How the Canadian Air Cadet Movement Works

ATC Observer, Volume 3, Issue 8, 2 March 1945, Page 14

How the Canadian Air Cadet Movement Works

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

(Concluded)

2.—Responsibilities. (a) Finances Unit committees are responsible for furnishing any funds necessary for the administration and training of Air Cadet squadrons over and above that provided by grants paid by the government. These committees, however, may be assisted financially by funds received and disbursed by the provincial committee. (b) Promotion — The League, through it committees, is responsible for the promotion and formation of Air Cadet squadrons. In this they are assisted by R.C.A.F. officers maintained at Commands for cadet purposes. (c) Officers and Instructors —The unit committee is responsible for the recommendation of gentlemen to act as officers and instructors of squadrons, and provincial committees are given an opportunity to concur or otherwise in these recommendations. (d) Definition of League Policy and Implementation of Same: The R.C.A.F. co-operates in the declared policy of the League as it affects the Air Cadet administration through its representation on the executive committee. (e) Co-operation with Education— Due to the fact that education in Canada is provincially controlled, provincial committees of the League maintain liaison with provincial authorities with a view to establishing certain phases of Air Cadet training in school curricula. (f) Magazine The League is responsible for publication of “Canadian AIR CADET,” a monthly periodical published mainly for Air Cadet use but also distributed to the public. The managing editor of the magazine is appointed by the League and accommodation for the necessary staff is made at national headquarters. (g) Enrolment— Boys between the ages of 15 and 17 inclusive, are eligible for enrolment, although school units are permitted to enrol boys from 12 years old. Royal Canadian Air Force. . Administration of Air Cadets by the R.C.A.F. is described as follows:

(a) Training: The syllabus of training includes the subjects taught to aircrew at Initial Training Schools. Instruction in navigation is not as extensive as that at I.T.S. and armament is limited to range procedure and target practice. In addition, a course in knots and splices and first aid (St. John Ambulance) are included. Examinations and requirements are set by the R.C.A.F. in all subjects except the latter two. It is recommended that squadrons concentrate. on qualifying cadets in administration, drill, aircraft recognition, mathematics and signals as a minimum programme. On completion of these ' subjects cadets are instructed in other subjects of the syllabus in accordance with their abilities and interests. (b) Enlistment in the R.C.A.F.: Air Cadets enlisting in the R.C.A.F. are allotted a “K” prefix to their regimental numbers instead of the “R” which prefixes the numbers given to those enlisting without Air Cadet training. Cadets who are enlisted on leave without pay until their reporting date, return to their squadrons for further training during this interim period. These recruits are authorized to wear a red ’ “flash” in the cap of their cadet uniform to distinguish them as enlisted Air Cadets. (c) Officers and Officers’ Courses: Officers are recommended for commissions in a component of the R.C.A.F. known as the “Air Cadet Corps” and applications for appointment are made in the usual manner. Officers are required to attend a qualifying course within one year of the date of appointment, such course being of two weeks’ duration. (d) Instructors and Instructors’ Courses: Up to the present time instructors have been appointed by unit committees. Training courses for instructors are provided by the R.C.A.F. (e) Equipment: Instructional equipment is provided free of charge by the R.C.A.F. This includes service publications and equipment necessary to teach signals, aircraft recognition, navigation, anti-gas, drill, etc.