Canadian Cadet Organizations

The Canadian Cadet Organizations, marketed under the name of Cadets Canada, is a youth program known as the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The program is sponsored by and funded by a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the civilian Navy League, the Army Cadet League and the Air Cadet League, as well as local community sponsors that include service organizations and parent sponsoring groups supervised by the Leagues.

Overview

Cadet corps and squadrons exist in communities large and small from coast to coast to coast. Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor is the program a prerequisite for military service. Adult leadership is provided primarily by the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service, most of whom are members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre Branch. Members of the Regular Force and Primary Reserve can volunteer to instruct, while there are also civilian instructors and volunteers who have gone through a thorough screening process.

The aim of the program is to "Develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces."

All elements of the CCO are under the command of the Commander of the National Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Support Group (Ntl CJCR Sp Gp or CJCR).

History

In 1862, five years before Confederation, "drill associations" were set up in Canada as a response to the American Civil War. These early drill associations served to train militia and were open to people over the age of 13.

In 1879, the government authorized the creation of 74 "Association[s] for Drill in Educational Institutions", drill associations that were open to male youth over the age of 14 and which did not entail active service in the military.