Cadet Joining Instructions & Information

Ecole Des Pionniers de Maillardville, 3550 Wellington Street, Port Coquitlam, BC, (604) 649-0568

777.aircadets.ca1Table of Contents

Commanding Officer’s Welcome................................................................3Introduction – Motto - Aims........................................................................4Contacting Us................................................................................................4Where and When We Meet (Parade).........................................................5Canteen..........................................................................................................5Revised July 2018

Our Staff………………………………………………………………………………………. 6Our Sponsoring Committee .......................................................................6Cadet Enrolment Process............................................................................7

Enrolment Package.................................................................................7Expectations: What you can expect from us.................................................................7 What we expect from cadets..................................................................7 What we expect from parents/guardians................................................8Cadet Training .............................................................................................8Cadet Teams and Activities........................................................................9

The number of teams/activities cadets can participate in?....................9Precision Drill Team................................................................................9Flag Party...............................................................................................9Band.......................................................................................................9Power/Gliding Scholarships..................................................................10First Aid................................................................................................10Range/Marksmanship...........................................................................10Biathlon................................................................................................10Effective Speaking................................................................................10Model Building/RC Aircraft....................................................................10Choir.....................................................................................................10Optional & Weekend Activities.............................................................10

Summer Camps...........................................................................................11Exercises, Field Trips & Tours..................................................................11The Uniform (Kit)........................................................................................12

Regular Uniform & Boots......................................................................12Civilian clothing....................................................................................13Hair.......................................................................................................13

Air Cadet Ranks and Appointments........................................................14Rules & Regulations...................................................................................17 Attendance & Absence With Out Leave (AWOL)................................17 Leaving Early Without Permission......................................................18 Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs.................................................................18 Gang Membership & Affiliation..........................................................18 Bullying, Fighting & Bossing..............................................................18 Orders................................................................................................19 Reporting Problems...........................................................................19

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Dear Cadets and Parents,

Welcome to 777 Neptune Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron. The 2017/2018 cadet training year will be fun and exciting. We will start in September with enrolment, followed by regular training, and end in June.

Our goal is to provide you an opportunity to learn new skills, challenge you to participate in interesting and fun activities, introduce you to the world of aviation, make new friends, and have fun.

777 Neptune has many teams including: Precision Drill, Flag Party, Biathlon, Range, First Aid, Effective Speaking, Band and Model Building/Remote Control. Our activities include: flying, gliding, weekend camping, sports and swim nights, hiking trips and more.

Before deciding to join air cadets, it is very important that you understand the time, effort and commitment you need to give. As an air cadet, you are required to attend at least 75% of all mandatory training days. Mandatory training days include every Wednesday evening, Remembrance Day (November 11th), two Tag Days weekends, and the Annual Ceremonial Review in June. Being a cadet also means volunteering for other activities such as fund raising days, Legion poppy drive, drill practice, boot polishing, team events, competitions and activities.

The staff and I look forward to seeing you this year. We look forward to helping you make your career as an air cadet successful. It’s yours to enjoy. So please have fun, join in and become part of our exciting squadron.

Sincerely,

Ande KgAndrew KingCaptainCommanding Officer

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Introduction

777 Neptune Squadron is one of 59 Air Cadet Units in BC and one of 456 squadrons in Canada. To enroll in cadets, you must:

be between 12 and 18; be a legal resident of Canada (Canadian citizen; landed immigrant; or

dependent of a person lawfully in Canada on a temporary basis for education or employment); and

provide proof of provincial health insurance coverage.

Air Cadet Motto: “To Learn – To Serve – To Advance”

777 Neptune Motto: “Ex cinere ad caelum” (from the ashes to the blue)

The Aims of the Air Cadet program:

To develop attributes of good citizenship and leadership in youth; To promote physical fitness; and To stimulate an interest in aviation.

Cadets are members of the largest youth organization in Canada - they are not members of the Canadian Forces. There is no requirement or expectation to join the Canadian military. Getting involved in cadets is a wonderful first step into adulthood. We encourage you to make the most of it!

