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PART 5 - Summer Training
Summer Training Explained
Every summer, select cadets have the opportunity to travel across the country to participate in a course at a cadet training centre. The courses vary in duration, from 2 to 6 weeks and range from simple general training to complex aviation technology courses.
The aims of summer training are to:
Selection for summer training is highly competitive, as there are typically close to 100 applicants for around 40 spaces. These courses are not designed to be easy. Training can be rigorous, beginning early in the morning and lasting until late in the evening 7 days a week.
The categories of training are:
The course dates are finalized in the spring when the offers are given out.
Descriptions of the Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) are as follows:
Cold Lake CTC in Cold Lake, AB
The aims of summer training are to:
- Provide instruction and opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills in specialized activities
- To develop instructors and leaders for these activities
- To provide further opportunities to employ the general knowledge and skills obtained through the sqn program
Selection for summer training is highly competitive, as there are typically close to 100 applicants for around 40 spaces. These courses are not designed to be easy. Training can be rigorous, beginning early in the morning and lasting until late in the evening 7 days a week.
The categories of training are:
- General Training: 2-week course designed to introduce cadets to summer training
- Basic: 3-week courses designed to teach the knowledge & skills in specialized activities
- Intermediate /Instructor: 6-week courses designed to develop instructor/leaders in specialized activities
- Advanced Training: 6-week courses designed to advance senior cadets’ leadership and specialized skills
The course dates are finalized in the spring when the offers are given out.
Descriptions of the Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) are as follows:
Cold Lake CTC in Cold Lake, AB
- Located on CFB Cold Lake in Alberta, Approximately 400 kms NW of Edmonton.
- Cadets are housed in 2, 4 or 16 (survival) person rooms in permanent barracks with all bedding provided.
- Additional facilities include: canteen, cadet banking, medical inspection room (MIR).
- Located west of the town of Gimli at the Gimli Industrial Park Airport.
- Cadets are housed dormitory style in permanent barracks with all bedding provided.
- Additional facilities include: games room / canteen, MIR.
- Located in the Rocky Mountain Forest Reserve 100 Km NW of Calgary and 45 km NW of Cochrane.
- All cadets are housed in eight person rooms in permanent barracks with all bedding provided.
- Additional facilities include: canteen, cadet banking, MIR, internet access.
- Located in the interior of BC on the north end of the Okanagan valley in the city of Vernon.
- Most cadets are housed dormitory style in permanent barracks with all bedding provided. Some cadets will be housed in 6 man tents (CF Modular) with electricity.
- Additional facilities include: games room, canteen, internet cafe, cadet bank, church, MIR.
- Located at Boyle Barracks 20 km south of Whitehorse.
- Most cadets are housed dormitory style in permanent barracks with all bedding provided. Some cadets will be housed in six person modular (CAF Modular) with electricity.
- Additional facilities include: canteen, cadet bank, MIR.
- Located north of Nanaimo on the east coast of Vancouver Island. The training centre is located on spit near the town of Comox.
- Cadets are housed dormitory style in permanent barracks with all bedding provided.
- Additional facilities include: games room / canteen, cadet bank, MIR.
course descriptions
Level 1
GENERAL TRAINING (Level 1)
General Training Course (GTC)
BASIC (Level 2)
Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course (BDCC)
INTERMEDIATE (Level 3)
Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCIC)
ADVANCED (Level 4 and 5)
Military Band – Advanced Musician Course (MBAMC)
NATIONAL COURSES
International Air Cadet Exchanges (IACE)
General Training Course (GTC)
- This course is an introduction to summer training. It gives the participants a little taste of the cadet summer training centre (CTC) life, survival, leadership, citizenship, drill, aviation, music, marksmanship, fitness and aerospace training.
