Air Cadets is a national organization whose purpose is to develop the attributes of leadership, physical fitness, and active citizenship in youth within a safe environment that stimulates an interest in the Canadian Forces. To accomplish this, Cadets participate in a range of mandatory and optional activities throughout the training year. They also receive valuable training in areas such as leadership, aviation studies, survival, and public speaking, to name just a few. The Program also instills in Cadets life skills such as organization, time management, responsibility, and accountability, which all remain valuable long after they have left the Program.

A cadet may earn two high school credits by fulfilling the necessary requirements. They can earn high school community service hours by participating in a variety of local supervised community opportunities. Cadets have the option to apply to attend a variety of summer training programs that are organized by the national and provincial levels of the Cadet Program.

There are over 24,000 Air Cadets across Canada with many successful alumni including Chris Hadfield and (1st female) Snowbirds pilot and commander Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael.

Visit the Cadets Canada website to learn more about the cadet program.

856 is an active squadron offering a range of activities, many of which relate to flying! Some of these activities are optional and some are mandatory. Some activities include:

• Aviation activities (ground school, gliding, flight simulators)
• Survival (weekend field training exercises)
• Marksmanship (air rifle familiarization and our Air Rifle Team)
• Leadership (lead cadets and run activities)
• Music (join the band, no prior knowledge required)
• Drill (drill training and our Drill Team)
• Canadian Forces familiarization activities
• Instructing (learn to teach and then teach cadets)
• Sports (come to our sports night)

You can start your career with Air Cadets as soon as you’ve reached your 12th birthday and can remain with us until you turn 19 years of age.

Yes, during the Recruit Course, you will wear a white dress shirt, black dress pants, and a black tie (we provide the tie).

Once you have completed the 8 week Recruit course and choose to be sworn into the Squadron, you will be issued all the Air Cadet uniform pieces. The Air Cadet uniform is provided free of charge. Uniform pieces may be exchanged via our Supply Officer as needed throughout the training year.

Optional summer training is offered by the national and provincial levels of the cadet program during the summer. The camps run from 2 – 7 weeks depending on the Camp you are selected to attend.

Each camp offers a unique mix of outdoor activities and valuable instruction on subjects such as general training, aviation, survival, and physical fitness. The Canadian Forces provides all transportation, meals, lodging, and special equipment. Entry level camp sites include Canadian Forces Bases Trenton and Blackdown (Borden) near Barrie.

To be eligible for Summer Training, you must be enrolled with 856 Air Cadets prior to December 31st of the current training year. There are a limited number of spaces for each Summer Training Program, so not every cadet that submits and application will be selected. Cadets may apply to several camps to increase their chances for selection for their camp of interest. The staff of 856 are not involved with camp selections or assignments. Camps are assigned by staff at the Regional Level.

Absolutely not! As a cadet, you are not a member of the Canadian Armed Forces and there is no expectation that you will join. Cadets is a great way to make friends, build confidence and develop new skills that will be with you for life, whatever your career.

Cadets learn from members of the Canadian Armed Forces-Reserve Branch-Cadet Instructor Cadre. These are officers who are specially trained to instruct and supervise youth. In many cases, civilian instructors who possess special skills are also instructors. Most importantly, senior Cadets act as instructors to pass on their knowledge to the next generation of Cadets.

You can see a listing of our Officers and Civilian instructors on our Officers and Civilian Instructors Page.

Education is very important to Cadets. Cadet training is a hands-on, activity-based Program that complements school studies. The skills you develop at Cadets, such as leadership and time management should benefit your academic processes. When an unavoidable conflict arises, school should be the priority.

No. We strongly encourage open communication between parents and Cadets when it comes to joining and remaining in the Program. Cadets who are forced unwillingly into the Program may not get much out of it. As the saying goes, “you get out of Cadets, what you put into it”. Cadets will be required to maintain a high standard of dress and deportment, and abide by the Cadet code of conduct. There are certain standards (ex. haircuts, shaving, no make-up, no jewelry, no nail polish, etc.) to which some Cadets may be unwilling to conform. If you are unsure, we absolutely encourage you to give it a try. Through Cadets you will learn many exciting things that you will not find anywhere else!

Yes. Portions of the Cadet Program can be tailored to support their active participation in Cadet activities. However, some activities may be restricted due to risks presented to your child.