809 “Newark” Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron
AIR CADET PLANNER
FOR CADETS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS
The Air Cadet program started in 1941 when a group of civilian volunteers set up a country-wide voluntary organization to help stimulate an interest in flying and aviation. Many cadets eventually entered wartime service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Following the end of the war, the Air Cadet program remained in place. Its role changed to meet the needs of society and its young people. The Five Key Program Principles of the Air Cadet Program are as follows:
- Invite all Canadian youth
- Instil Canadian military values
- Develop citizenship, leadership, and fitness
- Balance safety and challenge
- Leave a positive lifelong impact
Everything we do in Air Cadets can be summed up in the motto of the program:
To Learn, To Serve, To Advance
The Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program is a unique partnership between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Air Cadet League. This partnership can be found at all levels of the program:
- The national level: The Air Cadet League of Canada – www.aircadetleague.com
- The provincial level: Ontario Provincial Committee – www.aircadetleague.on.ca
- The local level: Branch 124 Royal Canadian Legion – www.on.legion.ca
Each squadron is sponsored by a local organization. This can be a service club such as a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion or the Air Force Association, a group of clubs or a parents’ association. The sponsors form an SSC that assists in the operation of the squadron. The SSC is responsible for fund raising, securing facilities for the squadron to hold parades and to assist in finding suitable adults to enrol as officers and civilian instructors.
Each squadron is staffed by a group of officers, non-commissioned members, civilian instructors and volunteers under the direction of the CO. The CO is responsible for supervising the operation of the squadron and the implementation of the training program. The CO and his/her team organize the training program according to national standards and plan and implement various training activities during the week and on weekends.
At the provincial and national levels, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Air Cadet League work cooperatively. They provide the necessary resources to support the squadrons at the local level. This includes provision of uniforms and training for officers and cadets, aircraft and gliders for the flying program as well as administrative support for squadrons and SSCs. Without this unique partnership, the Air Cadet program would not be as successful as it is today.
THE PARTNERSHIP
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| QUALIFICATIONS |
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| REMUNERATION |
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| CHAIN OF COMMAND/COMMUNICATION |
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| DIRECTIVES |
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| ANNUAL MEETING |
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FEES: CADET AND PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
There is a $120 yearly fee to join a Royal Canadian Air Cadets squadron. This will be paid on the first night of cadet training in September, or the first night that the cadet attends, whichever comes first. This fee covers the OPC assessment fee of $60 per cadet and the cost ($60) of one book of OPC Lottery Tickets. If the cadet wishes, he/she may sell these tickets to family and friends, for a total return of $60, reducing the cost of the program to $60 per year. Otherwise, the cadet/parent/guardian may assume all the tickets for themselves, increasing their chances of winning one of the many impressive prizes.
Registration fees must be submitted on the first night by cheque made payable to 809 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. A receipt will be provided. Unfortunately, the fees for OPC/ACLC assessment and lottery tickets are not currently recognized as eligible for the fitness tax credit by the Canada Revenue Agency.
In addition to paying the $120 yearly fee, each cadet is expected to fulfill the following obligations and responsibilities:
Taking Part in Fund-Raising Activities
Bottle drives, tag days, and garage sales raise the necessary funds to help the squadron plan and implement various training activities. Additional fees of $100/cadet/day apply if the cadet is unable to participate in these scheduled fundraising days. These fees, payable by post-dated cheque, are collected in advance of the event, and are cashed in the if the cadet is unable to attend or only fulfils part of a required fundraising day/weekend.
