the highest rank an Air Cadet can achieve. Squadrons can only have one Warrant Officer First Class at a time.
Reference:

Music Leaders: Drum and Pipe Majors

The 226 Pipeband at the 2008 annual review at the Colisée de Trois-Rivières in Quebec in May 2008

767 Dearman Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron band during a Santa Claus Parade in 2012

If a squadron wants to start a cadet band, they work with their sponsoring committee. This committee helps provide and maintain musical instruments. There are two types of bands: military bands and pipe bands. Military bands use instruments like woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Pipe bands use bagpipes and drums. Cadets earn music proficiency badges for their uniform.

A Drum Major or Pipe Major is a special leadership role in a band. The squadron's Commanding Officer decides who gets these roles. To be a Drum Major or Pipe Major, a cadet needs to be good at band drill and commands. They must also have completed Music Proficiency Level 2 and be at least a Flight Corporal. Only one cadet can be the Drum Major or Pipe Major in a squadron at any time.

Music Appointments
Drum Major	Pipe Major
Chosen by the Squadron Commanding Officer Shows skill in band drill and commands Has completed Music Proficiency Level 2 Holds at least the rank of Flight Corporal Badge is removed when the cadet no longer has the role Worn on the lower sleeve (between elbow and wrist) Only one cadet per squadron can be Drum Major	Chosen by the Squadron Commanding Officer Shows skill in band drill and commands Has completed Music Proficiency Level 2 Holds at least the rank of Flight Corporal Badge is removed when the cadet no longer has the role Worn on the lower sleeve (between elbow and wrist) Only one cadet per squadron can be Pipe Major

Awards and Recognition

The Canadian Cadet program has its own system of awards and honours. Cadets can earn these for bravery, good citizenship, service, or excellent performance in summer training. Cadets can also wear any official Canadian medals they have received on their uniform.

There are some awards that all cadets can earn, and some that are just for Air Cadets. Here are some of the awards Air Cadets can receive:

Medal	Image	Description
Cadet Medal for Bravery	.	Given for brave actions in dangerous situations. It also recognizes outstanding courage when trying to save someone's life or property, even if it means risking your own.
Lord Strathcona Medal	.	Awarded for excellent performance in physical fitness and military training.
Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence	.	Recognizes cadets who do great things as citizens. These actions help the cadet program's goals.
Colonel Robert Perron Award	N/A	Given each year to the cadet with the highest physical fitness test score. This award is currently paused.
Air Force Association of Canada Medal		Awarded for excellent performance on the Glider Pilot Training Course (GPTC) and the Power Pilot Training Course (PPTC). One medal is given to the top cadet on each course at each flying training centre.
Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada Cadet Medal of Merit	.	Awarded at each Cadet Training Centre to the top cadet on certain summer courses. These include courses like Advanced Aviation, Drill and Ceremonial Instructor, Fitness and Sports Instructor, and Music courses.
Order of St. George Medal	.	Awarded to the top Staff Cadet(s) at each Cadet Training Centre.
Air Cadet Service Medal		Recognizes cadets who have completed four years of good service without serious problems. Extra bars can be added for each additional year of service, up to two bars.
Cadet Certificate of Commendation		Awarded for outstanding actions when trying to save someone's life or property. This award is not part of the official order of precedence.

Air Cadet Symbols

Flags

An example of a Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Banner

In some squadrons, the ensign and squadron banner are carried by a flag party along with the Flag of Canada.

The Banner of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Banner is used on important ceremonial occasions. It shows that a group of cadets is present. This banner was first used in 1991. Cadets show respect to the banner like they would to a military flag.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Ensign

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Ensign was first approved in 1941. It was changed in 1971 to include the National Flag of Canada. The ensign is usually flown at the squadron and often carried in a flag party. It is always flown from a pole at Air Cadet summer training centres.

The squadron's name and number are sewn onto its banner.

Badge

The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets is a circle with maple leaves around it. Inside the circle is a flying falcon. Above the falcon is the Royal crown, which shows that the King or Queen of Canada is the authority for the Cadets. Below the circle is a scroll with "Royal Canadian Air Cadets" written in English and French.

This badge is worn on the left side of the wedge cap and other formal hats. It's also on the all-weather jacket and the air cadet beret.

Get Fit: Fitness Program

The Cadet Fitness Assessment and Incentive Program helps cadets stay fit. It started in 2010-2011. It uses tests similar to those from the Cooper Institute. The standards are being updated to be fair for all genders.

Fitness Assessment Tests

What's Tested	Exercise	Notes
Cardiovascular Endurance	20-m Shuttle Run Test/PACER	This test takes about 15 minutes. You need a special CD track and 20 meters of space to run.
Muscular Strength	Push-ups	Done to a rhythm of 20 push-ups per minute. You need a CD track or other way to keep the rhythm.
Muscular Strength	Curl-ups	Done to a rhythm of 20 curl-ups per minute. You need a CD track and maybe mats.
Muscular Flexibility	Back Saver Sit and Reach	You need a sturdy box and a ruler for this test.
Muscular Flexibility	Shoulder Stretch	No equipment needed for this test.

Incentive Program

The incentive program is currently paused.

There are four levels cadets can achieve based on their fitness results: bronze, silver, gold, and excellence. How cadets score depends on their age and gender.

	How Scores Are Measured
20m Shuttle Run Test	The number of laps completed while keeping pace with the tones.
Push-ups	The number of push-ups completed in time with the rhythm (20 per minute).
Curl-ups	The number of curl-ups completed in time with the rhythm (20 per minute).
Back Saver Sit and Reach	The distance reached in centimeters.
Shoulder Stretch	Whether the cadet can touch on both sides. If they can, it's "Excellent." Otherwise, it's "Nil."

After all tests are scored, the lowest score (except for the shuttle run) is removed. Cadets then get an overall incentive level based on their lowest remaining score. They receive a badge for their uniform that shows their fitness level.

Famous Former Air Cadets

Many notable Canadians were once Air Cadets! Here are a few:

Name	What They Are Known For
Nazanin Afshin-Jam	Miss World Runner-Up 2003, human rights activist
Barbara Bonfiglio	Electronica disc jockey known as Misstress Barbara
George Canyon	Country music singer
Maryse Carmichael	First female Snowbird pilot and commanding officer of the Snowbirds
Joe Clark	Former Prime Minister (1979–80)
Chris Hadfield	Astronaut, first Canadian to walk in space
Jeremy Hansen	Astronaut
Ray Hnatyshyn	Former Governor General (1990–95)
Kevin Moon	Member of the South Korean boy band The Boyz
Walter Natynczyk	Former Chief of the Defence Staff (2008–12)
Fred Penner	Musician and children's entertainer
Al Simmons (musician)	Musician and children's entertainer