How to Contact Us

Phone number: (604) 649-0568

E-mail: 777air@cadets.gc.ca

Website: www.777aircadets.ca

Facebook: 777 Neptune RCACS

Mailing address: 777 Neptune RCACS2529 Shaughnessy StreetPO Box 41071 ShaughnessyPort Coquitlam, BC V3C 5Z9

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When and Where We Parade (Meet)

Every Wednesday evening September to June (except Christmas break and Spring break).

6:15pm to 9:30pm at Ecole des Pionniers de Maillardville, 3550 Wellington Street, Port Coquitlam. We meet in the gymnasium (drill hall).

Certain activities take place on other days of the week and meet at different places (see Activities and Programs). We also have weekend activities and community events. Notices will be issued in advance of the exercises. All activities can be found on our website calendar at www.777aircadets.ca

Parade Night & ScheduleParade Night is each Wednesday night, when cadets are assembled and train. Cadets must attend regularly in order to pass their level of training, be considered for promotion, and be eligible to attend a summer training camp. Irregular attendance may result in your termination as an air cadet.

Time Activity6:30 Uniform Inspection & Attendance6:45 Opening Parade7:00 First Period7:35 Second Period8:10 Canteen Break8:30 Third Period9:00 Closing Parade9:15 Cadets Dismissed

Canteen

To promote physical fitness and good nutrition, healthy snacks such as fruit snacks, juice, water, and granola bars will be sold in our canteen. Cadets are encouraged to bring exact change: loonies, toonies or quarters, if purchasing a snack.

Our Staff 5

Our Squadron Officers (in uniform) are members of the Canadian Forces Reserves, known as the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC). They are specifically trained to work with youth. Their work with the cadet program is part-time. They have regular jobs outside of cadets.

We also have Civilian Instructors (CIs) and Volunteer Instructors (VIs) who offer their expertise to the cadet program and wear dark blue sweaters and white shirts.

Our CIC officers, CIs, and VIs come from all walks of life and bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the Squadron. Each of them has just one goal: to make each cadet’s time with 777 Neptune a rewarding and memorable experience.

Our Sponsoring Committee

The administration of the Air Cadet program is a partnership between the Department of National Defense (DND) and the BC Air Cadet League. DND funding for optional activities is limited; therefore, a community group, service club, or parents’ committee sponsor each squadron. Our sponsor is called the 777 Neptune Squadron Sponsoring Committee, and is responsible for providing facilities, financing activities and arranging fundraising events to finance the Squadron.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the Sponsoring Committee meetings. If you would like to join, we encourage you to talk to the Parent Sponsoring Committee Executive.

Cost – There is a registration fee of $220 plus $5 for name tag per cadet per year. These funds are used to pay a mandatory Assessment Fee for the BC Air Cadet League ($100), as well as insurance and maintenance of the aircraft which are owned by the BC Air Cadet League. Money is also raised through fundraisers, parent donations and corporate donations. For more information on fees and donations please contact the 777 Neptune Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chairperson at chairperson@777neptunessc.ca.

Cadet Enrolment Process

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Returning cadets are considered first. New applications are accepted until December 31, and are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Forms must be completed, signed by both the cadet and a parent or guardian. Enrollment forms can be obtained from the website or at 777 Neptune Squadron.

Enrolment PackageThe package contains a lot of information for both cadets and parents, so everyone is asked to read the package thoroughly.

All cadets (new and returning) are required to read, complete, sign and return the following documents, so that we can update our database:

Application or update forms, including the medical questionnaire portion;

Personal information sheet, including at least two (2) emergency contact numbers;

Clothing size form; Acknowledgement of responsibility for uniform and equipment issued; Acknowledgement of our Drug & Alcohol policy; Payment of Registration fees ($220 plus $5 for name tag); and Registration of parent with our Sponsoring Committee.

What you can expect from us

Squadron Staff are trained to provide supervision, leadership and compassion. We impose many rules (see Rules & Regulations section) in order to teach self-discipline and pride in cadets. We are strict but fair, and cadets enjoy this environment and the challenges it brings.

