570 Sir Winston Churchill Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron

Transcription

1 570 Sir Winston Churchill Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Squadron Handbook

2 Greetings from the Commanding Officer Welcome Back Everyone! It is my pleasure to welcome back all the returning Cadets and Parents. I hope you all had a fun and rewarding summer. I know my staff and I are looking forward to hearing about it and seeing what you have learned! It is also my pleasure to welcome all the new Cadets and Parents to the squadron. Your Son or Daughter is entering a fraternity that will be with them for their entire lives, with notable alumni including, George Canyon (Country Music Star), Brian Tobin (Former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador), Fred Penner (Musician and Children s entertainer), Joe Clark (Former Prime Minister), Walter Natynczyk (Former Chief of Defence Staff and current Deputy Minister of Veteran s Affairs) and current Canadian Space Agency President, Chris Hadfield (Astronaut), as well as many, many others! Cadets can and will push and challenge you, but as you see by the list of names above, it can be a stepping stone to so much more, as well as being lots of fun! Capt. Mark Bromley, CD Commanding Officer 570 Sir Winston Churchill R.C.A.C.S. We Shall Learn instruction to the end. We shall lead in Edmonton, we shall lead on the parade square, and in the classroom. We shall lead with growing confidence and growing strength And if the Squadron should last for a thousand years, they will always say, this was the year they lead on their 65 th Anniversary! Sir Winston Churchill (Well Sorta.)

3 Meet the Squadron Staff Commanding Officer.. Captain Mark Bromley Training Officer/Deputy Commanding Officer Captain Steve Doherty Assistant Training/Standards Officer.Lieutenant Paul Alberto Supply Officer.Lieutenant Nancy O Brien Administration Officer..Second Lieutenant Laura Geen Assistant Supply Officer/Level 5 Training Officer Second Lieutenant Will Trebell Volunteer Instructors Public Affairs Coordinator/SME I.T. & Effective Speaking....Mrs. Ashley Walsh Assistant Administration Officer/ Webmaster.... Mr. Luis Walsh SME Drill & Leadership. Mr. Shawn Dunnett Squadron Contact Information Phone Office Phone (Thursday Evenings) , ext 5286 Squadron Cell Phone The office phone will be monitored on Thursday evenings; messages will only be checked at that time. During activities or throughout the week, please contact the squadron cell phone. This will be checked periodically throughout the week by the squadron staff and we will attempt to return calls within 48 hours. Squadron general 570squadron@gmail.com Commanding Officer...mark.bromley@cadets.gc.ca Unit Cadet Conflict Management Advisor..steven.doherty@cadets.gc.ca Address Brigadier General James Curry Jefferson Armoury Street, Edmonton Alberta T5G 3H6 Website/Social Media Please visit our website or Facebook page for general information, activity notices and weekly announcements.

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5 Squadron Procedures Thursday Timings 18:00 Staff Arrive 18:15 Duty NCO/Sr. NCO s arrive 18:25 Cadets Arrive 18:30 Opening Parade/Attendance 19:00 Period 1 Training 19:35 Period 2 Training 20:05 15 Minute Canteen Break 20:25 Period 3 Training 21:00 Closing Parade Training periods are 30 minutes in length. After second period, cadets are given a longer break which allows them to use the canteen if they choose. A selection of snacks and drinks will be available for costs under $5.00. Commanding Officer s Parade During the last Thursday of the month, our Commanding Officer has an open forum with refreshments for the parents/guardians at the start of the training night. This is a great time to meet the boss, the executive of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, and have an open forum to address concerns or hear what s coming up. At the end of the night, around 2045hrs, our CO formally inspects the squadron. During this time the bulk of the formal recognition due to the cadets is done. Promotions, certificates, and other qualifications are presented and attendance by family and other wellwishers is encouraged. Reporting Absence/Late Arrival Cadets missing training are required to phone in prior to 18:30 hrs on training nights, or at least 30 minutes before an activity. Please leave a message on one of the squadron phones with cadets LAST NAME, FIRST NAME, date and reason for absence. It is important to report an absence so that cadets are marked excused, this will ensure training progression is not impacted by missing a night or activity. Texts, facebook messages, or other social media avenues are not acceptable for the reporting of absences. If you arrive late to cadets, report to your flight commander and ensure you are marked down on the attendance sheet. If cadets are already in class, please report to the administration officer in the squadron office. Building Access As we parade in a military facility, building access is strictly controlled. To gain access, please dial the squadron extension (5286) on the phone in the entrance of the building. A staff member or cadet will answer the phone and will come to the front to let you in. If both doors are locked you can use a mobile phone to call the office (780) ext Please note that business is conducted at all hours and that reserved parking/no parking areas are in effect at all times. Classroom Expectations In order to ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience, we expect all cadets to come to class with a willingness to learn and improve. All cadets should do their best to participate at a level that they are comfortable to ensure they gain the most from their training experience. Please bring a pen and paper every week!