REMEMBER: Cadets are responsible for ensuring that they attend all required fundraising days. These days are announced well in advance and posted on the website as a reminder the week before. Each cadet WILL attend two shifts for EACH tagging weekend, and two COMPLETE days for bottle drives. Each PARENT is required to submit THREE (3) cheques, post-dated, in the amounts of $100.00 each. For EVERY cadet, the parent will sign and date a Fundraising Understanding Form, provided by the SSC, so that everyone is clear on the policy. If a cadet only meets half of a tagging weekend requirement (one shift instead of the required two), or arrives late/leaves early for a bottle drive, the cheque will be cashed. In the case of a special occurrence or emergency situation, please contact the CO directly. No accommodations will be made after the event has passed. Although the additional cost of $300 per cadet seems high, it can be completely avoided by making sure your cadet fulfils his/her responsibility to the squadron.
Fundraising events are most successful when everyone attends. They are an opportunity for growth, camaraderie, and development of esprit de corps. Please make it a priority for your cadet and family and join us as we make this squadron the best place to be.
ATTENDANCE FEES: Three (3) post-dated cheques for:
- WINTER TAG DAYS: 30 Nov – 2 December 2018,
- JANUARY BOTTLE DRIVE: 12 January 2019,
- SPRING TAG DAYS: 6-8 April 2019
These cheques, for $100 each, should be made payable to the 809 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron. Cheques will be cashed immediately following any event that the cadet fails to participate in. See details above or refer to your copy of the Fundraising Understanding Form. For questions please contact the CO directly. Cheques will be returned to parents following each activity in which their cadet participates.
Attending all Training Nights, Training Activities, and Parades
It is important for cadets to attend all scheduled activities. Cadets who do not attend parade nights regularly, will fall behind in their training and will not be as successful as their peers. The same rule applies for weekend training. Attendance at special parades, such as the Annual Review is critical. If your son/daughter has a legitimate reason why he/she cannot attend a squadron activity, they are to call the Squadron office well in advance.
Taking Care of the Uniform
Each cadet will be issued a uniform when he/she completes the intake program. The squadron has a fixed budget to purchase uniforms each year. It is critical that the cadet takes care of his/her uniform, keeps it cleaned and pressed and returns it to the squadron when he/she leaves or outgrows the uniform. Each cadet is given training on how to look after their uniform. Ask your son/daughter to share this information with you. A good place to start is by purchasing a Kiwi brand black polish kit with Kiwi (yellow) polishing cloth. Males: get a haircut & shave. Females: no more than one stud (no diamonds) per ear, and no make-up.
Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork
There are permission forms for weekend training, summer camp applications, information bulletins, training schedules, parent meetings etc. This information is sent home for you the parent/guardian, as well as the cadet. Please ensure that the forms are completed and returned in a timely manner. Some forms are NATIONAL requirements.
Squadron Staff
| Commanding Officer (CO) Deputy Commanding Officer (DCO) Training Officer (TrgO) Administration Officer (AdminO) Supply Officer (SupO) |
Captain Jody Lemoine Lieutenant Matthew Russell, CD OCdt Dan Couroux 2Lt Ruxandra Nicolescu CV Serge Carbone |
Squadron Sponsorship Committee
| Chairman Treasurer Secretary Parent Liaison Public Affairs Air Cadet League Liaison |
Mr. Gary Zalepa Mrs. Christine Lett Mrs. Neeti Mehrotra Mrs. Sandra Ross-Gowans F/Lt (Ret) Sam Kingdon LCol (Ret) Kenn Moody, CD |
STANDING ORDERS
There are complete Squadron Standing Orders available on the squadron website. Below are some common orders every cadet needs to know:
- If you are unable to attend a training session, THE CADET must call their flight commander or the squadron (905-468-7584) to notify us of your absence.
- If you must leave early from an activity, you MUST notify the Administration Officer prior to leaving. If you arrive late, you must report to the Administration Officer.
- You MUST carry your Health Card with you at all times when attending cadets (Regular Wednesdays, Sports, Drill, Field Training Exercises, Gliding, etc.)
- When addressing an Officer, you must come to attention and salute prior to speaking with him/her. Address them using their rank and last name, or “Sir” or “Ma’am”. You will also salute after you finish speaking with them.