We will ensure a safe environment for the cadets and will contact parents as soon as possible if anything unusual occurs that involves their cadet.

What we expect from cadets

75% attendance (minimum) at all mandatory training days. Coming occasionally may result in termination from the program.

Try your best and be respectful to all other cadets and Squadron members, regardless of rank or position.

Follow the Squadron’s Rules & Regulations at all times. Be on time for each training session and activity. Tell your parents when and where you’re supposed to be each week. Tell your parents about upcoming activities/events. Schedule your activity choices so they do not conflict. Print your last name in every item of uniform kit.

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Tell Supply when you outgrow or lose parts of your uniform so they can be replaced immediately.

Safeguard your uniform so pieces don’t get lost or stolen. Report abusive or negative behavior to a Squadron staff member

immediately. Participate in the Squadron’s fundraising activities.

What we expect from parents

A successful career as an Air Cadet is a team effort. Here are some tips to help parents do their part in making their cadet’s experience the best it can be:

Please arrive by 6:15 pm, but no later than 6:30pm on Wednesdays, or as otherwise directed.

Please familiarize yourself with our Rules and Regulations in this booklet.

Please notify the squadron office to update contact phone numbers and addresses as quickly as possible after a change.

Please participate in your cadet’s choices for teams and activities. This ensures you are comfortable with what your cadet is involved in, and able to drive your cadet to/from the activities.

Please be patient where promotions are concerned. While promotions have a “time-in” requirement, merit and leadership ability are also considered. The higher the rank, the fewer positions, so not all cadets will reach the higher ranks during their cadet career.

Please attend our training nights as a spectator or to drop into our office if you have questions or concerns. If you are not attending the Squadron, cadets must be picked up no later than 9:30 pm.

We highly encourage parents to join our Sponsoring Committee, which meets every Wednesday evening during cadet training and is the backbone of our Squadron.

CO parades (last Wednesday of each month) are very important with regards to cadet promotions and announcements. Parents should attend beginning at 8:15 pm.

Cadet Training

Cadets attend three 30-minute instructional periods each week. The topics range from air rifle safety to drill to wearing the uniform and how to become a leader. The training is divided into 5 levels with each level taking 1 year to complete. Each proficiency level builds on the knowledge and skills of the previous level. Participation is mandatory in order to be promoted and pass your level.

Following is a short description of subjects in each of the levels:

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Level 1: drill, general cadet knowledge, physical fitness, effective speaking, aircraft identification

Level 2: principles of flight, propulsion, radio communications, aircrew

survival

Level 3: drill instruction, citizenship, leadership, instructional techniques, navigation

Level 4: meteorology, training support

Level 5: squadron administration & supply, drill leadership, OJT

Cadet Teams and Activities

How many teams/activities may cadets participate in?Cadets may join as many activities as they wish, as long as the activities do not have schedule conflicts. It is the cadet’s responsibility that team activities do not conflict with each other. Space is limited on each team and staff will make the final decisions if there are too many cadets for a particular activity/team. We will do our best to ensure that everyone gets to join at least one of their favorite activities.

TeamsPrecision Drill Marching TeamMembers of the Precision Drill Team learn to march exceptionally well, including footwork that is not a normal part of Squadron drill. Precision drill includes silent marching, where no commands are called out – all movements are done with precision timing only. The Precision Drill Team shows off their talents at the Squadron’s Annual Ceremonial Review, and it’s always a very impressive show!

Flag PartyMembers of the Flag Party are few but play an extremely important part of every parade. Highly visible, carrying the flags, all eyes are on these cadets, who have a set of footwork all their own.

BandThe Band offers music training to cadets with or without any music background or experience. Band is one of the most demanding teams at our squadron and requires dedication and commitment from cadets. The Band Officer conducts band practice on Tuesday evenings as well as at other times. Band rehearsals include music theory, instrument instruction, band drill, ensemble, technical training, leadership training and most important…FUN!!!

