Cadet Training takes place throughout the entire year. The training year is divided into two parts, Summer (01 Jul to 31 Aug) and Local Headquarters (01 Sep to 30 Jun). The Cadet Program has three aims:

1. to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership;
2. to promote physical fitness; and
3. to stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air activities of the Canadian Forces.

There are 11 components to Army Cadet Training (click on the link to see a description of that component):

1. The Mandatory Program;
2. Directed Optional (NDHQ directed) activities;
3. Optional Training;
4. Summer Training Courses;
5. Citizenship Activities;
6. Physical Fitness training and activities;
7. Cadet Harassment and Abuse Prevention (CHAP) Program;
8. Affiliated Unit Training;
9. International Exchanges;
10. Expeditions; and,
11. Summer Employment.

1. The Mandatory Program:

The mandatory program is also known as "The Star Program." There are 4 star levels in army cadet training: green, red silver and gold. Each star level contains different lessons taken from all Performance Objectives (PO's), and requires 60 hours of training per year. Cadets are tested on the different PO's throughout the year, and at the end of each star level, cadets are required to write an exam on all they learned from the past year. A mark of 60% is required to move on to the next star level. Upon passing a star level, cadets are presented with a proficiency badge to go on their uniform. Normally, a cadet completes one star level per year.

Most of the training takes place Wednesday nights in the classroom, however there are a few exceptions. Drill lectures take place in the gym, and bushcraft lessons are taught during yearly expeditions. These training sessions are all mandatory, because they are designed to teach the mandatory program.

2. Directed Optional (NDHQ directed) activities:

There are six National Defense Headquarters (NDHQ) directed activities in the Army Cadet system: biathlon, marksmanship, music, citizenship, expeditions and first-aid (below).

First aid is a form of optional training which is very practical and useful. Cadets can complete an Emergency or Standard First Aid course, and be nationally certified by St. John Ambulance as a first-aider. Cadets also receive a badge upon completing first aid training.

3. Optional Training:

Optional Training is described as "training that is encouraged within the army cadet program and may be supported where resources exist." Many different activities fall under this category, and one of these activities is of particular interest to the cadet corps. The sport of orienteering is often called the 4th optional activity, after the 3 main corps level NDHQ activities.

Orienteering is not the only optional training activity. There are drill team competitions and there is an annual speak-off competition for cadets of all elements. You can go abseiling and rock climbing as well. Any kind of activity that is encouraged through the Army Cadet program can be considered optional training.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Program is open to all youth of the Commonwealth between the ages of 14 and 25. This is a very prestigious award, coming in three levels (seen below), bronze, silver and gold. Each level of the award requires cadets to contribute a certain amount of time devoted to four areas: expeditions, physical fitness, skills, and community service (along with a residential project for the gold award). The time requirements are different for the various award levels. This award is promoted in Army Cadets. Visit http://www.dukeofed.org/ for more information on the award. 

4. Summer Training Courses:

You can learn all about summer courses by checking out www.cadets.net

5. Citizenship Activities:

One of the objectives of the Army Cadet Program is to develop a sense of citizenship within the cadets. Citizenship is very much a focal point of cadet activities. 2954 is present every year at Royal Canadian Legion Branch #13 in Jeffrey’s for the annual Remembrance Day activities. Cadets then attend a church service prior to the memorial. Cadets parade to the Legion for Memorial Service, which is held at the cenotaph. The cadet corps also takes part in the Remembrance Day service held annually at E.A. Butler High School.

However, Remembrance Day isn't the only time you will see cadets in the community. The corps take part in local Santa Claus parades and Christmas Tree lightings every year at Christmas time.

Usually the last cadet activity before summer training, our corps always takes part in the nation wide Cadets Caring for Canada initiative along with the SPCA walk a thon and many other campaigns.

6. Physical Fitness training and activities:

Physical fitness is one of the focal points of cadet training. One of the aims of the cadet program is to promote physical fitness. Physical fitness is encouraged by presenting a badge to cadets for their performance on the Army Cadet Fitness Test (ACFT). The ACFT consists of 4 individual tests: push-ups, sit-ups, standing long jump and the 20 meter shuttle run. Cadets are awarded bronze, silver or gold fitness based on their results in the ACFT. A certain level of fitness is often required for many things, such as summer courses or exchanges. 

Here are the standards required for each level in the ACFT (there are different standards for males and females):

To qualify for a particular level, males from the age of 12-14 require 20 points, 15-16 require 24 and 17-18 require 26.

To qualify for a particular level, females from the age of 12-14 require 20 points, 15-16 also require 20 and 17-18 require 24.

7. Cadet Harassment and Abuse Prevention (CHAP) Program:

CHAP is a prevention-training program whose goal is to eliminate harassment within the Canadian Cadet Movement. The CHAP program has been developed to provide you with the awaremess of your rights and responsibilities with regards to harassment and abuse. Every cadet is required to complete a CHAP sensitization course.

8. Affiliated Unit Training:

9. International Exchanges:

International Exchanges are awarded to the elite cadets of Canada who have successfully completed their National Star exam, who are 16 years of age or older as of July 1st of the training year, and who meet the individual prerequisites for the requested exchange. Cadets who are accepted for an exchange travel to Connaught CSTC for a week long pre-course before going overseas. After the course is completed, cadets return to Connaught for three days to have graduation parade, etc. You can see the complete list of exchanges available on the Summer Training link.

Different Exchanges have different prerequisites based on the training of the exchange. For UK exchanges (MLE, OBW and OBS), majority of the training takes place with the CCF and ACF (Combined and Army Cadet Force) divisions of the British Cadet System. The Germany Exchange trains with German Army Cadets. In the USA exchange, cadets are trained in scuba diving along with American Young Marines. The National Rifle Team represents Canada at the Largebore shooting competitions in Bisley, England. ACE exchanges consist of touring through the country of each respective exchange.

10. Expeditions:

Expeditions, which are not to be completed for training within the mandatory compontent of the program, fall in here. An excellent example of expeditions in which cadets from can participate would be Duke of Edinburgh qualifying hikes. The hiking distance and the number of days/nights of the expedition depend on the level, which the expedition is intended for (bronze, silver or gold). This is the most common of the expeditions held at the local level. The main summer expedition would be the Army Cadet Adventure Expedition. This is a 6-week course at Argonaut ACSTC, for cadets who are not eligible for staff or advanced training.

11. Summer Employment:

Non-Comissioned Members (NCM's) have the opportunity to be employed as Staff Cadets at Summer Training Centers. To be a staff cadet, you must be 16 years old before January 1st of the training year. Each cadet who applies for a staff position has their application marked through the staff cadet "matrix," a system which awards points based on different qualifications and achievements. Cadets are approved for staff positions and assigned duties and rank based on their matrix results. These are the positions available at Cadet Summer Training Centers (CSTC's):