Information for Parents

 

Cadet Responsibilities

 

There are no direct costs to parents or cadets when joining Air Cadets.  However, there are expectations for all cadets. These include:

 

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 and may impact their eligibility for training during the summer at one of the Cadet Summer Training Centres.  The same 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, call the Cadet Flight Commander in advance.

 

Taking part in fund raising activities

 

Although there is no cost to join a squadron, cadets are expected to take part in fund raising activities.  These activities raise the necessary funds to help the squadron plan and implement various training activities.

 

Taking care of the uniform

 

Each cadet will be issued a uniform when she/he completed the intake program. It costs the Department of National Defense (DND) approximately $400 to outfit each cadet. 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 the squadron or outgrows the uniform.  Each cadet is given training on how to look after the uniform.  Ask your son/daughter to share this information.

 

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork

 

There are permission forms for weekend training, summer camp applications, information bulletins, training schedules etc. This information is sent home for you as well as the cadet. Please ensure that forms are properly completed and returned in a timely manner.  If you have any questions about each cadet’s responsibilities and duties, please contact the squadron Commanding Officer.

 

 

 

 How can Parents Help?

 

You can do a great deal to help your son/daughter become successful in the Air Cadet Program.  The most important thing is to show an interest in their success and training and to support them during the year.  There are many other ways that you can help your son/daughter be successful.  These include:

 

Helping them organize their after school time so that there will be time for Air Cadets and schoolwork;

 

Reminding them to look after their uniforms (washing, drying, pressing, shining etc.);

 

Including Air Cadet activities such as weekend training on the family Calendar;

 

Try to avoid conflicts with major activities such as Annual Reviews;

 

Transporting your son/daughter (and maybe their friends) to parade nights and picking them up at the end of the night; and

 

Encouraging them to participate in squadron teams and activities.  The more they put into the squadron, the more they will get out of the program.

 

 

Promotions

 

Promotion in the Air Cadet Program is based on merit. In order to be considered for promotion, a cadet must first meet certain national standards (attendance, training levels completed and summer camps attended).  These establish the minimum standards for promotion. The Squadron also sets additional standards for promotion.  These can include participation in weekend training, participation on squadron teams, dress, drill and deportment.  The decision to promote a cadet is made by the Commanding Officer in consultation with other members of the squadron staff and sponsoring committee.  For more information about promotions, please contact the Commanding Officer.

 

 

 Summer Training Courses

 

Each year, hundreds of Air Cadets have the opportunity to attend courses at summer training centres throughout the country.  Courses run two, three and six weeks and cover a wide range of subjects from basic training to music, athletics, leadership and flying.  Senior cadets also have the opportunity for summer employment.  There is no cost to attend summer courses however the available spaces are limited.

 

The Commanding Officer establishes a priority list for each summer 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 effective participation in local squadron activities.  This information helps the DND Cadet Regional Headquarters to make the final decision on which cadets go on course.

 

Cadets need to fill out an application form for summer courses.  These forms are usually sent home in January.  Please take the time to complete the form fully and return it to the squadron promptly. If you have any questions about the information requested on the form, please contact the Squadron Administration Officer.

 

Six-week senior courses sponsored by the Air Cadet League have a more involved application process. The application package is sent home in November or December. Supporting documentation, including a narrative, a transcript from school and other items, must be included in the application package. You can assist your son/daughter in completing these forms. There is also a written test for flying and gliding candidates in

January and an interview for all prospective candidates in February. For more information about summer courses, including application procedures, time lines and possible course dates contact the squadron adnministration Officer.  For more information see the Cadet Summer Training page.

 

Getting Involved

 

There are many ways that adults can get involved with the Air Cadet Program.

 

Become a Volunteer

 

Ask the Commanding Officer if there is a need for volunteers.

 

Become a Civilian Instructor

 

If you can devote time on a regular basis to the squadron, or if you have special skills (flying, first aid, etc.) you could become a Civilian Instructor.  Civilian Instructors are considered part of the staff complement of a squadron and receive some pay for their efforts.

 

Become a Cadet Instructor Cadre Officer

 

The Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers (CIC) are members of the Canadian Forces whose duties are to instruct cadets.  Officers must be able to attend regularly (both regular parade nights and weekend activities) as well as take training courses offered through the military.  CIC Officers receive pay, uniforms and training through the Canadian Forces and are eligible for promotion after meeting national standards.

 

Join the Squadron Sponsoring Committee

 

Each squadron has a Sponsoring Committee.   The Sponsoring Committee provides the support for the squadron and is involved with fund raising, proving facilities and promoting the squadron activities.  The committee usually meets monthly although some committees meet more often. If you have skills (accounting, fund raising, public relations, administrative or secretarial) you think might be useful to the Sponsoring Committee, please contact the Sponsoring Committee Chairperson.   Any adult who wishes to work with Air Cadets must be registered and screened by the Sponsoring committee or the Canadian Forces. This process could include a reference check and a criminal record check.

 

  

Conclusion

 

Joining the Air Cadets is a big step for a young person.  As parents, you can do a lot to support your son/daughter as they proceed through the Air Cadet Program.  If you have any questions about the information included in this publication, please contact the Commanding Officer or the Chair of the Squadron Sponsoring committee. He/she will be able to answer your questions and provide you with additional information about squadron procedures, the Air Cadet program and the Air Cadet League.

 

  

699 Jasper Place Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Information

 

Squadron Telephone Number: (780) 995-5415 (please note – if no answer, please leave a message – phone is not monitored 24/7)

 

Parade Night Location: West Edmonton Baptist Church located at located at 17821 - 98th Avenue NW Edmonton

 

Squadron Mailing Address: P.O. Box 33165 RPO Glenwood, Edmonton, T5P 4V8

 

Squadron E-Mail Address: cadetnews699@yahoo.ca

 

Commanding Officer: Captain Erin Sand

 

Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chair: Ms. Amanda Bellamy  

Sponsoring Committee e-mail: 699wingsociety@gmail.com              

 

Air Cadet League (Alberta)

What is the Air Cadet League?

Alberta Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada website

Contact Information

 

 

Postal Address:
Alberta Provincial Committee
Air Cadet League of Canada
P.O. Box 381210
#725, 500 Country Hills Blvd. NE
Calgary, AB T3K 5G9

 

E-Mail: chairman@aircadetleague.ab.ca