- When addressing a cadet of higher rank, you must come to attention while speaking with them. Address them using their rank and last name. If they are a Warrant Officer, you may use “Sir” or “Ma’am”.
- Officers on the parade square must be saluted, even if they are not wearing a headdress.
- The Chain of Command must be used. When submitting paperwork (other than enrolment paperwork), submit it to your Flight Commander who will forward it to the Officers. Questions must be directed to your flight commander or flight 2IC first.
- All CASH, CHEQUES or issues related to money/fees must be handled directly between the PARENT and TREASURER of the Sponsoring Committee. DO NOT send money with your cadet. The Treasurer will be available at the beginning and end of each Wed night in Sept, then the first Wed of each month.
- If you need uniform parts, notify your flight commander or 2IC.
- Report any injuries to your nearest senior cadet or officer IMMEDIATELY.
- Be courteous to your fellow class mates. Allow others to express their ideas and opinions. Only one person at a time speaks during class.
OFFICER RANK STRUCTURE
The officers in the cadet program are members of the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC), a branch of the Canadian Armed Forces secondary reserve force. They hold Queen’s Commissions and are granted the same privileges as all officers in the Canadian Armed Forces.
These are some of the officer ranks you can expect to see throughout the year. You will learn the remaining ranks during your regular training.
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Major (Maj) You will most likely only see a Major at the Gliding Centre or when the Area Elemental Advisor visits the Squadron. |
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Captain (Capt) The Commanding Officer (CO) and Training Officer (TrgO) are typically Captains. |
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Lieutenant (Lt) Pronounced “Left-tenant” would be a common rank to see in your cadet career. |
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Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Pronounced “second left-tenant” is the rank of an officer who has completed one year as an Officer Cadet and completed his or her basic training. |
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Officer Cadet (OCdt) This would be an officer who has just enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces and is awaiting training. Officer Cadets do not hold a Queen’s Commission and are therefore not saluted. |
| Civilian Instructors (CI) and Civilian Volunteers (CV) These also work at our unit. They are either paid specialists or adult volunteers. Although they do not wear a Canadian Forces uniform, they are to be addressed as “Sir” or “Ma’am” respectively. You will come to attention when you are speaking with them, but you will not salute. |
AIR CADET RANK STRUCTURE
It is important to know that cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Although your rank may look like some of the CAF ranks and may share a title, you do not hold any authority over anyone outside of the cadet program.
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Warrant Officer 1stClass (WO1) There is only one in the Squadron. This would be the Cadet Squadron Commander. |
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Warrant Officer 2ndClass (WO2) Typically two in the Squadron, thought there can be more. They would be the Deputy Cadet Squadron Commander and Squadron Warrant Officer. |
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Flight Sergeant (FSgt) These are usually flight commanders. They have completed their Level Four training. |
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Sergeant (Sgt) These are usually the second in command of the flight, or senior cadets who have completed Level Two training. |
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Flight Corporal (FCpl) These cadets have completed their Level Two training. |
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Corporal (Cpl) These cadets have completed their Level One training. |
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Leading Air Cadet (LAC) These are cadets who have participated in the Level One training program for more than five months. |
| Cadet (Cdt) These are cadets who have recently joined |
DRESS STANDARDS
Wedge
Your wedge must always be worn while in uniform. It is worn with the buttons two fingers from the brow and either centred on the head or tilted to the right. It is the traditional cap of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and has been worn by the air cadets for over 70 years. It must be kept clean and lint free.
Tunic
All pockets must be buttoned. All the buttons shall be done, except the top button. The belt is to be twist free, with the belt excess to the left. It shall be clean and wrinkle free. There shall be no creases on the sleeves. Ensure all badges are as per the two previous pages.
Pants
Trousers are to be well pressed, with sharp creases. The creases must be centred on the front extending up to the waist band to the first belt loops. The creases on the back are centred and extend to the waist band forming a “V”.