- Duration: 2 weeks
- Location: Cold Lake CTC (Cold Lake, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 1 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
BASIC (Level 2)
Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course (BDCC)
- The aim of the training is to prepare cadets to perform the role of a peer leader while building upon the leadership and drill and ceremonial knowledge and skills learned through the sqn program.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Vernon CTC (Vernon, BC)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to further develop in cadets basic survival skills and inspire them to pursue specialist training in this subject area. This will allow them to participate as a skilled junior cadet in survival training as part of the sqn program.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Cold Lake CTC (Cold Lake, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to prepare cadets to perform the duties of a Basic Fitness and Sports Assistant while continuing to develop personal fitness and healthy living skills.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location:
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to further develop in cadets the fundamentals of aviation and inspire them to pursue specialist training in this subject area.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Cold Lake CTC (Cold Lake, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to further develop in cadets the fundamentals of aerospace, airport operations and aircraft manufacturing and maintenance and inspire them to pursue specialist training in some or all of the subject areas.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Gimli CFTC (Gimli, MB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: HMCS Quadra CTC (Comox, BC)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE SQUADRON BAND
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Rocky Mountain CTC (Ghost River, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 2 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- SUBSTANTIATION TO THE CO IS REQUIRED
INTERMEDIATE (Level 3)
Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course (DCIC)
- The aim of the training is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for drill and ceremonial activities.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Vernon CTC (Vernon, BC)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aircrew survival activities within the Air cadet program.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Cold Lake CTC (Cold Lake, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to perform the role of a fitness and sports instructor and a team leader for fitness and sports activities conducted at the squadron, during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CTC.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Cold Lake CTC (Cold Lake, AB)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop individual air rifle marksmanship and summer biathlon specialty skills while reinforcing and further developing the leadership and instructional techniques skills, preparing the cadets to support these two specialty activities at the sqn, during regionally directed activities and/or as a staff cadet at a CTC.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Whitehorse CTC (Whitehorse, YT) and Vernon CTC (Vernon, BC)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aviation activities within the Air cadet program.
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Location: Comox CFTC (Comox, BC)
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Alberthead, CTC (Alberthead BC)
- Music proficiency level: Have achieved the music proficiency level basic.
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE SQUADRON BAND
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Rocky Mountain CTC (Ghost River, AB)
- Music proficiency level: Have achieved the music proficiency level 2.
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 3 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- SUBSTANTIATION TO THE CO IS REQUIRED
ADVANCED (Level 4 and 5)
Military Band – Advanced Musician Course (MBAMC)
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Vernon CTC (Vernon, BC)
- Music proficiency level: Have achieved the music proficiency level 2
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 4 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE SQUADRON BAND
- The aim of the training is to develop the music proficiency of cadets and prepare them to support their sqn bands and related music activities.
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Rocky Mountain CTC (Ghost River, AB)
- Music proficiency level: Have achieved the music proficiency level 3
- Sqn proficiency level: Level 4 successfully completed by the end of the current training year.
- SUBSTANTIATION TO THE CO IS REQUIRED
- Cadets interested in applying for Staff Cadet positions must be 16 years of age by 1 January and cannot turn 19 before the last day of advanced training.
- Preference is given to cadets who have completed Level 4. Level 3 cadets may be considered but only after all Level 4 cadets have been selected.
NATIONAL COURSES
International Air Cadet Exchanges (IACE)
- The purpose of the IACE is three-fold: to promote friendship and goodwill among Air Cadets of the participating countries, to encourage participants to develop an interest in international affairs, and to reward those Air Cadets who have rendered outstanding services to the Squadrons over a period of years. The IACE is intended only for outstanding senior Cadets who will present Canada with distinction.
- The Department of National Defence (DND) and the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) jointly sponsor an international cadet exchange program with Air Cadet organizations around the world. Canada is a member of the IACE Association. Conducted annually the IACE program provides the opportunity for selected cadets to experience another culture. Exchange Cadets visit air bases, centers of industry, world landmarks, universities, cultural centers and museums, plus they experience private hospitality with families in their own homes. Host countries may include: Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the USA.
- Selection requirements include: possession of a valid passport, an outstanding Air Cadet record, good school record and excellent personal characteristics, including deportment, dependability, cooperation and the ability to communicate effectively. Exchange dates are from mid-July to early August. Candidates must also be admissible as a visitor to their destination country.
- Minimum age and level requirements: 17 years old during the exchange. Must have completed Level 5 successfully by the application date.
- The Power Pilot Scholarship is a seven week intensive program of ground school and in-flight pilot training. The location of the course varies. Cadets who successfully complete their CAF qualifying exam and the Transport Canada (TC) written exam will qualify for a Private Pilots Licence and be awarded the Air Cadet Pilot Wings.
