History of Army Cadet Corps

I am currently a Master Corporal at my cadet corp, 2558, in Placentia, NF. I've been a member of cadets for four years and I can honestly say cadets is a truly rewarding experience. I have learned many things which I now can teach the younger cadets. Being in an organization such as this has changed my life for the better.

Here is some background information on the history of the cadets and the type of training given.

The official founding of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets was on November 28, 1879 when the Militia General Order Number 18 authorized the formation of "Associations for Drill in Educational Institutions". These Drill Associations were organized for young men over 14 years of age still enrolled in studies at school. Eight years later in 1887, The Regulations and Orders for the militia authorized the loan of rifles and associated equipment to schools which were interested in training students over 12 years of age as long as drill and military training became part of the school schedule. As part of the deal, the school had to find suitable officers and provide a uniform for the students to wear. The term "Cadet Corps" first appeared in 1898 under an agreement with the province of Ontario. The agreement also provided that a member of the teaching staff would become the permanent instructor for the cadet corps rather than a temporary instructor detailed from the local militia unit.

The Militia Bill of 1904

The Militia Bill of 1904 authorized boys over 12 years of age to be formed into school cadet corps and young men over 14 years of age but under the age of 18 to be formed into senior cadet corps. In this way there would be a group of senior cadets.

The Cadets - World War 1 and World War 2

During the years before the First World War and until its conclusion, the cadet movement thrived in Canada. In 1918 there were over 64000 cadets enrolled and upwards of 40000 ex-cadets had voluntarily enlisted to serve their country.

As everyone expected, the dawning of the Second World War brought a renewed interest in the cadet movement. In 1942, His Majesty King George IV conferred the title "Royal" to the army cadets. The Royal Canadian Army Cadets became the official designation; one that we still use today. His Majesty also accepted the appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets (RCAC). HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh holds this appointment today.

The beginning of summer camps

In 1948 a review of the rules and regulations took place. This review brought the Canadian Army closer to its cadet corps than ever before. Trades training was introduced to the RCAC in 1948. This was training in addition to the local training as it was conducted during the summer period rather than during the school year. Thus the beginning of our present day summer camps. A trial camp was set up at Camp Ipperwash, Ontario. Courses common to all arms of the service were selected, such as driver mechanics and signaller. Another camp was established during the summer of 1948 and that was the National Cadet Camp located in Banff, Alberta. It was offered to those cadets who had demonstrated excellent proficiency in army cadet skills by reaching a Master Cadet rating. The course was three weeks in duration.

New Crest Design - 1956

In 1956, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth authorized a new design for the RCAC crest, including the motto "ACER ACERPORI" "As the maple, so the sapling ". This same crest was incorporated into the design of the new Army Cadet camp flag in 1957.

Changes that affected RCAF 1960s -1970s

a. A 1967 centennial project introduced an inter-provincial exchange programme during the summer months.

b. The Army Cadet League was formed on April 1, 1971 to work in partnership with Department of National Defence in the running of the Army Cadets.

c. In May 1972, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth approved a new design for the Army Cadet Flag by replacing the Union Jack with the National Flag of Canada.

d. In November 1974, the Army Cadet training programme was once again revised. The star system was introduced, replacing the 1948 local training and trades training programme.

e. In 1974, the summer exchange programme with the Caribbean was replaced by two exchanges, one to Britain and the other to West Germany.

f. The air rifle shooting programme was introduced to army cadets in 1974.

g. On July 30th, 1975, Bill C16 was given Royal Assent. This Bill amended the National Defence Act, thus allowing girls to join the cadet movement.

h. During 1977 a new green uniform was introduced to the Canadian Cadet Organization.

I. The 100th Anniversary of the Army Cadets occurred on the 28th of November 1979.

j. In 1985 the Royal Army Cadet Banner was presented by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

k. The enrollment age for cadets was reduced to 12 years of age in 1987.

l. In September 1990 the revised Army Cadet Training Programme was introduced. It built on the Star Programme of 1974, but introduced user -friendly handbooks and a reduced mandatory training programme to allow cadet corps to take advantage of local expertise in optional subjects.

Army Cadet training

There are 5 components to the Army Cadet Training System. They are:

a. the star programme,
b. summer courses
c. citizenship training activities
d. physical fitness
e. optional training activities