| Summer Training | Music Training | Marksmanship Training |

Corps Training

Regular corps training runs from September to June and covers the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the training objectives of army cadets. This program is divided into four levels signified by Green, Red, Silver and Gold Stars. Each star signifies that a level of mandatory training has been completed.

Normally a cadet will only attempt one star level per training year.

Corps training is composed of:

• Mandatory Program - Subjects and courses which must be taught as a part as the Course Training Plan plus CHAP. Participation in this training and passing the courses objectives is necessary to get your Star. This is what a cadet usually does during weekly training.

• Support Activities - These activities give you a chance to apply the knowledge and skills that you have learned in the mandatory program. These activities usually occur on weekends and may include practical testing in mandatory subject material.

Army cadet training consists of two main components. Local Headquarters (LHQ) and Summer Camp Training (CSTC). LHQ Training occurs on Mondays or Tuesdays throughout the school year from 6:45-9:15pm. Training consists of three classes per night, with breaks between. Cadets will learn the structure of the Canadian Forces, details about effective leadership, drill and how to become a responsible and caring Canadian citizen. LHQ training is an important step towards building a well-trained, and disciplined corps.

LHQ Training is subdivided into Mandatory Training and Optional Training.

Mandatory Training consists of four levels designated by a star.

Green Star

Green Star is the introductory level of mandatory training conducted at your corps . It is designed to give the cadet basic skills and knowledge such as drill, basic discipline, fundamental training, and so on. It is also the opportunity for cadets to get involved in many optional teams and activities.

A cadet who qualifies Green Star is eligible for a basic 2 or 3-week course during the summer.

Red Star

Red Star is designed to reinforce and augment Green Star skills and knowledge. Training continues in drill, bushcraft, map and compass, marksmanship, public speaking, leadership, citizenship and physical fitness.  As a Red Star qualified cadet, you are the model for new cadets and are fully capable of demonstrating skills to recruits and Green Star cadets.

A cadet who qualifies Red Star is eligible for a 6-week cadet leader course during the summer.

Silver Star

Silver Star is basic training for new leaders and instructors.  Cadets who complete Silver Star will have the knowledge, skill and experience to take on new responsibilities as a leader of a small team. A Silver Star qualified cadet will have mastered almost all of the mandatory skill training of the Army Cadet Program. It is expected that Silver Star cadets will seek out and accept leadership responsibilities positions within their corps.

A cadet who qualifies silver star is eligible to attend a 6-week cadet leader instructor course (providing that he/she has successfully completed a cadet leader course).

Gold Star

Gold Star training expands on all previous training, and contains a significant amout of theoretical study and learning.  Most of their training involves planning and conducting activities. Gold Star cadets are expected to lead and instruct cadets from senior positions within the corps, and be fully involved in planning and conducting corps activities. Even though the formal instruction phase of cadet training is complete, Gold Star qualified cadets are encouraged to continue their learning through self-study and accepting new challenges and responsibilities.

A Gold Star-qualified cadet is eligible to attend 6-week advanced training course or be employed as a staff cadet in a non-instructing position.

National Star Certification Exam

 Both a written and practical exam to confirm knowledge, skills and fitness of Gold Star qualified cadets. Successful completion. It is a prerequisite for:

• advanced summer training,

• international exchanges, and

• employment in leadership position.

Master Cadet

Master Cadet is an appointment earned by a cadet who is successful at NSCE and is employed in a leadership position as a staff cadet at a Cadet Summer Training Centre.

Each year, a special guide is produced for cadets preparing for this exam and it is available through the cadet corps.

2754 Army Cadets participate in an at least two major field training exercises, one multi corps exercise, two minor field training exercises and assorted leadership, sports, marksmanship and other events. In the field, cadets are trained in outdoor survival, the safe and correct use of stoves and lanterns, building improvised shelters, navigation using map and compass, GPS, radio use and procedures and many others.

Optional Training for 2754 Army Cadets includes marksmanship, military band, drill team as well as team sports, specialized leadership training, first aid training and fitness testing. 2754 Army Cadets also does one citizenship exercise. In 2009, 2754 will be travelling to Washington D.C.

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Basic Courses

Two week courses generally commence the second and last Mondays of July and the first Monday in August.

Basic Army Basic Courses
Cadet (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To familiarize cadets with the Army Cadet summer training program and to motivate cadets toward pursuing further Army Cadet training. Three Basic Army Cadet courses, each of ten days duration, are conducted at Blackdown Army Cadet Summer Training Centre (Blackdown ACSTC). Training includes introduction to First Aid, drill, physical and recreational training, adventure, bushcraft, watermanship, canoeing, swimming, internet introduction, marksmanship and sports.

Cadets who have completed Green Star training will be given preference to attend Basic Cadet.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to Master Corporal
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet NCO Qualifying Courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Basic Cadet - Three Week Courses
Courses generally commence the first and last Mondays in July.

Basic Army Cadet - Marksman (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To familiarize cadets with the Army Cadet summer training programme; to motivate cadets toward pursuing further Army Cadet training and to further the cadets' interest in marksmanship.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed prerequisite for promotion to MCpl
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet NCO Qualifying Courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Cadets may be offered a position on the Cadet Leader Marksman Course to be conducted the following summer.