- Cadets must meet all established requirements including age, medical standards, cadet levels and motivation. Candidates must demonstrate a sincere interest in learning to fly and that they are prepared to commit to the demanding study time required to become a pilot.
- Minimum age and level requirements: 17 years old by 1 September following the course. Must have completed level 4 successfully by the current training year. Cadets must pass the Canadian forces qualifying exam and completed grade 10 by the nomination deadline. Cadets must not exceed the maximum weight requirement of 111.13 kg. Cadets must have a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada by 1 June prior to the course.
- The Glider Pilot Scholarship is a six week intensive program of ground school and in flight pilot training which takes place at Gimli CFTC in Gimli, MB. Each Candidate is required to pass a CAF qualifying exam. Candidates must meet all requirements laid down, including age, medical standards and height and weight restrictions. Glider Pilot Scholarship is also a component of the Air Cadet Gliding Program (ACGP) that also includes the spring and fall familiarization flights for cadets in the Air Cadet Squadrons.
- The Glider Pilot Scholarship includes daily intensive physical exertion, such as running and pushing gliders. The course is designed to qualify selected cadets for a Transport Canada glider pilot license in accordance with criteria detailed in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Candidates must demonstrate a sincere interest in learning to fly and that they are prepared to commit to the demanding study time required to become a pilot. Cadets should be advised that depending on weather and operational conditions affecting available flight time, this course may be extended up to one additional week.
- Minimum age and level requirements: 16 years of age by 1 September after the course. Must have completed level 3 successfully by the end of the current training year. Cadets must pass the Canadian Forces qualifying exam and completed grade 9 by the nomination deadline. Cadets must meet the minimum height requirement of 152.4 cm (no shoes) and weight of 40.82 kg. Cadets must not exceed the maximum height of 190.5 cm (no shoes) and weight of 90.72 kg. Cadets must have a valid Category 3 Medical Certificate from Transport Canada by 1 June prior to the course.
- Upon completion of the course, cadets will be expected to volunteer at a local Gliding Centre during the fall and spring gliding seasons.
- The Aim of the six-week AATC_AO is to introduce Cadets to programming specific to airport operations. The aim will be accomplished through practical, hands on learning modules that will reinforce theoretical notions. By establishing a dynamic learning environment and exposing the Cadets to a variety of airport operations, they will be inspired to further pursue learning in this program area.
- One candidate per Squadron will be permitted. Cadets must have completed level 3 by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to introduce cadets to aircraft construction and maintenance. The aim will be accomplished through practical, hands on learning modules that will reinforce theoretical notions. By establishing a dynamic learning environment and exposing the cadets to a variety of aircraft construction and maintenance functions, they will be inspired to further pursue learning in this program area.
- One candidate per Squadron will be permitted. Cadets must have completed level 3 by the end of the current training year.
- The aim of the training is to develop a specialist with the skills and subject matter knowledge required to be an instructor and team leader for aerospace activities within the Air Cadet program. This aim will be accomplished through the development of knowledge and skills relevant to various aspects of science and technology, and by providing ample opportunity for practical application within the format of a simulated space mission project. Candidates should show interest and ability for mathematics and physics.
- One candidate per Squadron will be permitted. Cadets must have completed level 3 by the end of the current training year.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR REGIONAL COURSES
The application process begins quite early in the training year in November, when briefings are given to each training level explaining to the different options available. Cadets are then given a choices form where they can indicate the courses they’d like to take. For the regional and staff cadet courses ranging from 2-6 weeks, the choices forms are typically due back in January. SCANNED AND EMAILED FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
In completing the choices form, cadets are asked to prioritize the courses they would like to attend. They can and are encouraged to apply for all courses available within their training level. They may not get picked for their first choice, rather their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th.
Out of all applicants, cadets are assigned a priority number determined by the method in the section below.
As stated above, it is a highly competitive process as there are so few spots given. Cadets may have the right attitude, but 75% attendance may not be enough to get a spot if there is another cadet with the same level of attitude that has 85% attendance. The bottom line is show up as often as possible with a good attitude.
