What is Cadets?

Cadets is a national program for all young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging, and rewarding activities with the aim of developing in youth the leadership, citizenship, and physical fitness.

Who can join?

Anyone between the ages of 12 and 18, in a medically and physically fit condition, and resides in Canada can join the cadet program. If you are over the age of 18, don’t fret — there are still opportunities for you. More information can be found here.

Does joining cadets mean I have to join the CAF (Canadian Armed Forces)?

No. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor are they expected to join the military. However, they are introduced to Sea, Army, and/or Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. You can think about it as a program which promotes leadership, physical fitness, and citizenship with a military theme used largely to facilitate discipline and structure. The majority of cadets do not join the Canadian Armed Forces after their time as a cadet, but it does serve as a great prerequisite for it.

How much does it cost?

There is absolutely no cost for training in the cadet program. All of our funding is received through the Department of National Defence through subsidies and with additional help from fundraising events, sponsors, and kind donors.

I’m shy, how do I know if I will fit in and make friends?

Upon joining, you will be placed into a star level. Your star level consists of a group of cadets of similar age and qualification. The more time you spend training in your star level, the more friends you will make. Cadets often make lifelong friends while in the program. But if you’re still unsure, bring a friend with you!

Will I get bossed around?

No, but you will be tasked and receive instruction from senior cadets. But worry not, senior cadets have been through plenty of training and understand how it feels to be in your shoes — they’re friendly people!

Isn’t cadets just a bunch of marching and wearing uniforms?

Yes, there is marching. Yes, there are uniforms. But those are secondary to the aims of the cadet program. Army cadets will introduce to you the opportunity to participate in countless life changing experiences here in Canada and abroad. Past cadets at 2715 have held leadership positions at the largest cadet training centres in Canada, climbed glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, descended ravines in Wales, parachuted from aircrafts in Trenton, and represented the cadet program all across the world, to name just a few examples. Public officials have even personally recognized 2715 cadets for some of these accomplishments. Overall, the cadet program is a world of opportunities that extends far beyond just marching and wearing uniforms.

Do I get to shoot guns?

Yes and no. 2715 conducts corps-wide marksmanship training on a monthly basis throughout the year where, after substantial preparation in safety and handling, cadets practice marksmanship with the Daisy 853C air rifle. The marksmanship team also offers spots to 7 talented cadets who will be given the chance to practice marksmanship more frequently as part of a team and possibly compete in regional, provincial, and national competitions. Cadets on occasion get the opportunity to fire actual firearms in certain training courses as well, some of which specifically train cadets over several years to become some of the top marksmen in Canada and compete internationally. Other training courses, such as the Maple Leaf Exchange, allow cadets to operate British Military firearms.

Do I have to cut my hair/ adhere to dress standards?

Yes. Cadets must dress in accordance with dress standards. However, some parts of your personal appearance (hairstyles, facial hair, make up, piercings, religious wear, etc) are allowed but must be worn in accordance with dress standards. Specific details on dress standards can be accessed here, starting on page 14 (numbered “2-2-1”).

Do I get paid?

Yes and no. You do not get paid for yearly training (September - June), but cadets attending summer training courses as trainees receive a training bonus of a few hundred dollars based on time spent training. Staff cadets (usually 16-18 years old) who instruct those courses make a daily wage (as they are officially employed by training centres) and usually come home with a few thousand dollars after their contract. Joining cadets is a net profit!

How will Army Cadets benefit me personally?

Army cadets is not only a fun and enjoyable program, but it can help you in other areas of life as well. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and time management can help you in school, the workplace, and other professional areas. Hard skills such as physical fitness, sports, canoeing, biking, hiking, and other activities can help you in areas where these skills are required; or they can simply improve your overall fitness. Most remarkably, in Army Cadets you will meet countless people to help you establish a network on which you can learn, grow, and rely. Army cadets is also a great add to a resume, and you will likely come across at least one person later in life with whom you can reminisce over your time spent in cadets.

I still have some questions, who should I contact?

Contact us about further questions via email or join us for a training night to speak in person with our members. Contact details can be found here. We are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have!

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