Cadets who have completed Green Star shall be given preference for loading

Basic Army Cadet - Band (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To familiarize cadets with the Army Cadet summer training program; to motivate cadets toward pursuing further Army Cadet training and to develop an interest for the Army Cadet Music Program.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed prerequisite for promotion to MCpl
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet NCO Qualifying Courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Cadet musician level attained
• Cadets who display an interest in music training and have completed Green Star shall be given preference for loading

Basic Army Cadet - Pipes and Drums (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To familiarize cadets with the Army Cadet summer training programme; to motivate cadets toward pursuing further Army Cadet training and to develop an interest in cadets for the Pipes & Drums program.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to MCpl
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet NCO Qualifying Courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Instrument proficiency Level 1
• Cadets who have completed Green Star shall be given preference for loading

Cadet Leader Courses
Most courses usually commence the second Monday in July and conclude the third Friday in August.

Army Cadet Leader (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and skills required of a section commander and to provide course cadets with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and style.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to Sergeant
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet Warrant Officer qualifying courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Red Star cadets who have previously attended a Basic Army Cadet Series Course shall be given preference for loading

Army Cadet Leader - Marksman (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and skills required of an NCO, provide course cadets with opportunities to develop their leadership skills and styles and to supplement corps marksmanship training by enhancing marksmanship skills in order to achieve a performance level that permits participation in national level competitions.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to Sergeant

• Eligible to attend Army Cadet Warrant Officer qualifying courses

• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

• Depending on performance, cadets may be offered a position on the Cadet Leader Instructor Marksman Course to be conducted the following summer

• Cadets with Basic Army Cadet Marksman Course and marksmanship ability will be given preference to attend

Army Cadet Leader - Band (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and skills required of a section commander, to provide cadets with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and style and to train cadets as musicians to play in a unit band.
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to Sergeant
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet Warrant Officer qualifying courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Cadet musician level attained

Army Cadet Leader - Pipes and Drums (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and skills required of a section commander, to provide cadets with an opportunity to develop leadership and to train basic players. Length: 6 weeks
Qualifications Received:

• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to Sergeant
• Eligible to attend Army Cadet Warrant Officer qualifying courses
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Instrument proficiency level 3

Cadet Leader Instructor Courses
Most courses commence the first Monday in July, conclude the second Friday in August.

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Drill and Ceremonial (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and practice the skills required of an instructor and to provide the practice necessary to develop leadership abilities. In addition, the cadet will receive instruction in an Army Cadet specialty such as military drill and ceremonial practices.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Army Cadet instructor with a specialty in Drill and Ceremonial
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training and promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for selection as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Adventure (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and practice the skills required of an instructor to develop leadership abilities. In addition, the cadet will receive instruction in canoeing and rock climbing.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Army Cadet Instructor with a specialty in Adventure Training
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training and promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for employment as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Marksmanship (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and practice the skills required of an instructor. In addition, the cadet will receive instruction in Army Cadet specialties such as marksmanship and coaching.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Army Cadet Instructor with a specialty in shooting/coaching
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training and promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for employment as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Band (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and practice the skills required of an instructor and to provide the practice necessary to develop leadership abilities. The cadet will receive instruction in an army band and train as a musician able to play in and lead a unit band.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Instructor with a specialty in music
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for employment as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Cadet musician level attained
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Rifle Coach (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To teach the knowledge and practice the skills required of a Coach and Instructor in Marksmanship practices. In addition, the cadet will receive instruction and practice in army cadet skills such as leadership.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Army Cadet Coaching Instructor
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to CWO
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for Advanced Training
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for employment as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Army Cadet Leader Instructor - Pipes and Drums (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To train cadets as Level 4 (intermediate player) CPBM, teach the knowledge and skills required of a Warrant Officer and to provide an opportunity for the cadets to develop their instructional skills.
Qualifications Received:

• Qualified as an Army Cadet Instructor with a specialty in Pipe Band Music with Instrument Proficiency Level 4
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for promotion to CWO and Advanced Training
• Completed summer training course prerequisite for employment as a Staff Cadet Instructor
• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test

Central Region Army Cadet Adventure Expedition (Blackdown ACSTC)
Aim: To offer cadets hands on outdoor experience. To teach knowledge and skills required to participate in an Adventure Expedition. To provide cadets with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills in an outdoors adventure environment.
Qualifications Received: Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test and First Aid

Advanced Training
Advanced Training nominees undergo a selection process.
Candidates require specialized prerequisites and the completion of an Advanced Training Fitness Test and Application.