Offers of participation typically start showing up in April. If a cadet doesn’t get picked during the first round of offers, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be going. More spots may be released depending on how many cadets receive or reject offers. Cadets can very well receive an offer just a couple of days before the course starts.
In completing the choices form, cadets are asked to prioritize the courses they would like to attend. They can and are encouraged to apply for all courses available within their training level. They may not get picked for their first choice, rather their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th.
Out of all applicants, cadets are assigned a priority number determined by the method in the section below.
As stated above, it is a highly competitive process as there are so few spots given. Cadets may have the right attitude, but 75% attendance may not be enough to get a spot if there is another cadet with the same level of attitude that has 85% attendance. The bottom line is show up as often as possible with a good attitude.
Offers of participation typically start showing up in April. If a cadet doesn’t get picked during the first round of offers, that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be going. More spots may be released depending on how many cadets receive or reject offers. Cadets can very well receive an offer just a couple of days before the course starts.
APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS FOR NATIONAL COURSES
The process for national courses including the Glider Pilot Scholarship, Power Pilot Scholarship, International Air Cadet Exchange and Advanced Aviation Technology are more complex. Cadets must hand in these choices forms in December. In turn, cadets will receive a much more detailed application form, where they will be required to provide additional documentation, as well as a narrative explaining why they deserve to be selected. This detailed application is typically due back in January. SCANNED AND EMAILED FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Successful candidates at the squadron level will then move on to provincial review boards held by the Air Cadet League of Manitoba. These boards will serve to further determine a cadet’s merit among cadets from across the province.
Pilot Scholarship applicants are also required to write a qualifying exam in early January to determine if they are prepared academically for the course. Applicants are highly encouraged to participate in our Fly Schol training program to ensure they are adequately prepared for this exam.
Successful candidates at the squadron level will then move on to provincial review boards held by the Air Cadet League of Manitoba. These boards will serve to further determine a cadet’s merit among cadets from across the province.
Pilot Scholarship applicants are also required to write a qualifying exam in early January to determine if they are prepared academically for the course. Applicants are highly encouraged to participate in our Fly Schol training program to ensure they are adequately prepared for this exam.
DETERMINING PRIORITY
It is the CO’s responsibility to determine who gets priority in summer training opportunities. The following criteria will be considered (weight in parentheses):
Due to the limited number of spots available for summer training, the following applications may be refused by the CO:
- Narrative (no weight): All regional course applicants in levels 2 or higher are required to complete a narrative between 100 and 500 words long explaining why they are deserving of a summer training opportunity. Only one narrative is required; not one for each course applied for. Cadets applying for national courses are not required to complete a narrative for regional courses. If a cadet doesn’t have the narrative, the choices form will not be accepted.
- Attendance (worth 74%): Attendance in mandatory activities from February of the previous training year to January in the current training year. For level 2 and 3 cadets, late joiners will be prioritized lower than any returning cadets with attendance scores of 60% or higher.
- Classroom Conduct (worth 19%): Based on observations made by the Level Training Officers in the classroom.
- Fundraising participant or donation in lieu (worth 2.5%): Given to cadets who have participated in fundraising activities or who have opted to give a donation in lieu between February of the previous training year to January in the current training year.
- Tag Day participant (worth 2.5%): Given to cadets who have participated in Tag Days between February of the previous training year to January in the current training year. Typically, 2 Tag Days are conducted in this time frame, so cadets will receive 1.25% for attending each.
- Top Cadet recipient (worth 1%): Given to cadets who were awarded Top Cadet of the Week between February of the previous training year to January in the current training year.
- Golden Boot recipient (worth 1%): Given to cadets who were awarded Golden Boot between February of the previous training year to January in the current training year.
Due to the limited number of spots available for summer training, the following applications may be refused by the CO:
- Applications from Level 3, 4, or 5 cadets for GTC or any basic courses.
- Applications from Level 4 and 5 cadets for AAC.
- Applications from Level 5 cadets for 6-week regional courses.
SUMMER TRAINING FAQ
Q1: How do cadets get to and from the training centres?
