Apart from the training we do on Thursdays and on weekends, deserving
Cadets are also given the opportunity to further their knowledge, meet
new people from other parts of the region or the country, and last but
not least, have FUN. Here is a bit of information on the different courses
offered, separated into 8 areas of interest: Exchange, Aviation, Leadership,
Survival, Music, Sports, Basic Training and Summer Employment..
Before we get to the summer courses,
you should know that these are divided into three categories:
FAMILIARIZATION courses include the following:
They are indicated by a [F] next to the title.
INTRODUCTION TO SPECIALTY courses include the following:
They are indicated by a [I] next to the title.
ADVANCED SPECIALTY courses include the following:
They are indicated by a [A] next to the title.
Exchange
-International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) Program visits
[A]
IACE visits are designed to stimulate an interest among youth in international
affairs and cultures. It also serves as a reward to senior cadets for their
outstanding service with their squadron over a period of years. The countries
visited include the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Netherlands,
France, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Norway, Turkey, Sweden and Belgium.
The IACE visits are of about two weeks duration, and the cadet must be
17 years old and a level 5 at the Sqn. As well, applicants below the rank
of Flight Sergeant are rarely considered.
-France-Canada Gliding/Cultural Exchange visits [A]
This exchange visit is opened to glider pilots that also fulfill the requirements
of the IACE program. During about two weeks, the cadets get a chance to
fly high-performance gliders at different gliding schools in France. The
successful applicants must be able to speak fluent French in order to be
selected, be 17 years old and a level 4 at the Sqn. As well, applicants
below the rank of Flight Sergeant are rarely considered.
Aviation
-Flying Scholarship [A]
Also referred to as "Power Scholarship" by the more senior cadets, this
seven-week course is given at various locations in Eastern Region (the
English-speaking candidates are usually with Dynamair Aviation in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu,
Que). Cadets go through an intense curriculum of theoretical (ground school)
and practical (flying) instruction that ultimately provides them with their
Private Pilot's License. Cadets applying for this course must be 17 years
old and a level 4 at the Sqn.
-Gliding Scholarship [A]
"Glider" is a six-week course given in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu for the French-speaking
candidates and at either Comox, B.C., Gimli, Man. or CFB Trenton, Ont.
for the English-speaking candidates. Cadets also go through an intense
curriculum of theoretical (ground school) and practical (gliding) instruction,
part of which is soaring, that ultimately provides them with their Glider
Pilot's Licence and allows them to fly all types of gliders. Cadets applying
for this course must be 16 years old and a level 3 at the Sqn.
-Air Traffic Control [A]
The Introduction to Air Traffic Control course is a six-week course given
at Air Cadet Summer Training Centre (ACSTC) Trenton, Ontario. The course
is designed to introduce cadets to the world of Air Traffic Control, and
is divided into three parts: One third consists of courses on the required
theory, material and competency. One third consists of practical courses
in simulations. And the last third consists of complete visits of civilian
and military ATC installations, including the NavCanada Training Institute
in Cornwall, Ont., as well as DND installations. Cadets applying for this
course must be 17 years old and a level 4 at the Sqn.
-Technical Training [A]
The six-week Tech Training courses is given at CSTC Borden, Ontario. The
aim of these courses is to learn advanced training concepts in one of four
fields:
-Electronics: Focus is on the elementary theory of electronics,
as well as practical projects consisting of building an AM radio.
-Airframes: Focus is on the structure and maintemance of airframes
and includes practical projects within cadets' talent and safety levels.
-Aero Engines: Focus is on the theory and practical aspects of
bypass engines.
-Photography: Focus is on the process of picture-taking and developing
of black and white pictures.
There is no age requirement for this course, but the applicant should
have shown some interest in acquiring knowledge in that field, and must
a level 3 at the Sqn.
-Introduction to Aerospace [A]
The three-week Introduction to Aerospace course, held at ACSTC St-Jean,
Québec, is designed to familiarize
cadets with the scientific, technical and human aspects relating to space
exploration and development. Due to the highly academic contents of the
course, a 70% mark in mathematics and physics is a must. Although there
is no age requirement for this course, the applicant must be a level 3
at the Sqn.
-Introduction to Aviation [I]
This three-week course is seen by many as the stepping stone to a glider
or power scholarship. On this course cadets follow a ground school program
similar to the gliders' program, although more basic. This course is given
at the ACSTC St-Jean, Québec, and applicants must be either 15
years old OR a level 3 at the Sqn.
Leadership
-Advanced Leadership Course [A]
This six-week national course, formerly known as SLC, is basically a junior
staff college, and is held at ACSTC Cold Lake, Alberta. AL prepares cadets
to hold senior positions at the squadron level. To do this and to emphasize
leadership qualities, the course syllabus includes leadership, drill, management,
instruction and interpersonal relations. Cadets are encouraged to develop
their own potential and personal style of leadership in an environment
where they set and attain their own objectives and standards. Applicants
must be 15½ years old and a level 4 at the Sqn, and must have previously
completed a summer camp.
-Air Cadet Instructor Course [A]
This three-week course is given at the Survival and Leadership School (SLS)
in Lac Sébastien, near CFB Bagotville, Québec. On this course,
cadets develop the skills and experience to teach at the squadron, as well
as drill. They can be expected to be instructors or assistant-instructors
on their return to the squadron.