NOTE: do not place the iron directly to the uniform. Use an ironing cloth, which will prevent the uniform from becoming shiny.
Shirt
Your shirt is to be clean and wrinkle free. It is highly recommended you wash your shirt either weekly or every other week. The only crease in the shirt should be down the centre of each arm beginning at the centre of each epaulette. Rank slip-ons must be worn at all times. The nametag will be worn centred and immediately above the right pocket flap while in summer dress.
Socks
You MUST wear the grey wool socks you were issued. If you find the wool socks uncomfortable, you may wear thin socks under the wool socks.
Necktie
The necktie shall be clean and tightly done up in either the Windsor (preferred) or the four-in hand knot (see below).
Jewellery
You are permitted to wear a wrist watch, Medic-Alert bracelet and one ring on each hand. Earrings must be of stud type centred in the ear lobe. No other piercing is permitted. Band-Aids are not permitted to cover-up piercings.
Boots
Your boots must me laced straight across, see illustration. Your entire boot is to be highly shone. Use an old toothbrush with polish to blacken the welts. Kiwi black polish and cloth will produce the highest shine. Apply a moderate amount of polish to the area you will polish first. Wrap the Kiwi cloth tightly around your finger and dampen it with water. You should work on one section of the boot at a time. Apply the polish in a small circular motion. Continue with the circular motion until you can no longer see the circles formed by the polish. Take care to ensure not to scuff your boots.
Belt
You must wear the issued black webbing belt at all times. The brass tip must not extend beyond the buckle.
All Season Jacket
As the weather dictates, only the All Season jacket may be worn in uniform. The fleece liner is acceptable to be worn by itself. Rank slip-ons must be worn. The zipper shall be done up at all times when worn. The zipper should not extend below 6in from the neck.
Hair
Wearing of the Poppy
Poppies will be worn on the cadet uniform starting on the last Friday in October until November 12th.
SUMMER TRAINING
Each year, hundreds of Air Cadets have the opportunity to attend summer training centres throughout the country. There are seven levels of courses a cadet can apply for:
| General Training Introductory Specialty Courses Advanced Specialty Courses National Courses Glider and Power Pilot Scholarships Staff Cadet International Air Cadet Exchange |
Two weeks in length Three weeks in length Six weeks in length Six weeks in length Seven weeks in length Seven weeks in length Three weeks in length |
The courses cover a wide range of subjects ranging from basic training to music, athletics, leadership and flying. Senior cadets also have the opportunity for summer employment at cadet training centres. There is no cost to attend summer courses however the available spaces are limited. There are more Air Cadets who want to attend summer training than there are spaces!
The CO has to establish a priority list for each summer training course. A cadet’s position on the priority list is determined by a number of factors including the cadet’s age, interest and aptitude in the particular course, previous summer training and level of participation and attendance at local squadron activities. The final decision on which cadets go is made by the Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) in Borden.
In order to apply for a summer camp, each cadet needs to fill out an application form. These forms are sent out usually in November or December. The forms are to be taken home, filled out completely, and returned to the squadron promptly. Applications are handed-in to RCSU in early January.
NATIONAL SUMMER TRAINING COURSES
These are administered by the Air Cadet League, and have a more involved application process. The application package is sent home in November. Supporting documentation including a narrative and school transcripts must be included in the package. You can assist your son/daughter/ward in completing these forms. There is also a written test for flying and gliding scholarship candidates in January and interviews take place for all National Course applicants in February. These courses are reserved for only the most deserving cadets. Attendance, attitude, proficiency and leadership ability are all considered.
All summer training opportunities are to be taken seriously. Courses are in high demand and participation is not to be cancelled at the last minute without extenuating circumstances. By attending the Summer training information night in early June, you can help your cadet be better prepared for the demands of the course and for any unexpected obstacles (such as homesickness) that may occur. For more information about Summer Training, including application procedures, timelines, and possible course dates, contact the Squadron Commanding Officer.
