Frequenty Asked Questions
Q. Who are the Army Cadets?
We are members of the Army Cadet League of Canada. Cadets follow the Army Cadet Honour Code: "I resolve, as a member of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, that I shall aspire to become a citizen of the highest integrity in my community; I shall strive for success in my studies, to be considerate of all persons and their property, and to achieve the highest physical, mental, spiritual and moral standards as a Citizen of Canada." The core principals of the cadet program are Leadership, Citizenship and Physical Fitness.
Q. Army, Air or Sea Cadets?
Well we're biased, but ARMY of course!! All of the cadet organizations are fantastic and each will teach you valuable skills while having great fun. The choice is yours. All we ask is that you come visit us on one of our training nights before you decide. After that, you'll know.
q. What do the Cadets do?
Here are just some of our activities: Expeditions (Ontario, Canada and overseas), Hiking and Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Camping, Orienteering and Military Navigation Training, Air Rifle Shooting, Biathlon Team, Marksmanship Team, Drill Team, Winter Survival Training, Team Sports, Leadership & Citizenship Training, Radio Procedures, First Aid Certification, Summer Camps (we pay you to go!) and much, much more!!
Q. If I join the cadets, am I in the military?
While the cadet programme does foster a better understanding of the Canadian Forces, and the Department of National Defense provides funding for the program, cadets are absolutely not in the military! You will not handle firearms, throw grenades, drive a tank or fight overseas! But you will go abseiling, white water canoeing, camping, patrolling, go on 'exercises', and learn to lead other cadets - just to name a few. And you'll play a special role in things like the annual Remembrance Day parades. Certainly there are a few cadets who might choose to go onward to a military career, but most do not. Cadets teaches you life skills that you will take with you on whatever path your choose.
Q. What does it cost?
This is the best part for the parents ... cadets is FREE. The program is funded by the Department of National Defense Canada, with additional local fundraising coordinated by the Support Committee. It costs nothing to join, and the dress uniform, most travel expenses, food, lodging, training and more is free. There are only a few small expenses such as your name tag, optional combat clothing, and pocket money for the kids for refreshments during the canteen break each Friday.
Q. Do I get paid to be a cadet?
No, and yes. Cadets who attend summer camp receive a training bonus at the end of the summer. Also, senior cadets who return to camp as leaders are paid a daily wage and make very good money for the summer. Most staff cadets are 16-18 years of age and they come back with lots of money in their bank accounts!
Q. Do I get to shoot guns
Once you have been adequately trained on safety precautions and handling procedures, and have proven yourself a responsible cadet, you might then be eligible to be coached as a target rifle marksman. Cadets who participate in marskmanship use the Daisy Air Rifle, a pellet rifle designed for cadet use in marksmanship competitions. Cadets are supervised at all times by the Range Safety Officer (RSO), senior cadets and coaches. The Queen's York Rangers 2799 has a proud tradition of having one of the best marksmanship teams in Canada for over a decade, and compete frequently against other Canadian cadet corps.
Q. What kind of teams are there in Cadets?
The Rangers has something for everyone. If you are a cadet who wants to do more than come out to regular parade nights and exercises, you might like to check out one of our many teams. Being part of a team adds to your skills and abilities, and opens up wonderful opportunities for competition and travel. The Rangers have some of the best teams in the country
Q. Will I have people bossing me around?
You will have other, more senior, cadets in charge of you. You will not be bossed around, belittled, or made to do things that make you feel uncomfortable. You will, however, be guided by your seniors and be made to contribute to the corps' overall tasks and goals. You must follow instruction. But once you have proven yourself to be a good follower, you will begin to climb the ranks and take on a leadership role of your own. In no time you will have cadets of your own to command - and teach! There are eight ranks, beginning with recruit. The sooner your join, the sooner you move up!
Q. There are so many people around, will I make friends?
Definitely! Whether you are shy or outgoing, you are certain to make a ton of friends in cadets. Here's why. When you come to cadets for the first time you will be put together with other new recruits, and you'll get to know who they are. Not long after, you will be put into a 'section'. A section is made up of only 10-12 cadets and these people will become your closest buddies! As soon as you're in a section you will meet your Sergeant - the cadet in charge of your section. S/he is there to answer all your questions - when in doubt, ask your Sergeant.
Sections always work as a team so you will be surprised just how fast you learn everyone's name! You will also be placed in a Star Level, Green Star for new recruits. Green Stars attend all their classes and training togther, so you will get to know a whole bunch of new cadets just like yourself. Lastly, if you are concerned about making new friends, bring an old one! We are always happy to welcome new cadets and many new recruits bring a friend to join with them.
Sections always work as a team so you will be surprised just how fast you learn everyone's name! You will also be placed in a Star Level, Green Star for new recruits. Green Stars attend all their classes and training togther, so you will get to know a whole bunch of new cadets just like yourself. Lastly, if you are concerned about making new friends, bring an old one! We are always happy to welcome new cadets and many new recruits bring a friend to join with them.
Q. What are the uniforms like?
Cadets wear two main uniforms. First, is the C5 Field Training Uniform ("FTUs"), which is worn on some training nights and most often worn on weekend field training exercises. Second, is the Distinctive Environment Uniform ("DEUs"), sometimes called the "dress uniform", which is worn on Parade nights and other ceremonial events. There are different combinations of the DEUs, depending on the occasion. Sometimes there is a tie worn with the uniform, sometimes not. Sometimes the tunic (a.k.a. jacket) is worn, sometimes not. The specific combination of uniform that a cadet wears on a given night is clearly specified on the Home page of the website, indicated by a code (ie. C1, C2, C3, etc). These codes can be found through the Uniforms page in the CJCR Dress Instructions, where the different uniform codes are fully described.
Both uniforms are supplied to the cadet by the Corps at no charge. They are only on loan ... eventually they must be returned.
Both uniforms are supplied to the cadet by the Corps at no charge. They are only on loan ... eventually they must be returned.
Q. Is there travel involved?
Rangers are lucky because we have a chance to travel across Canada. Throughout your cadet career you will have a chance to go to different cities in Ontario, and sometimes other provinces. This is especially true if you join one of the teams, as they often travel to competitions.
The corps as a whole also does trips or citizenship training. Once you have completed your cadet training and have obtained your National Star qualifications, you may be eligible to do an overseas exchange with 20-30 cadets from all over Canada! Exchange cadets might go to the USA, England, or even Scotland! The Rangers once again have a proud tradition in this regard ... we are accustomed to sending senior cadets almost every year!
The corps as a whole also does trips or citizenship training. Once you have completed your cadet training and have obtained your National Star qualifications, you may be eligible to do an overseas exchange with 20-30 cadets from all over Canada! Exchange cadets might go to the USA, England, or even Scotland! The Rangers once again have a proud tradition in this regard ... we are accustomed to sending senior cadets almost every year!