A1: If you are attending Gimli CFTC or the Power Pilot Scholarship within the province, you will need to be driven to the location as DND will not provide transportation in those instances. If you are travelling outside the province, you will typically be instructed to arrive at Building 21 or Winnipeg International Airport for departure and DND will transport you to the CTC. Cadets are escorted or met on all legs of their journey when travelling in large groups. For smaller groups adult escorts will be based on location and duration. All cadets will receive a travel itinerary by email. While transport is organized and paid for by DND, if parents request special transportation arrangements, (or RTU), they may be financially responsible. The times specified in the itinerary must be adhered to, even if just driving to Gimli CFTC. Cadet transportation is carefully orchestrated and deviations from those times can cause a great deal of strain on the system. So if your itinerary says to be dropped off between 1600 and 1630 hrs, please adhere to those times. Cadets travelling by air will likely be subject to airline baggage restrictions and require 1 piece of government-issued photo ID OR 2 pieces of government-issued ID (non-photo), which contains the name, gender and date of birth.
Q2: Do I have to wear my uniform when travelling to and from the CTC?
A2: Yes
Q3: I haven't received my travel itinerary yet. What should I do?
A3: Travel itineraries are one of the most challenging tasks prior to a course that our staff across the country need to deal with. This information will come via email, however it may take up to the Thursday before your course to receive it, so be patient. As a general guideline, expect to travel out either on the Saturday or the Sunday prior to your course starting. You can expect to travel home on the last day of your course or the next day. If you have not received your travel itinerary by the Thursday before your course, please contact us using the 'Contact Us' page above.
Q4: What do I need to bring?
A4: Prior to the start of the summer, we will post Joining Instructions for each of the CTCs. The JIs should contain all the information you need about the CTC and what to bring. You also need to bring your signed Offer of Participation given to you by the Admin O.
Q5: How much money should I bring?
A5: Every CTC has a canteen where you can purchase snacks, toiletries and sundry items. Parents can send as little or as much as they think you need, but be aware that the CTC staff are not responsible for the security of any belongings.
Q6: Am allowed visitors while at the CTC?
A6: Yes. There is an annex to the JIs where you can list friends and family who are authorized to visit you and take you for short trips away from the CTC. It needs to be taken with you to the CTC.
Q7: What if my family moves to another city prior to, or during the course?
A7: This is a common occurrence every summer, especially for military families. While not always possible, DND will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your transportation requirements. If the move is to a remote location, parents may need to cover travel to and from a major city. Every situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Q8: What if I need to arrive late or leave early due to other commitments?
A8: Cadets accepting offers should ensure they are available for the duration of the course. If you arrive late, or leave early, you may not qualify in your course as it will be incomplete and your parents will likely be responsible to provide transportation. Additionally, there are many cadets throughout our region who did not get selected and would love the opportunity to go. If your availability changes, you may be asked to decline your offer.
Q9: The information in the cadet information card on my national course application is incorrect. How can I get it fixed?
A9: Issues with your personal contact information can easily be fixed by the Admin O as well as some awards and qualifications. However, due to time limits, you may have to simply include the information in your narrative. The Admin O or CO may not have the authority to make all changes; for example, qualifications achieved at a Cadet Flying Site. Such qualifications should instead be reflected in your narrative.
Q10: Can I take an advanced course, such as Survival Instructor, if I haven't taken the basic equivalent, or can I take any course if I haven't taken General Training?
A10: Yes. GTC or Level 2 basic courses are not a prerequisite to any other course.
Q11: What will life be like at at the training centre?
A11: Cadets can expect the following while training:
Q12: What can parents expect?
A12: Parents can expect the following while their cadets are on training:
Q13: Can I scan and email my forms to the squadron?
A13: No. Summer training selection is an extremely competitive process, so all applicants are expected to submit paper forms to the squadron. Cadets will be given several weeks opportunity to hand them in. If any absences are anticipated, please plan accordingly.