6 Frequently Asked Questions Who Instructs Cadets? Cadets learn from members of the Cadet Instructor Cadre, military officers who are specially trained in the administration, training, and supervision of youth in the cadet program. In some cases, civilians are contracted or volunteer their time to assist Cadet Instructors due to specialist skills they possess. All the staff are screened by the Canadian Armed Forces or the Air Cadet League of Canada and must regularly pass a Police Information Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening. Will Cadet Training Affect Schoolwork? Involvement in Cadets should not negatively impact your child s school. Cadet training is a hands on, activitybased program that should complement school studies. In fact, some provincial and territorial education boards accept Cadet subjects for school credits. As well, there are several scholarships available through Cadets. Will my Son or Daughter be Expected to Join the Canadian Armed Forces? No. Cadets make absolutely no commitments regarding future military service, and are free to leave at any time. However, those who decide to join the Forces later on start out with the advantage of having learned valuable skills. When will I get a Uniform? The uniform is an important part to feeling included in the cadet program. After being in the program for a few weeks, cadets will be measured by our Supply Officer, who will provide a cadet with unifrom parts that are currently in stock. Everything else is ordered and can take several weeks to arrive. What is the cost? There is no cost for enrollment or uniforms! This program is intended to be accessible for all Canadian youth. Most activities are paid for by either the Department of National Defence, Air Cadet League, or Sponsor. Optional training may come with additional costs, such as interprovincial or international trips, but involvement is not mandatory and inability to participate will not negatively impact level qualifications or promotions.

7 Program Background The Air Cadet program started in 1941 when a group of civilian volunteers set up a country-wide voluntary organization to help stimulate an interest in flying and aviation. Many cadets eventually entered wartime service with the RCAF. Following the end of the war, the Air Cadet program remained in place. Its role adapted to meet the changing needs of society and its young people. The aims of the Air Cadet program are as follows: To develop attributes of good citizenship and leadership To promote physical fitness To stimulate the interest of youth in aviation and aeronautics Many cadets chose to pursue their interest in aviation through a career in the Armed Forces or through post-secondary study leading to a position in Canada s aviation industry. This, however, is not a requirement of the program. Our alumni participate in a wide variety of career paths and we encourage cadets to develop confidence and leadership abilities that will serve them well in any industry. To achieve this we follow the motto: To Learn, To Serve, To Advance The Partnership The Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program is a unique partnership between the Canadian Air Force and the Air Cadet League. This partnership can be found at all levels of the program: at the national level, the provincial level and, most importantly, at the community / squadron level. Each squadron is sponsored by a local organization. This can be a service club such as a branch of the Legion or a wing of the Air Force Association, a group of clubs or a parents association. The sponsors form a Sponsoring Committee that assists in the operation of the squadron. The Sponsoring Committee is responsible for, among other things, fund raising, securing facilities for the squadron to do its training and administration, assisting in finding suitable adults to enroll as officers and civilian instructors and to assist in recruiting cadets. The Sponsoring Committee s funds make possible supplemental optional activities and programs such as citizenship trips and bands that are not funded by the Canadian Forces. Each squadron is staffed by a group of officers, civilian instructors and volunteers under the direction of the Commanding Officer (CO). The CO is responsible for the control, welfare and training of the cadets, as well as for supervising the operation of the squadron and the implementation of the training program. The CO and their team organize the training program according to nationally set standards and plan and implement various training activities during the week and on weekends. At the provincial and national level, the Canadian Forces and the Air Cadet League work cooperatively to provide the necessary structure, guidance and resources to support the squadrons at the local level. This includes provision of uniforms and training for officers and cadets, aircraft and gliders for the gliding program as well as administrative support for squadrons and sponsoring committees. Without this unique partnership, the Air Cadet program would not be as successful as it is today.