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Power/Gliding Scholarship Ground School Entrance to the power/gliding scholarship courses starts with Ground School, which teaches the basics of flying and theory in the classroom in preparation for the flying scholarship exam in January. Ground School classes are for cadets age 14 and older and are held on Tuesday evenings.

First AidFirst aid in the Air Cadets brings together many of the aspects that cadets strive to achieve. Cadets learn standard and emergency first aid, and control in stressful situations. Most of all, they become better citizens by learning a skill that can save lives. The regional competitions in April put those skills to the test!

Range/MarksmanshipThe cadet Range/Marksmanship program introduces cadets to the safe handling and firing of air rifles and .22 caliber rifles. The aim of the Marksmanship program is to develop cadets’ interest in marksmanship while promoting the safe and proficient use of firearms.BiathlonBiathlon is a Winter Olympic sport that combines cross-country skiing with precision rifle marksmanship. Biathlon training starts in October with competitions in January through March.

Effective SpeakingThis team develops confidence speaking in front of an audience. Members write and present speeches of 3-5 minutes in length as well as learn how to present an impromptu speech.

Model Building/Remote Control AircraftThe club meets Thursday 7-9 February to June. Learn the basics of building model airplanes and building and launching amateur rockets. Learn to fly remote controlled airplanes and helicopters as well.

Optional and Weekend Activities Cadets are encouraged to participate in as many optional activities as possible. Field training exercises include: gliding; flying; band; field trips; range and drill competitions; Veterans Poppy Drive; fundraising (Tag Days); and weekend survival training.

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Attendance at most weekend activities is optional. However, participation in the following activities is mandatory in order to complete your levels:

1. Participation in a minimum of one weekend survival exercise;2. Participation in one flying or gliding activity;3. Participation in the Remembrance Day parade; and the Squadron

Annual Ceremonial Review; and4. Participation in one other community activity.

Summer Camps

During July and August, the Air Cadet program offers summer camps to those cadets who qualify and are selected. All training, transportation, housing and food are provided free of charge by DND and cadets earn $60/week for attending. The camps are from 2 to 6 weeks, and include:

Level 1 and 2 Junior camps:

General Training Basic Aviation Basic Aviation Technology &

Aerospace Basic Drill and Ceremonial

Basic Survival Basic Fitness & Sports Military Band – Basic Pipe Band – basic Pipes & Drums Levels 1 – 5

Level 3 and above Senior camps:

Introduction to Aerospace Advanced Aerospace Survival Instructor Athletic Instructor Fitness & Sports Instructor Leadership & Ceremonial

Inst. Air Rifle Marksmanship Inst. Advanced Aviation Staff Cadet

Advanced Aviation Technology – Airport Operations

Advanced Aviation Technology – Aircraft Maintenance

Glider Pilot Power Pilot Int. Air Cadet Exchange Intermediate Military Band Advanced Military Band

Exercises, Field Trips and Tours

During the year, the Squadron arranges trips and tours whenever possible. Planned activities for this year will be announced throughout the year and posted on the Notice Board, the website, Facebook and the Squadron calendar.

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We also plan weekend camping trips throughout the year. Cadets are encouraged to borrow or purchase a warm sleeping bag, ground pad, backpack, and rain gear for these exercises. The wearing of military combat clothing, purchased by cadets at military surplus stores, may be authorized by the Commanding Officer.

The Uniform (also known as “Kit”)

Once you’ve been accepted into the Squadron and attended three weeks in a row, we’ll order a uniform that you may borrow, free. You’ll get a lot of different pieces and it’s up to you to take care of your kit. As a cadet you are expected to take care of your kit yourself. Please regularly wash and keep your blue shirt and pants clean.

Your uniform will consist of the following items:blue shirt blue jacket (tunic) blue pantsblack belt black tie wedge cap (hat)grey socks black boots

You are required to print your name inside all items of Kit. When you quit, you must return all pieces of your uniform immediately. They are not yours to keep.

As you grow, you may need longer pants, bigger boots, etc. It is your responsibility to attend Supply to get what you need as soon as possible.

