27 SQUADRON ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS. Recruit Information Pack. September 2016

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1 27 SQUADRON ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS Recruit Information Pack September 2016 Training Night: Thursday, 18:30 to 21:15 hours Training Location: HMCS Prevost, 19 Becher Street, London ON. N6C 1A4 Telephone: Website: 1

2 CONTENTS Page # MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS 3 REQUIRED DOCUMENTS 3 THE ROLE OF PARENTS 4 TRAINING: OUR EXPECTATION OF CADETS 5 UNIFORM 5 IDENTIFICATION OF BELONGINGS 5 UPKEEP OF THE UNIFORM 6 SOURCES OF HELP FOR MAINTAINING YOUR UNIFORM 7 TRAINING: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME 8 ABOUT 27 SQUADRON 9 THE SPONSORSHIP AND PARENT COMMITTEES 9 OTHER WAYS ADULTS/ PARENTS CAN HELP 10 2

3 MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS To be eligible for membership in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets a candidate must: 1. Have reached his/her 12th, but not 19th Birthday; 2. Not belong to another Cadet Unit; 3. Produce evidence of Physical Fitness; 4. Be a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant, or be an international student under the guardianship of a Canadian Citizen or Landed Immigrant; 5. Be acceptable to the Commanding Officer of the Squadron; and 6. Have parental or Guardian permission. Cadets with physical or medical limitations may join Air Cadets, but may be excluded from certain activities, including Summer Training. The safety and well being of the cadet is the major consideration and determining factor. IMPORTANT: Parents should be aware that if a cadet is not capable of attending weekend training exercises and/or summer training, the cadet may not be eligible for promotion, summer camps or scholarship courses. This does not mean that a cadet cannot have a rewarding career, in spite of these limitations. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS A person wishing to enroll in the Air Cadets must provide the following: 1. Completed Application Pack 2. Copy of one of the following proofs of identity: a) a valid Canadian passport b) a valid identification card, visa or permit (work, study, resident, etc.), with picture, delivered by a Canadian federal government agency which legally authorizes the holder to reside in Canada for an extended period of time, c) a valid identification card, with or without picture, issued by a Canadian federal, provincial or territorial government agency, d) a birth certificate issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal government agency, (A baptismal certificate issued by a religious order will not be accepted as a proof of identity) 3. Copy of current Ontario Health card or health coverage. 4. When applicable, a copy of the relevant section of the court decree or judgment or separation agreement defining the legal guardian access rights, 5. When applicable, a copy of the relevant section of the court decree or judgment imposing restrictions, obligations and/or conditions on the cadet. 3

4 These documents are to be printed out, filled in and given in hard copy to the Squadron Recruiting Officer or Squadron Administration Officer. If you are transferring from another Cadet Unit please provide us with contact information of your former Commanding Officer so that we can request your personal file. All transferring cadets will meet with the Training Officer prior to starting regular training. THE ROLE OF PARENTS Parents/guardian's play a pivotal role in an Air Cadet s career. This begins with your consent, on the appropriate form, for your son/daughter to become a member of a Cadet squadron. With the exception of regular training, Cadets must also have your written permission to attend other cadet activities, including weekend training, public parades, fund-raising etc. Parents can also do a great deal to help their son/daughter become successful in the Air Cadet Program, by showing an interest in their training and by supporting them during the year. Experience has shown that the Cadets who do well and get the most out of the program are often those who have strong parental support and involvement in Squadron activities. As a Parent, you can: 1. Become an active member of the Parents Committee to help with fundraising. 2. Help your son/daughter organize their after school time so that there is time for Air Cadets, schoolwork and other family events. 3. Encourage your son/daughter to take responsibility for their own actions (eating before parades, remembering uniform, etc.) 4. Remind your son/daughter to look after their uniforms. 5. Include Air Cadet activities on the family calendar. 6. Try to avoid activities that conflict with major events such as the Annual Review. 7. Provide transport your son/daughter (and maybe some of their friends) or arrange for someone dependable and trustworthy to do so. 8. Encourage your son/daughter to participate in squadron teams and activities. 9. Check the Squadron website regularly for important updates and events. Ultimately, the success of each Cadet mirrors the support received from their peers, their senior colleagues, the Staff, and probably most of all, from their parents. 4

