Training Activities

Throughout the year (September to June), cadets participate in many mandatory and optional activities. Mandatory activities are the basis for the program and include weekly “Parade Nights” where cadets have classes to learn about various topics. Some training occurs during weekends or other evenings, such as Remembrance Day parades, fundraising activities, and Field Training Exercises (FTX). Optional training is extra-curricular activities that are not required, but most cadets chose to do.

Flying/Gliding

One of the aims of the Air Cadet program is to create an interest in aviation for young cadets. This is accomplished through classroom lessons on aviation topics and flight experience in a glider and powered airplane.

The Saskatchewan Air Cadet League (SKACL) partners with the Department of National Defence (DND) to operate three Cadet Flying Sites in the province: North Battleford, Tisdale, and Moose Jaw. These sites are staffed with senior Air Cadets, Canadian Forces CIC Officers, and volunteers.

Weekly Program

September to June is the regular cadet year. Once a week, an evening program called a Parade Night is held. Throughout the year, a busy schedule of activities is in the books which includes classes, special trips, gliding, competitions, community support, fundraising, social events, and weekend exercises.

Effective Speaking

Communication is an essential skill that is used every day. The Effective Speaking competition allows youth to develop skills in public speaking that will help immeasurably in other areas of life as well.

Cadets have an opportunity to participate in a series of competitions at the squadron, zone, provincial, and national levels.

Aims of the Effective Speaking Competition:

  1. Provide an opportunity for Air Cadets to increase their self-confidence, and increase their ability to reason, organize, and express ideas.
  2. Promote the citizenship component of squadron training.
  3. Provide cadets an opportunity to acquire effective speaking skills through instruction and practice in a structured and competitive environment.
  4. Increase public awareness regarding the citizenship and leadership aspects of the Air Cadet program.

For more information, visit the official Air Cadet League website for more information.

Marksmanship

The marksmanship program is a challenging and competitive precision rifle shooting program which develops skills through superior training and Olympic-style competition. Training is provided and supervised by coaches and qualified officers.

Cadets have an opportunity to participate in a series of competitions at the squadron, zone, provincial, and national levels.

Biathlon

Biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and marksmanship. It requires tremendous endurance and strength, but also skill and precision. The combination of power and endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision and calmness required for marksmanship makes this sport especially challenging.

Training is provided by certified biathlon coaches. Equipment can be provided to cadets chosen for competitions.

Cadets have an opportunity to participate in a series of competitions at the squadron, zone, provincial, and national levels.

Curling

Curling is an Olympic team sport and is available to only Saskatchewan Air Cadets (no other provinces offer this)! Every squadron in Saskatchewan can send a team to compete in the annual zone level competition. The top teams advance to a provincial competition.

Drill & Flag Party

Drill is an important part of cadet training and promotes discipline, alertness, precision, pride, steadiness, and the cohesion necessary for success within a group. Some squadrons have drill teams, which consists of a group of cadets that practice to perform a precision drill routine at the regional competition.

The Flag party carries the Canadian, Saskatchewan, and Squadron flags during parades.

Band & Music

Cadets can participate in squadron band year-round to develop music theory, band drill, and musicianship. There is no need to have prior musical knowledge or own an instrument to participate. Instruction and instruments will be provided. The band usually performs during parades at the beginning of the Parade Night.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was founded by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in Great Britain in 1956 to help young people develop a sense of responsibility in themselves and their community by expanding horizons. The Award has evolved into one of the most comprehensive individual development, self-training and personal achievement programs in the world. The Air Cadet Program offers many components that also satisfy the requirements for reaching a certain standard of the Duke of Edinburgh Program, and cadets are highly recommended to take advantage of that.

This is an external program and is not managed by the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program. Visit https://www.dukeofed.org/ for more info and the application form.