Regular Uniform and BootsAll cadets MUST wear their uniform to every training evening, unless otherwise instructed. If you make a habit of coming improperly dressed, you will be terminated from the program.

Once you have your uniform on, you must wear it properly. This means not personalizing it in any way. Your uniform must look the same as every other Air Cadet in Canada (that’s what the word uniform means, actually – “to be the same”):

your shirt and tunic collars must lay flat; your pants must be worn at waist-level, not at the hips; your wedge cap must be worn slightly tilted to the right, not worn on

the back of the head; your boots must be clean and polished; and your uniform must be clean, ironed and lint free.

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Civilian ClothingOccasionally, cadets will be allowed to wear their own clothing to events. The following are NOT acceptable:

Clothing or hats with profane language or markings; controversial or gang-related logos/markings.

Clothing which expose tattoos and/or body piercings (i.e.: navel rings). Shorts, pants or skirts that expose the midriff or chest. Excessively baggy or excessively tight clothing. Excessive jewelry, hairstyles, and/or make-up. Ball caps worn backward, sideways or at a 45 degree angle to the face. Silly hats (i.e.: Santa Claus hat). Body or facial piercings (i.e.: nose, eyebrow, multiple ear piercings,

etc.).

HairHairstyle is part of the cadet uniform. Our Air Cadets must conform to the same standard as all Canadian Air Cadets. Again, there are some pretty strict rules to follow:

Male and female cadets have the same basic rules for their hair: if your hair won’t hold the style without using pins, gel or excessive

hairspray, it is considered an “unusual style” and is not allowed (except females with long hair);

cadets may not shave their head in any manner unless for medical reasons; and

no unusual hair colour may be used. Your hair colour must be natural looking, even if it’s not your natural colour (ie: natural brunettes may dye their hair red, as long as it’s not burgundy – not a natural colour).

There are also gender-specific rules for hairstyles. If you’re not sure if your hair meets the standard for Air Cadets, just ask and we’ll let you know. We even have drawings of the hair styles we allow. You are welcome to view them any time you’d like. While in uniform, hairstyles must be as follows:

Male cadets: A proper, tapered military-style haircut cut slightly above the top of

the shirt collar and ears. Excessively full hair will be layered to lie flat under the wedge cap. Bangs may be worn but must not show when wearing the wedge cap. No pins, clips or elastics may be worn. Facial hair: male cadets are not allowed to have a mustache or beard

of any sort, except for religious reasons.

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Female cadets: Short hair must be cut above the bottom of the shirt collar. Excessively full hair will be layered to lie flat under the wedge cap.

Hair is not allowed to hang down in the face. No pins, clips, barrettes, bands or elastics may show.

Bangs may be worn but must not show when wearing the wedge cap. Long hair may be worn in a neat bun or French braid at the back of the

head in a manner that does not impede the wearing of the uniform hat. A hair net and/or hair spray (or gel) is recommended to keep shorter hairs from escaping during training.

Remember: Don’t wait for us to tell you that your hair is wrong. It’s up to you to keep your hair cut and/or styled properly. If we have to keep telling you to get a haircut or fix your hair, you may be terminated from the program for failing to maintain your uniform properly.

Air Cadet Ranks & Appointment

Ranks must be earned on the basis of qualification and merit. National Standards of qualification are established by the Director of Cadets to:

determine the level of QUALIFICATION of a cadet; ensure that every cadet is given the same basic opportunity of being

promoted within the squadron; ensure that all air cadets promoted possess the same basic

qualifications and a similar degree of experience; and ensure that successful completion of the mandatory aspect of air cadet

training serves as the common standard on which cadets are evaluated.

Meeting the national prerequisites assures that cadets will be ELIGIBLE for promotion; however, it does not necessarily mean that you will be promoted. For example: although a cadet might be qualified to be a sergeant, this does not mean that a position is immediately available. If there are more candidates for a promotion than there are positions available, they will be competing with other qualified cadets.

