Air cadets is a youth program for boys and girls 12-19. There are no costs with the program, and we  use some fundraising to cover costs. The cadets receive theory and practical training in a variety of subjects, some of which include citizenship, leadership, meteorology, navigation (air and ground), orienteering, principals of flight, flying, drill, effective speaking, sports, marksmanship, music, biathlon, aircrew survival, adventure training - just to name a few.

 

What Activities Do We Do?

 

Parade Night (Weekly LHQ Training) - Tuesdays from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Cadets meet at our parade location on Tuesday Nights throughout the school year. Cadets normally meet in their issued uniforms. There is an opening parade followed by three periods of instruction, and a closing parade with announcements. The parade nights follow the Royal Canadian Air Cadet training schedule in a variety of subjects. These classes tend to be more theory based. Attendance and performance is used in the completion of the cadets mandatory training proficiency. Parade nights are open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar  for further details.

 

Optional Training - Selected Weekdays or Weekends

Optional Training events are an opportunity to practice the skills learned on the parade nights in a "hands on" manner, focusing their skills in preparation for competitions, mandatory training proficiency evaluations, and weekend exercises.  Optional training dates are generally open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details. Please review the Optional Training section for further information.

 

Supported Training Days - Selected Saturdays or Sundays

Supported Training Day events are an opportunity to practice the skills learned on the parade nights in a "hands on" manner, to meet mandatory training proficiency evaluations. Supported Training Days are open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

Weekend Exercises - Selected weekends during the school year. Depart Friday evening and return Sunday Afternoon

Cadets normally meet at our parade location and are transported away to the training location. Weekend Exercises are an opportunity to practice the skills learned on the parade nights in a "hands on" manner. Some Weekend Exercises are times where the cadet will undertake their mandatory training proficiency evaluations.  Weekend Exercises are generally open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

Regionally Directed Activities (RDA) - Selected Saturdays, Sundays, or Weekends

For Regionally Directed Activities, Cadets normally meet at locations in Lethbridge.  Cadets normally meet in civilian dress; however, some activities require the issued uniform. RDA Activities are an opportunity to practice the skills learned on the parade nights in a "hands on" manner, focusing their skills in and gaining experience from a large pool of instructors and fellow cadets from around the Local Area, Province, Region, or Nationally. Some RDA activities are competitions that are at the Zone, Provincial, or National level. RDA are open to 11 RCACS Cadets who have applied and been selected by the Regional Command. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

Zone, Provincial, and National Competitions - Selected dates and locations

The Cadet program holds various competitions for the skills learned by the cadets. Many of these competitions have the opportunity for cadets to advance to Provincial, and then to National Level Competitions. Marksmanship, Effective Speaking, and Biathlon competitions are held at all three levels.  11 RCACS is able to send a limited amount of cadets to participate in these competitions.

 

Summer Training Courses -  During the summer months

There are summer training courses available through the cadet program. These courses expand on the annual training. The common cadet training is presented in tri service courses with cadets from all elements and from across the region, country, or world (depending on the course). Elemental training (i.e., air) is presented in an elemental setting. Cadets apply in November. Each Summer Course has a specific application; please see the staff for any questions. Only a limited amount of cadets are able to attend a Summer Training Center.

 

Summer Training Information

 

Parades and Events

Air Cadets participate in several Parades and Events throughout the year, such as Remembrance Day and other local or provincial ceremonies/parades or events. These parades are done in conjunction with Veterans Organizations or other related organizations. Cadets normally meet at the location of the parade in their issued uniform.  Parades are open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

Community Service Events

Cadets normally meet at the event location in either civilian dress or their issued uniform, depending on the event. Community Service events are an opportunity to serve in the community. Each cadet is required to perform a certain amount of Community Service hours to meet their mandatory training proficiency. Community Service dates are open to all 11 RCACS Cadets. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

Flying

Air Cadets participate in Flying as part of the Air Elemental Training Day.  The 11 Lethbridge Squadron Sponsoring Committee funds powered familiarization flights. Senior Cadets may apply for a Pilot Scholarship where Air Cadets can earn their Transport Canada Glider Pilot or Transport Canada Powered Pilot license. Graduates of the Air Cadet Pilot courses can apply to work a local Air Cadet Gliding Center. While at the local Gliding Center, senior cadets will fly the Gliders used to fly junior cadets for the Air Elemental Day. Please refer to the 11 RCACS unit calendar for further details.

 

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