CADET DISCIPLINE
All cadets are expected to conduct themselves in a manner best representing the Canadian Cadet Movement. It is assumed that each cadet will always follow this policy. However, if a cadet does not meet this requirement, several steps will take place:
- 1st Incident: Verbal Warning, recorded in Cadet Training File
- 2nd Incident: Written Report, Parents Contacted
- 3rd Incident: Written Report, Parental Meeting
At the parental meeting, all parties will discuss a suitable consequence for the cadet’s actions. It is hoped that with continuous contact between the cadet, parent and squadron that no cadet will be asked to leave 809 Squadron. However, as stated in the Commanding Officer’s Policies, any incident involving a drug, alcohol or smoking offence will be dealt with swiftly and in the best interest of the squadron.
All verbal warning records will be removed two times a year to coincide with promotion and awards meetings. This is to ensure that no cadet is penalized more than once for one infraction. Once removed from the file the chit will be destroyed and the matter considered closed provided a second or third incident has not occurred.
Acclamations will be issued after each observed demonstration of exemplary behaviour. These will remain permanently on the cadet’s file.
Every cadet will be treated with respect at all times. It is important to remember that this is a volunteer organization and that we must endeavour to be good listeners and problem solvers who always have the cadet’s and Squadron’s best interest at heart. With any disciplinary incident, the CO is to be informed at all times and will conduct all disciplinary/parental meetings.
PROMOTIONS
Promotion in the Air Cadet Program is based on merit. In order to be considered for promotion, a cadet must first meet specific national standards (attendance, time in current rank, training levels completed, and summer courses attended). These establish the minimum standards for promotion. Each squadron usually sets additional standards for promotion. These can include participation in fundraising activities, weekend training, competing on squadron teams, dress, drill and deportment.
The decision to promote a cadet is made by the Commanding Officer in consultation with the other members of the squadron staff, and when the rank of Warrant Officer is considered, in consultation with the Squadron Sponsoring Committee and Regional Cadet Detachment. A Merit Review Board is conducted where the cadet’s training file is reviewed and scored, and the cadet must sit an interview. Please refer to Annex H for more detailed information.
HOW CAN PARENTS HELP?
The most important thing is to show an interest in their cadet’s success and training and to support them during the year. There are many ways that you can help your son/daughter be successful. These include:
- Volunteer your time to help at bottle drives and tag days for sorting and/or driving;
- Attend all parent briefings on Wednesday nights scheduled this year on: 26 Sep 18, 30 Jan 19, and 4 Jun 18;
- Helping them to organize their after school time so that there will be time for Air Cadets and schoolwork, including Air Cadet activities such as weekend training on the family calendar;
- Trying to avoid conflicts with major activities such as the Annual Ceremonial Review;
- Transporting your son/daughter (and maybe their friends) to parade nights and picking them up at the end of the activity;
- Encouraging them to participate in squadron teams and activities. The more they put in to the squadron, the more they will get out of it;
- If they sign up for an activity, please ensure sure they show up – this avoids disappointment of others who may not make it on the first list to go;
- If you have a concern or question regarding your cadet, please contact the Commanding Officer directly. To avoid confusion or misinformation, please do not contact any of the other staff members or sponsors by email or phone;
- If you have a particular skill or would like to become more involved talk to the CO (Capt Palumbo) or the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair (Gary Zalepa) about becoming a CO’s volunteer or a member of the Sponsoring Committee.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact the Commanding Officer (CO) at the Squadron on Monday or Wednesday nights. As a parent, the CO is always your first point of contact for any issues or questions that you may have. Although we will always try to make ourselves available to you, please understand that this is a part-time position, and we have families, other employment and schooling to manage concurrently.
Welcome to 809 Newark Squadron. We hope you and your cadet enjoy what we consider the best youth organization in Canada.
J. Lemoine
Captain
Commanding Officer
809 Newark Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron
905-468-7584
www.809cadets.ca