National prerequisites are based on performance during the mandatory part of air cadet training.  The fact that a cadet is a member of the Band or the Drill Team or any other optional activity will not be considered at this point, as a national criteria for rank appointment.  Only those that have successfully completed their Proficiency Level of training will be considered. However, if a cadet is in competition with other qualified cadets, involvement in optional activities will be considered by the Commanding Officer.

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Air Cadet PromotionsAir Cadet (AC)Upon joining everyone starts as a basic Air Cadet. You wear a plain uniform with no rank badges. Generally a new cadet is classified as an AC (Air Cadet) for the first 5 months.

Leading Air Cadet (LAC)Leading Air Cadet is the first rank of the Air Cadet Program and recognizes your involvement and hard work. You get to wear it proudly and it identifies you as someone who took his/her job as an air cadet seriously, a real team player! In fact, there is only one criterion if you want to receive the LAC propellers – 60% participation in the squadron mandatory training for a period of 6 months.

Corporal (Cpl)Now we are getting serious. This is the first rank that comes with responsibilities and those responsibilities must be taken seriously. You get to take charge of other cadets! Corporals are responsible for the well-being of their subordinates. They get to call them, transmit important messages, sometimes they even get to inspect their uniforms!

What you learn during your first year of training prepares you to accomplish these tasks. This is why the only thing necessary for you to be considered for a promotion to Corporal is to successfully complete Proficiency Level 1.

Flight Corporal (F/Cpl)The next rank is Flight Corporal. It has more responsibilities than the rank of Corporal and brings up new challenges. To become a Flight Corporal you will need the following:

Successful completion of Proficiency Level 2. Completion of at least six months satisfactory service at the

rank of Corporal. Preferably successful completion of a Familiarization Summer Course.

Sergeant (Sgt)The best Corporals will be considered for a promotion to the rank of Sergeant. Sergeants usually have a few Corporals and cadets under their leadership. They also get more responsibilities. National prerequisites to the rank of Sergeant are:

Successful completion of Proficiency Level 3. Completion of at least six months satisfactory service at the

rank of Flight Corporal. Preferably successful completion of an Introduction to Specialty

Summer Course.

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Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt)Now we are talking about major responsibilities! Flight Sergeants, as their rank says, get to take charge of entire flights of cadets, which usually means that they have a few Flight Corporals, Corporals, LACs and many cadets under their command. They make decisions and make sure that everyone is participating in the program. Prerequisites for the rank of Flight Sergeant are:

Successful completion of Proficiency Level 4. Completion of at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of

Sergeant. Preferably successful completion of an Advanced Specialty Summer

Course.

Warrant Officer 2nd Class (WO2)In many squadrons across Canada the WO2 is the highest ranked cadet, which makes him/her THE leader. Cadets achieving this rank are trained as leaders and meet with the officers to discuss activities for the squadron. Warrant Officers 2nd Class are senior cadets who must perform to a very high level and take care of many responsibilities. Prerequisites for this rank are:

Completion of at least six months satisfactory service at the rank of Flight Sergeant.

Preferably successful completion of an Advanced Specialty Summer Course.

Warrant Officer 1st Class (WO1)This is the highest rank that an air cadet can achieve. This highly experienced senior cadet has proven to be worthy of leading all cadets of his/her squadron. Cadets wearing this rank are leaders who have gone through all five levels of Mandatory Training, giving them the experience and the knowledge to excel as leaders. Prerequisites for this rank are:

Completion of at least 6 months satisfactory service at the rank of WO 2nd Class.

Preferably successful completion of an Advanced Specialty Summer Course.

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Rules & RegulationsYes, we have a lot of rules to follow but they’re all pretty standard and all of them are in the best interests of the cadets. They’re in place to ensure safe, interesting and fun training events. The majority of cadets have absolutely no problem following our rules and we know you will be one of them.

However, if we see that you are NOT willing to follow the rules, disciplinary action may be taken, and in extreme cases, termination from Cadets. There is a long list of young people waiting to join our Squadron and we will not hesitate to replace you with a cadet who will appreciate being involved and will get the most out of this wonderful opportunity.

