Honours and Awards

Cadet Hours and Awards are goverened by Cadet Administrative and Training Order (CATO) 13 - 16.

Lord Strathcona Medal

The Lord Strathcona Medal (LSM) is the highest Award which can be bestowed upon a Cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training.

The Medal and the accompanying Certificate of Merit are awarded by the Lord Strathcona Trust. The issue and wearing of the LSM is authorized by the Chief of the Defence Staff. Each Air Cadet Squadron may award one Medal in each training year, but the award of the Medal is to be based solely on the availability of a worthy candidate. Awarding the LSM annually is not mandatory and should not be a matter of custom for a particular appointment or by seniority alone. The Squadron Commanding Officer determines whether a LSM should be awarded each year, but he is encouraged to seek the recommendations of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee. The LSM is provided through the Area Cadet Officer, and is presented by the Reviewing Officer at the squadron’s annual ceremonial review.  For more information see CATO 13 - 16 Annex D.  The application for replacement of the Lord Strathcona Medal (CATO 13-16 Annex D Appendix 2) is here.

Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence

The Royal Canadian Legion Cadet Medal of Excellence (RCLCME) recognizes individual endeavours of a citizenship nature, which meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the Cadet organizations. It is wholly sponsored and awarded by the Royal Canadian Legion.  Each Air Cadet Squadron may award one RCLCME each training year, provided a worthy candidate is available. The main theme in awarding the RCLCME is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the Cadet program. The Squadron Commanding Officer is the approving authority for the award of the medal, but is encouraged to seek the active participation of the local Legion authorities and the recommendations of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee. The RCLCME will normally be presented by a suitable Legion representative at the Squadron’s annual ceremonial review.  For more information see CATO 13 - 26 Annex E.

Cadet Long Service Medal

The Air Cadet League of Canada "Air Cadet Service Medal" is awarded to cadets who have completed four (4) continuous years of honourable service with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.  The local Squadron Sponsoring Committees will make the medal available to current serving cadets free of charge.  Air

Cadets are eligible to receive a bar for the Air Cadet Service Medal for each year of training completed beyond the four year qualifying period. A rosette will also be provided for the undress ribbon.  The applicant must have completed the full year from the "Taken on strength" Date to qualify for the Bar & Rosette.  The Commanding must confirm the years of service, using the ACC 56 form, and indicate they are ordering a medal. The Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair must confirm the order and the completed form is send it  to the Alberta Provincial Committee.  The process for ordering the bar is the same as for ordering the medal. Commanding Officers must confirm the years of service, using the ACC 56 form, and indicate they are ordering a bar.

Former cadets may purchase the medal including the undress ribbon through the Alberta Provincial office or the National office webstore for $28.75.  Please use form ACC57 (Former Cadet).  Former Cadets who wish to purchase a Bar for their medal or Rosette for their undress Ribbon will follow the same process as for ordering the medal.  They must complete the ACC57 form and send the application along with supporting documentation to confirm their years of serviceto the National Air Cadet League Office.

The miniature medal is available to current and former cadets through the National Air Cadet League Office for $17.25.