5 TRAINING: OUR EXPECTATION OF CADETS During the course of the training year in Level 1, Cadets will be expected to participate as fully as possible. In particular they should: 1. Attend parade nights regularly (to ensure that they complete the mandatory training subject matter), 2. Attend at least one Field Training Exercise (FTX) each year, 3. Attend at least one formal public parade (e.g.: Remembrance Day Parade.), 4. Attend the mandatory Aviation Day training, 5. Take part in all fund-raising activities (Tag Days / Lottery Ticket Sales), 6. Take part in Community Events, and 7. Take advantage of activities such as Museum visits, Gliding, Sports days, etc. 8. Ensure that all permission forms and paperwork given to them is taken home and given to parents/guardians. NOTE: Completion of each Level is a prerequisite for promotion and progression within the Cadet organization. IMPORTANT: Parades may involve standing and / or marching for periods of up to thirty (30) minutes at a time. This is not unreasonable and it is expected that Cadets ensure that they can complete this activity, by having adequate food and drink before attending parade. UNIFORM New cadets shall only be issued a uniform once all enrolment paperwork is complete and signed off by the Commanding Officer (CO). A cadet must have a continued presence of four or more weeks at the squadron before receiving a uniform. (Starting from the first night, not the date of enrolment as it appears on paperwork signed by the CO). A new cadet recruit will be issued with an Air Cadet blue T-shirt after officially joining the Squadron. It will be worn, tucked into black dress pants or clean black jeans. This will be considered as uniform until he/she is issued with a full uniform. Skin-tight pants or leggings and baggy track pants are NOT acceptable during training activities and parades. IDENTIFICATION OF BELONGINGS All cadets are to write their name in their personal belongings and to ensure they have the correct item when leaving any cadet activity. Name tags will be worn by cadets. Name tags will be worn when a cadet is in full or short order uniform 5

6 UPKEEP OF THE UNIFORM It costs the Department of National Defense (DND) approximately $800 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. The following tips will be useful to cadets in keeping their uniform to standard: a. Washing. (1) The uniform shirt can be machine-washed in warm water (but not boiling). Scrub the collar and under-arm area with a brush and some kind of pre-wash liquid prior to washing. Shoulder rank slip-ons must be removed before washing as they will be damaged by normal washing. (2) The tunic, trousers and socks should be machine-washed in cold water otherwise the colour may run. b. Dry Cleaning. The wedge, tie and shoulder rank slip-ons must be dry-cleaned. c. Ironing. Be sure not to use too hot an iron or the fabric will be scorched. The new fabric uniforms will actually melt. Use an ironing cloth or dish towel to avoid the iron actually touching the fabric. (1) Ties and slip-ons (epaulettes) should be ironed. (2) Do not iron creases into sleeves of tunic. d. Alterations to Uniform. (1) You must not make any modification to your uniform items. (2) At times the length of the trouser legs need to be taken up (the bottom of the trouser leg should be in line with the third lace hole from the bottom of your boots). Hem by hand with a loose stitch. You must not cut the material of your trousers to shorten them. (3) You must not cut the belt to make it shorter. e. Badges. Badges must be sewn on by hand or machine stitched with a long stitch. If tiny stitches are used it is too difficult to remove badges and then marks are left on the fabric. Do not use glue or two-way iron on tape. A badge placement service is available at: Victor Bax, 505 Adelaide Street for a reasonable fee. f. Removal of Badges. Cadets are to take care when removing badges so as to avoid unnecessary damage to uniforms. g. Boots. In the winter you would be advised to carry your boots to cadets. The salt on the roads eats away at the polish of your boots. You should polish your boots with a Kiwi cloth and black polish. h. All Season Coat. The All Season Coat (Parka) has a removable fleece liner. Note that the liner is never to be worn on its own when a tunic is worn. It is important that the liner is not lost. 6

