Click the link below to access the Cadets Canada Online Registration Tool. Type ST JAMES in the Unit Name Field and 170 ST JAMES, ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET SQUADRON should show up. If that doesn't work still, on that site you can print an application form using the Print a blank form button and email it to us. You can also email a scan of your government issued ID and Manitoba Health Services card or bring it to your first parade night.
Once your application is received and processed, we'll contact you and let you know when you can start participating with us.
Regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, you must be in possession of a Manitoba COVID-19 Immunization Card. If you have proof from another province or jurisdiction, let us know. For details, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/index.html
NOTE: 170 RCACS parades at 17 Wing Winnipeg, an active military base. DO NOT visit us without first contacting the staff. Failure to arrange your visit in advance may result in you being turned away at the gate. You must contact us at least one week in advance of your visit to ensure adequate time to add you to the Wing access list.
What is the cost to join?
There is no cost to join. Uniforms are provided on loan free-of-charge. There are minimal-to-no costs for participating in optional activities that the unit partakes in. However, cadets are required to participate in fundraising activities throughout the year to supplement funding provided by DND and cover responsibilities to the Air Cadet League of Canada.
How many cadets can register each year?
To ensure the highest quality instruction and get the best use of our facility, 170 Squadron limits the maximum amount of cadets for each training level to 30. Cadets are enrolled on a "first come, first served" basis. If no spots are available, enrolment will be deferred until one opens up. The cap does not apply to cadets transferring from another squadron/corps.
I missed registration in September. Can I still join cadets?
Yes. The ideal time to join the program is on our first parade night of the training year; usually the Friday after Labour Day. However, new recruits will be accepted up until the end of March and possibly later at the discretion of the Training Officer. Individuals wishing to join after our first night may be told to come back at a later date. This will allow us to plan out the required lessons the individual will need to catch up and to group new recruits into larger clusters if possible.
I am older than 12 and missed one or more years of training. Can I still join cadets?
Yes. The squadron has a "Late Joiner" policy to ensure new cadets are grouped with and provided sufficient challenges for their age. New recruits aged 13 or older may be advanced to a higher level once initial new recruit training has occurred. The age criteria is:
Age 14 before 1 September of the next year: advanced to Level 2; and
Age 15 before 1 September of the next year: advanced to Level 3.
This advancement is at the discretion of the Training Officer. While we endeavor to place a cadet to a level within their age group, we also have to ensure that cadet will be adequately prepared to take on the increased challenge.