Check out the Videos of the Air Cadets on YouTube! Video 2

Join 856 Squadron

We will be accepting new Recruits on 9 Sep 09 at 1900 hrs and 11 Nov 09 at 1900 hrs. Interested cadets and their parents are to come to the East Shore Community Centre for the time listed for an information session.

We run Recruit Intakes in Sept, and Nov each year. You can also download the Membership Application Package, and bring them filled-out with you to the next info session. In addition to these forms, we'll require a photocopy of our son/daughter/ward's birth certificate and health card (we'll need to see the originals to verify).

What are the Air Cadets?

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets is an organization for Canadian youth between the ages of 12 and 18. The program's aims are:

· To develop in youth the attributes of leadership and good citizenship;

· To promote physical fitness; and

· To stimulate an interest in the Air Element of the Canadian Forces.

To accomplish this, cadets participate in a range of activities. They also receive valuable training in areas such as leadership, sensible living, air studies, survival and public speaking, to name a few. Additionally, the program instills in cadets life skills such as organization, time management, responsibility, and accountability, all of which will remain valuable long after they have left the program.

Check out the National Cadet Website for more general information on the Air Cadet Program.

What do Air Cadets do?

Air Cadets participate in many individual and group activities and on organized teams. At 856 Squadron, there is something happening almost every night of the week and on most weekends too! There is no shortage of activities to keep our cadets engaged, interested, and busy! Some of the activities that our cadets can get involved in include: 

· Effective (Public) Speaking

· Drum & Bugle Band

· Air Rifle Shooting

· .22 Caliber Rifle Shooting

· Survival Weekends

· Sports Weekends and Competitions

· Orienteering

And of course flying (power and/or gliding).

Squadron Teams

856 Squadron has many teams that are open to any qualified cadet. These teams practice at least one night a week (separate from the Regular Training on Wednesday nights) to get ready for internal and external competitions. The Squadron Teams are listed below.

· Air Rifle Team

· Precision Drill Team

· Drum & Bugle Band

· Flag Party

· Darts Team

· Sports Teams (Swim, Basketball, Volleyball, Floor Hockey, Soccer, European Handball, etc.)

How can I join?

To join the Air Cadets, you must be a Canadian citizen (or landed immigrant) and be 12 years of age or older (but must be able to complete 1 year of service before turning 19). Cadets must graduate from the program on their 19th birthday. Potential cadets must be physically fit enough to participate in most aspects of the Cadet Program. We will require a photocopy of your son/daughter/ward's birth certificate and Ontario Health Card. We will also need to see the original cards to verify their authenticity. We can photocopy these cards at the Squadron if you are unable to obtain photocopies beforehand.

What will I do once I join?

New recruits will initially enroll in the Squadron's Recruit Course. This course is essentially an introduction to the cadet program. While on the course, recruits will be taught the essentials of an Air Cadet Squadron. Some of the topics covered will include:

· Rules & Regulations

· Rank Structure (both of the Cadets, and the Officers who instruct them)

· Drill (marching, standing at attention, saluting, etc.)

· Uniform Care & Standards

During the final evening of the Recruit Course, recruits will take two tests. One is written and encompasses all the ''theory'' of the Recruit Course (i.e. rules, regulations, ranks, etc.), the other is a practical Drill Test. New Recruits must pass both tests and display an acceptable level of dress, deportment and standards while on the Recruit Course to become an official member of 856 Squadron.

When will I get my uniform?

Cadets will be fitted for, and issued, their uniform near the end of the Recruit Course. They will not be permitted to wear their uniform until they have successfully passed the Course and have been officially sworn-in as a Cadet in 856 Squadron. 

What if I have further questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the Squadron's Recruiting Officer at 905-626-8856. Leave your name, phone number and a brief message so we can best respond to your query.