Question 1

Why should I join cadets?

Accepted Answer

Cadets offers challenges, friendship and adventure! It’s an opportunity to expand your own horizons, contribute to your community and make friends for life. Many former Cadets credit their participation in the program with giving them a head-start toward their successful careers.

Question 2

What does it cost?

Accepted Answer

It does not cost anything to join cadets and attend core activities, and a uniform is lent to cadets free of charge.  Parents and cadets are required to fundraisers, and are welcome to donate, to support additional activities and equipment that makes our program shine.  Occasionally there may be a cost for an optional activity.

Question 3

What time commitment is required?

Accepted Answer

At a minimum, you are required to attend weekly training nights on Wednesdays (for the whole evening), our Annual Ceremonial Review, and to participate in fundraising.  Most other activities are optional, though they are sometimes strongly encouraged.  The majority of cadets enjoy being part of an optional team, weekend events, and even summer training.

Question 4

How old do I have to be to join?

Accepted Answer

Applicants are required to be twelve years old but have not attained their 19th birthday. For more information on joining requirements, please click here.

Question 5

If I'm older than 12 or 13 when I join, will I be with my peers?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, if you join older than age 14, you'll start out with other new recruits to learn the basics, but after a few months you will be able to join a training level that matches or is closer to your age group.

Question 6

Is cadets only for boys?

Accepted Answer

No, people of all genders can join.  Girls have been able to join Cadets since 1975, and represent a large proportion of 104's leadership and membership today.

Question 7

Is cadets diverse and accepting?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Our cadets look very much like the community around us.  At well over 100 cadets today, you'll probably find someone like you when you join.

Question 8

Is cadets new? Why haven't I heard of it before?

Accepted Answer

No, the Cadet Program is not new. In fact, Cadets is one of Canada’s oldest youth programs. The origins of the program can be traced back to 1862. By 1879, Army Cadets was formed, followed by Sea Cadets in 1895. Air Cadets was introduced in 1941

Question 9

Are cadets expected to join the Canadian Armed Forces?  Are they joining the military?

Accepted Answer

Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor are they expected to join the military. While they are introduced to Sea, Army and/or Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces and certain traditions, they are also introduced to many other  career choices that are available to them.

Question 10

Will cadets be like boot camp movies?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the movie, but probably not!

Question 11

Can I just drop off quickly at the Armouries parking lot or the businesses next door?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, no.  For safety reasons and to respect our neighbours, parents are required to park at RBC across the street and walk their cadets to the building.

Question 12

Is air cadets only for youth who want to be pilots?

Accepted Answer

No, we have cadets who go on to a variety of careers in the future.  Some do become pilots through the program, or later in life, but there is enough in this program to interest anyone!

Question 13

Will joining cadets help me join the military, go to post-secondary, become a pilot or get a job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being part of cadets is a great way to get some valuable experience and knowledge that will help you know what you want to do in the future, and can help you stand out from other candidates.  Many schools and employers recognize the cadet program makes great students and leaders!

Question 14

What if I want to leave cadets?

Accepted Answer

Cadets are under no obligation to carry on, and parents/guardians can contact our staff to withdraw their cadet's participation at any time.  The uniform(s) will need to be returned promptly.

Question 15

Will cadets impact my schoolwork, family or religious holidays?

Accepted Answer

We understand school and family come first.  When these conflict with a mandatory training night or event, there are ways to communicate to staff that you will not be able to attend. It's very important that you communicate these in advance so we can support you.

Question 16

Will wearing a cadet uniform be compatible with my religious requirements?

Accepted Answer

The uniform can be adapted for specific religious requirements, and you can find detailed information here.

Question 17

Will I actually get to fly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we do our best to give everyone the opportunity experience a flight early in their cadet career (in a glider or small powered plane), and then after that there are offers to learn about aviation on the ground, apply for summer camps (sometimes involving a passenger flight simply to get there), and experience other opportunities to fly.   Find more here.

Frequently asked questions