A1: If you are attending Gimli CFTC or the Power Pilot Scholarship within the province, you will need to be driven to the location as DND will not provide transportation in those instances. If you are travelling outside the province, you will typically be instructed to arrive at Building 21 or Winnipeg International Airport for departure and DND will transport you to the CTC. Cadets are escorted or met on all legs of their journey when travelling in large groups. For smaller groups adult escorts will be based on location and duration. All cadets will receive a travel itinerary by email. While transport is organized and paid for by DND, if parents request special transportation arrangements, (or RTU), they may be financially responsible. The times specified in the itinerary must be adhered to, even if just driving to Gimli CFTC. Cadet transportation is carefully orchestrated and deviations from those times can cause a great deal of strain on the system. So if your itinerary says to be dropped off between 1600 and 1630 hrs, please adhere to those times. Cadets travelling by air will likely be subject to airline baggage restrictions and require 1 piece of government-issued photo ID OR 2 pieces of government-issued ID (non-photo), which contains the name, gender and date of birth.
Q2: Do I have to wear my uniform when travelling to and from the CTC?
A2: Yes
Q3: I haven't received my travel itinerary yet. What should I do?
A3: Travel itineraries are one of the most challenging tasks prior to a course that our staff across the country need to deal with. This information will come via email, however it may take up to the Thursday before your course to receive it, so be patient. As a general guideline, expect to travel out either on the Saturday or the Sunday prior to your course starting. You can expect to travel home on the last day of your course or the next day. If you have not received your travel itinerary by the Thursday before your course, please contact us using the 'Contact Us' page above.
Q4: What do I need to bring?
A4: Prior to the start of the summer, we will post Joining Instructions for each of the CTCs. The JIs should contain all the information you need about the CTC and what to bring. You also need to bring your signed Offer of Participation given to you by the Admin O.
Q5: How much money should I bring?
A5: Every CTC has a canteen where you can purchase snacks, toiletries and sundry items. Parents can send as little or as much as they think you need, but be aware that the CTC staff are not responsible for the security of any belongings.
Q6: Am allowed visitors while at the CTC?
A6: Yes. There is an annex to the JIs where you can list friends and family who are authorized to visit you and take you for short trips away from the CTC. It needs to be taken with you to the CTC.
Q7: What if my family moves to another city prior to, or during the course?
A7: This is a common occurrence every summer, especially for military families. While not always possible, DND will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your transportation requirements. If the move is to a remote location, parents may need to cover travel to and from a major city. Every situation will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Q8: What if I need to arrive late or leave early due to other commitments?
A8: Cadets accepting offers should ensure they are available for the duration of the course. If you arrive late, or leave early, you may not qualify in your course as it will be incomplete and your parents will likely be responsible to provide transportation. Additionally, there are many cadets throughout our region who did not get selected and would love the opportunity to go. If your availability changes, you may be asked to decline your offer.
Q9: The information in the cadet information card on my national course application is incorrect. How can I get it fixed?
A9: Issues with your personal contact information can easily be fixed by the Admin O as well as some awards and qualifications. However, due to time limits, you may have to simply include the information in your narrative. The Admin O or CO may not have the authority to make all changes; for example, qualifications achieved at a Cadet Flying Site. Such qualifications should instead be reflected in your narrative.
Q10: Can I take an advanced course, such as Survival Instructor, if I haven't taken the basic equivalent, or can I take any course if I haven't taken General Training?
A10: Yes. GTC or Level 2 basic courses are not a prerequisite to any other course.
Q11: What will life be like at at the training centre?
A11: Cadets can expect the following while training:
- Close quarters with cadets from all over Canada
- Meals in mess halls
- Busy training days
- “Down time” in the evenings
- Home sickness / calling home
- Personal hygiene (care for yourself)
- Laundry and uniform care
- Make great friendships
- Learn fantastic skills
- Receive training bonus (approx $60/week)
Q12: What can parents expect?
A12: Parents can expect the following while their cadets are on training:
- May receive anguished calls or texts from your home sick cadet
- Best advice: TRUST the staff at the CTC to take good care of your cadet – do not try to interfere
- Leave Passes / visitation is granted at specific times only so as not to interfere with training – CALL AHEAD
- If you’ve been doing your cadet’s laundry and ironing – STOP! They must do it themselves at the CTC
- Management of their training bonus/finances
Q13: Can I scan and email my forms to the squadron?
A13: No. Summer training selection is an extremely competitive process, so all applicants are expected to submit paper forms to the squadron. Cadets will be given several weeks opportunity to hand them in. If any absences are anticipated, please plan accordingly.