8 Cadet Responsibilities There are no direct costs to parents or cadets when joining an Air Cadet Squadron. 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 be released from the squadron. The same applies for weekend training; these activities are also generally the most fun! Attendance at special parades such as the Annual Ceremonial Review is critical. If the cadet has a legitimate reason why he/she cannot attend a squadron activity, call the squadron 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 such as bottle drives. 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. We also ask that when your time as a member is complete, you return the issued items. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork There are permission forms for weekend training, summer camp applications, information bulletins, training schedules etc. This information is sent home weekly. Please ensure that forms are properly completed and returned in a timely manner. If you have any questions about cadet responsibilities and duties, please contact the squadron. 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 time in the previous rank). These establish the minimum standards for promotion; however, each squadron usually sets additional standards. At 570 these may include performance reviews, participation in weekend training, dress, drill, deportment and participation in optional training. 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.

9 Optional Training Cadets are not required to attend optional training. These are activities that we provide to help cadets further their interest in specialized areas of the cadet program. These programs are typically seasonal in nature, keep an eye out for dates and times throughout the year. Information will be posted online or in the Bulldog Bites newsletter. Optional Training provided by 570 is as follows: Biathlon Training: Includes distance running, cross country skiing and marksmanship Cadets train to qualify for local, provincial or national levels of completion Required equipment is provided Pipes and Drums Band Training: Cadets receive weekly lessons on the bagpipes, snare drum, tenor drum, or base drum Once a functional playing level is achieved, cadets are eligible to wear the Highland Kit uniform and parade as part of the band for squadron activities All equipment provided at no cost to the cadet Summer training opportunities in pipe and drums available Marksmanship: Cadets receive training on the Daisy Air Rifle in various shooting positions Cadets train to qualify for local, provincial, or national levels of competition Qualified Range Safety Officers supervise at all times Drill Team: Cadets train to compete as a team in a local drill competition following a series of commands Cadets develop a memorized routine of specialized drill for squadron displays Sports Teams: Cadets train to compete as teams in a local sports competition in basketball or volleyball Effective Speaking: Cadets learn the art of crafting impromptu and prepared speeches on provided topics Cadets train to qualify for local, provincial, or national levels of competition Ground School: Cadets learn the aviation topics required to pass the entrance exam to attend the Glider or Power Pilot Summer Training Courses Cadets that are too young (15 and under) are welcome to audit the training, though it is not recommended for those younger than 14 Scholarship Selection Board Training: Cadets learn interview skills to prepare for National Summer Training Course selection boards

10 Summer Training Courses Each year, hundreds of Air Cadets have the opportunity to attend courses at Cadet Training Centers throughout the country. Courses typically run two, three and six weeks in duration and cover a wide range of subjects from general training, to music, athletics, leadership, and flying. Senior cadets also have the opportunity for summer employment as staff cadets. There is no cost to attend summer courses however the available spaces are limited. The Commanding Officer establishes a priority list for each category of 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 Region Cadet Support Unit to make the final decision on which cadets go on course. Cadets compete within their region for most course spaces; however some senior courses are selected at a National level. Northwest Region is comprised of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Territory cadets. All cadets need to fill out an application form for summer courses. These forms are usually sent home in December following a Summer Training Information Session in November. Please take the time to complete the form fully and return it to the squadron promptly. 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. Parents can assist cadets 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 and timelines and possible summer course dates, contact the Training Officer or Assistant Training Officer.