7 SOURCES OF HELP FOR MAINTAINING YOUR UNIFORM Remember: Your fellow Cadets are there to help you. They have all learned how to look after the uniform and will know what you are feeling. This is your uniform, NOT your parents'. It is your responsibility to maintain it. The following YouTube links can be used to help you see what is required: Ironing Pants Ironing Shirts Polishing Boots Tying your tie

8 TRAINING: MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME Additional activities and programs exist at Summer Camp and throughout the year. These include courses in: General Training, Basic & Advanced Aviation, Power & Glider Pilot Scholarships, Basic Fitness & Sports, Fitness & Sports Instructor, Basic and Advanced Leadership, Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor, Pipes and Drums Courses: Basic P&D, Basic Survival / Survival Instructor, Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace, Advanced Aerospace, Advanced Aviation Technology: Airport Operations and Maintenance, International Air Cadet Exchange, Staffing at Summer Camp, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, Squadron Band Membership (Pipe or Drum). Intermediate P&D Advanced P&D, The Air Cadet Year Major Events(Watch for specific dates) 8

9 ABOUT 27 SQUADRON The Air Cadet movement was started in 1941 as a partnership between the Royal Canadian Air Force and various civilian organizations. 27 Squadron received its charter in October of the same year, and is among the oldest of the 453 squadrons now operating across Canada. Many members of the squadron served in the RCAF during the Second World War, and the Korean conflict; several with distinction. 27 Squadron has a current strength of over 100 cadets (aged 12 to 19) and is the largest Squadron in London and the surrounding area. The Air Cadet movement stresses citizenship, physical fitness, and fosters an interest in aviation for those who join. Many cadets go on to become pilots in both the Canadian Forces and civilian airlines. The Royal Canadian Air Cadet movement today is a partnership between the Canadian Forces and various civilian sponsors including the Royal Canadian Legion, Air Force Associations, and organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, and the Optimist Club. THE SPONSORSHIP AND PARENT COMMITTEES The Squadron Sponsor Committee (SSC) is a group of civilians who assist in raising funds for training, and provide support and other assistance to the Commanding Officer. This is part of the civilian side of the 'partnership' alongside the Canadian Forces. Members may be parents, members of service clubs such as the Royal Canadian Legion, or simply members of the community who want to play a role in ensuring the success of the squadron. The Parent Committee is a group of parents who also assist in raising funds for training, and provide support and other assistance to the Commanding Officer. This is another vital part of the civilian side of the 'partnership. Members may be parents of current or former Cadets who want to play a role in ensuring the success of the squadron. Activities include: 1. Organizing fund-raising events, and 2. Assisting with catering at Bush Weekends and Tag Days. 9

10 OTHER WAYS ADULTS/ PARENTS CAN HELP There are many ways that adults can get involved with the Air Cadet Program. Become an occasional Volunteer. Ask the Commanding Officer if there is a need for more occasional volunteers. Some events require adult volunteers to drive for weekend activities, or help in some way with special activities. Become a Volunteer Staff Instructor. If you can devote time on a regular basis to the squadron, or if you have special skills (flying, first aid, photography, music, etc.) you could become a Volunteer Staff Instructor, or in some circumstances a paid Civilian Instructor. Become a CIC Officer. The Cadet Instructor Cadre officers are members of a special component of the Canadian Forces whose sole duties are as youth development leaders. Officers must be able to attend regularly (both regular parade nights and weekend activities) as well as take training courses offered. 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. As previously described, the Sponsoring Committee provides support for the squadron and has many functions, including fund raising, providing facilities and promoting the squadron activities. The 27 Squadron Sponsoring Committee meets monthly. If you have particular skills (event organizer, fund raising, public relations, etc) you think might be useful to the Sponsoring Committee or simply want to help, please contact the Sponsoring Committee Chairperson. Any adult who wishes to work (volunteer) with an Air Cadet squadron must be registered and screened by the Sponsoring Committee and the Air Cadet League. This process includes an interview, a reference check, and a police/criminal records check with vulnerable sector screening (and for certain positions a credit check). 10