-Introduction to Leadership [I]
This three-week course, which used to be called Junior Leaders, is given
at the SLS in Lac Sébastien, Québec. On this course, cadets
learn how to complete the tasks performed by a leader at the squadron and
to plan and organize activities where they will be responsible for other
cadets, and of course drill. Cadets also get opportunities to practice
these skills.
Survival
-Survival Instructor Course [A]
This six-week course is held at the SLS in Lac Sébastien, Québec.
It includes practical training during which cadets learn the art of surviving
in the outdoors under a wide variety of conditions, and to find and assist
those who are lost or hurt in the forest. In order to be accepted, applicants
must have shown an interest in outdoor activities, must hold a valid First
Aid certificate from St. John's Ambulance, and must be a level 3 at the
Sqn.
-Air Crew Survival [I]
This two-week course is held at the SLS in Lac Sébastien, Québec.
On this course, cadets learn basic survival skills such as shelter building,
foods to eat, fire building, and other essential skills to save their lives
in a wilderness emergency. Cadets also get opportunities to practice these
skills.
Music
-Service Band [A]
After completing level 2 music qualifications, a cadet can apply to join
a service band, either at ACSTC Bagotville, at ACSTC St-Jean or at CSTC
Cap-Chat, Québec. Service bands give concerts and demonstrations
during the summer, as well as provide music for graduation parades to the
different CSTCs. While doing so, they can also raise their level of music.
Cadets are part of the service band during six weeks, and there are no
requirements other than those for level 2 music.
-Level Music [F,I,A]
Since a number of squadrons have bands, courses can be taken by the members
of the band to improve their skills. There are 5 different music levels:
level 1 is 3 weeks long, and levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 are six weeks long, and
are held either at the Eastern Region Cadet Music School (ERCMS) in Mont-St-Sacrement,
Québec, or in Borden, Ontario. Apart from level 1, it is required
to have completed the previous music level. For level 1 [F], applicants
must be a level 1 at the Sqn. For levels 2 and 3 [I], applicants must be
a level 2 at the Sqn. For levels 4 and 5 [A], applicants must be a level
3 at the Sqn. It is also possible to take Level Piping for squadrons who
have pipe bands.
-Basic Music [F]
This three-week course is a combination of Basic camp and music training.
It is given at the ERCMS in Mont-St-Sacrement, Québec. The contents
is pretty simple: music reading, sol-fa, and other subjects covered on
Basic. Applicants must have completed level 1 at the Sqn.
Sports
-Athletic Instructor Course [A]
This tri-service six-week national course is held at ACSTC St-Jean,
Québec and at CSTC Borden, Ontario. The purpose of this course is to prepare cadets in becoming
sports instructors at the squadron level, including the preparation of
inter-squadron sports meets. While the emphasis is on sports, leadership,
instructional techniques and organization also make up a portion of this
course. Apart from being a level 3 at the Sqn, the applicant must also
be in great physical shape, because there is a physical entrance exam which
must be passed before being allowed to continue. It is also very important
to have at least basic swimming abilities.
-Physical and Recreational Training [I]
The three-week PRT course is also held at ACSTC St-Jean, Québec.
Its purpose is to prepare cadets in becoming assistant sports instructors
at the squadron level. In order to accomplish this, the curriculum consists
mostly of sports instructions, including rules of sports. Once again, a
high degree of physical fitness is required by applicants.
-Rifle Coach [I]
The three-week Rifle Coach course is the newest addition to Air Cadet summer
camps, and was held for the first time in the summer of 1999. The purpose
of this course, held at CSTC Borden, Ontario, is to prepare cadets in becoming
assistants to the Range Safety Officer (RSO) during Sqn rifle days (either
.22cal or .177cal air rifle). To do so, the curriculum includes theory
and practical training on the ranges. Preference is given to cadets that
actively participate in shooting exercises and have previously completed
a summer camp. Applicants must have completed level 2 at the Sqn.
Basic Training [F]
This two-week course is held at the ACSTC Bagotville, Québec. This
course is the introductory course to all other courses available in the
cadet movement. Cadets are taught aviation subjects, leadership, survival,
drill, sports, have a chance to go gliding and visit some DND installations.
It is recommended to all cadets as a first summer course.
Summer Employment [A]
Summer Employment is also available to senior cadets in three categories:
Training, Training Support and Specialty. Training
staff cadets instruct leadership, survival, aviation subjects, sports,
drill, etc. Training support staff, as their name implies, support the
training of the cadets. They include logistics, administration, canteen,
supply, headquarters, first aid and accomodations. Specialty staff cadets
fill roles that are not normally suited for cadets who have not gone through
specific specialty training. These include familiarization glider pilots,
photographers, lifeguards and aircraft maintenance. All Cadet Summer Training
Centres require staff cadets, and the length of employment varies from
3 to 8 weeks depending on the functions of the staff cadet. Applicants
must be 16 years old by January 1st of the year and be recommended
by the Commanding Officer.
© Copyright 1996
Royal Canadian Air Cadets
742 National Capital Squadron
All rights reserved.
Revised: Oct 23rd, 2000
Webmaster: Capt C. Choinière, Commanding Officer, 742 National
Capital Squadron
animation by Lt S. Choinière, Administration Officer