Leadership and Challenge (Rocky Mountain NACSTC, Alberta)
Aim: To develop leadership in selected cadets in Advanced Outdoor Training. Canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, glacier training, trekking and adventure training. Length: 6 weeks
Qualifications Received: Standard attained in Cadet Fitness Test

Advanced Pipes and Drums (Rocky Mountain NACSTC, Alberta)
Aim: To train cadets for Level 4 and 5 Pipe and Drum Advanced Musician qualifications and as a skilled Cadet Pipe Band Musician. Emphasis is on training as an Assistant Pipe Band Trainer at the home unit.
Length: 6 Weeks

• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Cadet Musician Level attained

Advanced Military Band (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To train cadets as Level 4 and 5 Brass and Reed Advanced Musician. Emphasis is on training as an Assistant Music Trainer at the home unit. Length: 6 Weeks
Qualifications Received:

• Standard attained in Army Cadet Fitness Test
• Cadet Musician Level attained

RCAC - National Rifle Team (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To provide cadets the opportunity to compete in national/ international large bore rifle competitions and to introduce cadets to the British Army Cadet training programme.
Length: 8 weeks

Army Cadet Parachutist Course (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To qualify a cadet as a Basic Military Parachutist
NOTE: Fitness - Selected cadets must be physically fit. Cadets will undertake an individual fitness programme of at least six weeks duration prior to the course. Medical - Be certified by a CF Medical Officer.
Length: 5 weeks
Qualifications Received: · CF Basic Parachutist

Outward Bound Exchange - International Location TBA (Connaught NACSTC and an international outdoor leadership or outward bound site in the United Kingdom or USA)
Aim: To develop cadets' leadership skills and introduce them to the British Army Cadet Training Programme.
Length: 6 weeks

Maple Leaf Exchange - International Location TBA (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To develop cadets' leadership skills and introduce them to the British Army Cadet Training Programme.
Length: 6 weeks

Outward Bound Exchange - Scotland (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To develop cadets' leadership skills and introduce them to the British Army Cadet Training Programme.
Length: 6 weeks

Germany Exchange (Connaught NACSTC)
Aim: To familiarize cadets with the training methods of the German Army and to participate in cultural activities.
Length: 6 weeks

Introduction to Aerospace (Fort St-Jean CSTC, Québec)
Aim: Familiarization and indoctrination into basic aerospace studies at a recognized Canadian aerospace facility. Army and Air Cadets will participate in this experience.
Length: 3 Weeks
Qualifications Received: Certificate in Aerospace

STAFF CADET EMPLOYMENT
Staff cadets are the NCOs of Cadet Summer Training Centres. Staff cadets assist the officer staff with the instruction and supervision of cadets and in administrative and logistical support roles. Rank and pay depends upon the position filled, usually determined during pre-employment on-job training. Staff cadet applicants must be at least age 16 on 1 Jan of the current training year.

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The cadet music program is an optional program that you can take part in through 2754 Army Cadets.

The music program is a consists of six levels: Basic to Level 5. Levels Basic, 1 and 2 will develop your musical ability to play in the band for parades and local activities such as Remembrance Day Parades, etc. Levels 3, 4 and 5 will develop individual skills, as you become a senior cadet musician, which will lead to your ability to instruct junior cadets and assist as staff cadets during the summer.

The music program has a variety of ensembles. (Glockenspiel and Percussion, Brass and Reed, Pipe and Drum, Percussion, Brass and Percussion, and Bugle and Percussion, etc.). You can receive instruction on any of these instruments by attending summer training.

For military band musicians, Levels 3, 4 and 5 are designed to compare to specific grades of the Royal Conservatory of Music program. It should be noted that the cadet music level training covers all aspects of the Royal Conservatory of Music program except the technical studies. The cadet program is relatively equivalent to the Royal Conservatory of Music as outlined:

• Cadet Level 3 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 2;
• Cadet Level 4 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 4;
• Cadet Level 5 - Royal Conservatory of Music Grade 5.

For pipe band musicians: Levels 3, 4 and 5 are designed to compare to the playing standards and requirements of certain Amateur Solo Grades. However, there is no affiliation your provincial associations to date.

You will also receive instruction in music theory, aural skills, drill, sight reading, instrument maintenance, history and highland dress depending on the discipline you select or the type of ensemble you unit has. You can also learn the skills necessary to perform the duties of a Drum Major.

Leadership, teamwork, physical fitness, and individual skill are just some of the attributes that you will gain from being a musician within the cadet program. Give it a try!

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Marskmanship is one of the most popular cadet training activities. Cadet marksmanship had its roots in familiarization training with the Canadian Forces. Its current focus, however, is on teaching cadets the proper use and safe handling of firearms for recreational purposes only. The marksmanship program has been specifically designed for youth and is based on olympic-style competition.

Self-confidence, acceptance of responsibility and sports etiquette are just some of the life skills acquired from the training. A healthy respect for firearms, the development of proficient use of rifles for sport and recreational purposes, and an improvement in self-discipline are additional benefits.

Cadets use the Daisy 853C air rifle that fires a .177 caliber pellet and has a round aperture sight. Because of the low muzzle velocity, the Daisy 853C is not classified as a firearm under federal gun legislation.

Also, marksmanship activities are present at all the various cadet summer training centres and some courses are aimed specifically towards this program. A limited number of cadets may also fire smallbore and largebore rifles.

Many former cadets have gone on to success in international events after graduating from the Cadet Program. Patrick Vamplew, Michael Ashcroft and Jean-François Sénécal are former cadets who have represented Canada at the Olympics.

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