It is strongly recommended that you and your parents become very familiar with the rules of our Squadron. Everyone will be issued a copy of this booklet so ignorance (saying that you didn’t know) is no excuse.

Attendance & Absence without Leave (AWOL)This rule is a biggie and will be strictly enforced. Attendance is mandatory. That means you MUST attend 75% of all mandatory training. You must be formed up and ready for roll call by 6:30pm. If you can’t come, you MUST call your Flight Commander AND complete the attendance form on the link on the website homepage before 6:30pm to let us know that you’re not coming, and why. Failure to do so will result in an AWOL notation on your attendance record. Calling on time and asking to be excused is OK.

Be careful that your reason is a good one (illness, etc). If you just don’t feel like coming, we won’t be impressed. There are lots of young people who would feel like coming but they can’t join because there’s no space for them. On the other hand, don’t get caught using “I’m sick” as a reason again and again. If your health is that poor, we will consider you unsuitable for the Air Cadet program and you may be asked to leave.

Reasons that may get you terminated:

Three (3) AWOL notations in a row (being absent or late without a good reason, three weeks running) may result in termination of your enrolment. Your parents will be advised by telephone and you are responsible to return your kit within two weeks.

Any six (6) absences within a 3-month period (AWOL or otherwise) may result in termination of your enrolment. You’ve missed too much training, regardless of the reason. Your parents will

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be advised by telephone or email and you are responsible to return your kit within two weeks.

Leaving Early Without PermissionWe are responsible for you from the moment you arrive to the moment you’re picked up after final parade. If you need to leave early, you must notify the Admin Officer. Remember: If you leave without permission, we will be concerned that you’re up to no good. Your parents will be contacted and you may be terminated.

Smoking, Alcohol & DrugsAir Cadets are not allowed to smoke, drink alcohol or do illegal drugs - period! If you do, you’re out! When we find out that you’re involved with drugs outside Air Cadets, you’re out! No second chances, and we will tell your parents. It’s as simple as that. On the other hand, if a cadet lies about another cadet participating in drug use, the cadet who lied will be terminated. Fair is fair.

Gang Membership & AffiliationsAnother easy one: if you belong to a gang, you can’t be an Air Cadet. It’s your choice. When we find out that you’re involved in gang activity outside of Air Cadets, you’re out! No second chances. We will tell your parents.

Bullying, Fighting & BossingBullying/HarassingAll cadets and staff undergo Positive Social Relations training. This training teaches about bullying and harassment and how to avoid those unpleasant situations. Bullying and harassing, in any form - verbal, emotional or physical - will not be tolerated. Cadets who bully or harass will be disciplined and if necessary terminated from Cadets. Remember: Physical bullying is an “assault” and assault is a crime.

FightingFist fighting between two consenting cadets (meaning that they’ve both agreed to fight so neither is a victim) will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Both parties will be terminated. Remember: We’re not about anger and hostility around here. If you can’t control your temper, you don’t belong in our uniform.

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OrdersOn the other hand, there is a certain amount of ordering that comes with the territory in Air Cadets. You will be given orders because that’s what we do. Plus, senior cadets will give you orders because that’s what they do. If you’re goofing off or not trying hard enough, they may even speak clearly and loudly at you. Don’t take it personally. Just try harder. That’s what Air Cadets is all about. We want our Squadron members to work together as a team and that means that everyone has to try hard at all times. One or two lazy bones can make the whole group look terrible. If you’re one of those lazy bones, be prepare to be spoken to loudly a lot! Remember: Sooner or later, you will be in a leadership position and you’ll be glad when the junior cadets cooperate with you. Plus, you’ll have to set an excellent example for them and you can’t do that unless you’ve been paying attention yourself!

Reporting Problems

It’s rare, but occasionally problems do arise. If you truly believe that you’re being singled out and picked on by someone for no good reason, don’t hesitate to report it to one of the Officers (adults). We’ll get to the bottom of the problem very quickly.

Now that you have read this booklet, we hope that you understand what it means to be an air cadet and what we expect of you.

Welcome to the squadron! You will do just fine.

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