How the Canadian Air Cadet Movement Works

ATC Observer, Volume 3, Issue 7, 1 March 1945, Page 19

How the Canadian Air Cadet Movement Works

Aims of the Air Cadets of Canada. The first aim of the Air Cadets of Canada is to give Canadian youth an opportunity to develop interest in aviation and to lay a foundation of sound knowledge. It is organized to provide Canadian boys and young men with ground training and instruction similar to that given to R.C.A.F. aircrew in order that there shall be created in the Dominion a body of trained and disciplined young men, conscious of the vital importance of air supremacy to the Empire’s security and capable of being of service to King and Country should they subse- ' quently decide to enter the R.C.A.F. At the same time Air Cadets can prepare themselves in their youth for a time when they may wish to follow one of the many useful careers in the field of aviation. Also fundamental in the Air Cadets of Canada is the development of character without which any effort must collapse. Every Air Cadet must realize the necessity of co-operation with every other member in a single unifying cause. If this is borne 'in mind and practised, discipline will not need to be created—it will have created itself. No greater builder of character can be found than the selfdiscipline of each individual and the intelligent desire to co-operate for a common purpose.

In the Air Cadets of Canada, physical as well as mental needs are recognized, and training to ensure strength and health is a fundamental part of the programme. Actually the goal of Air Cadets may be defined as the creation of a nation-wide body of youth educated in aviation subjects, trained in co-operative effort and possessing the qualities of leadership. Authority for Air Cadets. As Canada’s official Air Cadet organization, the Air Cadets of Canada received the authorization of His Majesty’s Privy Council in Canada in November, 1940. The Order-in-Council provides that:

1. The Air Cadets shall be subject to the authority and under the orders of the Air Officer Commanding the Royal Canadian Air Force Command in which the Air Cadet units are located. 2. Air Cadets shall be drilled,

(Printed with the kind permission of Canadian Air Cadet.)

(Continued on P. 24)

trained and furnished with arms and equipment, in such manner and under such conditions as the Minister of National Defence for Air may prescribe.

3. Air Cadets, as such, shall not be liable to service in the Riyal Canadian Air Force in any emergency. On the authority of the above order the Air Cadet movement in Canada was launched through the medium of a civilian organization called the Air Cadet League of Canada. Since the original organization, the R.C.A.F. has taken an increasing interest in the movement and a division of responsibilities has resulted which is outlined as follows:

Air Cadet League of Canada. I.—Organization. (a) Operating under a Dominion Charter, the League elects a Board of Directors from its membership, consisting of prominent citizens throughout the country who are interested in the Air Cadet movement. A balance