Cadet Resources

A complete list of awards and their selection criteria is available below. Recipients will be announced at the Awards and Promotions Parade and the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR), both of which are held in June. 

Below are Acronyms and Definitions we use at 205 Collishaw Squadron. For a complete list of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces Manual of Abbreviations view here.

A

• AC (Air Cadet) refers to a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
• ACLC (Air Cadet League of Canada) is the organization that supports the Air Cadet program in Canada.
• ACR (Annual Ceremonial Review) is the annual formal parade and inspection of a cadet squadron.
• Admin (Administration) refers to administrative duties and activities.
• AdminO (Administration Officer) is the officer responsible for administration.
• Adj (Adjutant) is a cadet parade position and is not a rank.
• ALP (Advanced Leadership Program) is a program designed to develop cadet leadership skills.
• A/TrgO (Assistant Training Officer) is the officer who assists the Training Officer.

B

• BCPC (BC Provincial Committee) is the provincial committee supporting Air Cadets in British Columbia.
• BZ (Bravo Zulu) is a naval term meaning “well done.”

C

• CAF (Canadian Armed Forces) refers to Canada’s military forces.
• CJCR (Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers) is the organization responsible for the Canadian Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers programs.
• C1A, C2, C3, C3B, C5, and C5C refer to different orders of dress worn by cadets.
• Canteen refers to the place at the LHQ where cards may be purchased.
• Capt (Captain) is an officer rank.
• CWO (Chief Warrant Officer) is a senior warrant officer rank.
• CO (Commanding Officer) is the officer in charge of the squadron.
• Cpl (Corporal) is a cadet rank.
• CI (Civilian Instructor) is a civilian who provides instruction and support to cadets.
• CIC (Cadet Instructor Cadre) is the Canadian Armed Forces officer cadre that works with cadets.
• CV (Civilian Volunteer) is a civilian volunteer who supports cadet activities.
• CATO (Cadet Administrative and Training Order) contains policies and instructions for the administration and training of cadets.
• CD (Canadian Forces’ Decoration) is a Canadian military decoration awarded for qualifying service.

D

• DND (Department of National Defence) is the Canadian government department responsible for Canada’s defence.
• Dress refers to the type of clothing worn by cadets, such as civilian, summer, ceremonial, combat, or full dress.
• DCO (Deputy Commanding Officer) is the officer who assists the Commanding Officer and acts as their deputy.

E

• ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) refers to the expected time when someone or something will arrive.
• EO (Enabling Objective) is an objective that provides the knowledge or skills needed to achieve a performance objective.

F

• FCpl (Flight Corporal) is a cadet Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
• FSgt (Flight Sergeant) is a senior cadet Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
• Flt (Flight) refers to a parade group, such as Band, Arrow, or Banshee.
• Flt Comd (Flight Commander) is a cadet parade position and is not a rank.
• Flt Sgt (Flight Sergeant) is a cadet parade position and is not a rank.
• FTX (Field Training Exercise) is an outdoor exercise designed to provide practical training.

G

• GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) is a time standard based on the time at the Prime Meridian.

H

• HQ (Headquarters) refers to the main office or command location.
• Hrs (Hours) is used to indicate a period of time; for example, 1400 hrs means 2:00 p.m.

IJKL

• Lt (Lieutenant) is an officer rank.
• 2Lt (Second Lieutenant) is an officer rank below Lieutenant.
• LHQ (Local Headquarters) refers to the local squadron office and facilities.
• LAC (Leading Air Cadet) is a cadet rank.

M

• MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) is a prepared meal designed to be eaten in field conditions.
• MRO (Monthly Routine Orders) are monthly instructions and information issued by the squadron.

N

• NLT (No Later Than) indicates the latest acceptable time for something to occur.
• NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer) refers to cadet ranks such as Sergeant, Flight Sergeant, Warrant Officer Second Class, and Warrant Officer First Class.

O

• OCdt (Officer Cadet) is the lowest officer rank.
• OIC (Officer in Charge) refers to the officer responsible for an event or activity.
• OPI (Office of Primary Importance) refers to the person or position primarily responsible for an activity and may sometimes be used instead of OIC or OIC Ex.

PQ

• PMV (Personal Motor Vehicle) refers to a privately owned vehicle used for transportation.
• PO (Performance Objective) is an objective describing what a cadet is expected to accomplish or demonstrate.

R

• RO (Range Officer) is the person responsible for overseeing activities on a range.
• RSO (Range Safety Officer) is responsible for maintaining safety during range activities.
• RCAC (Royal Canadian Air Cadets) is the national Air Cadet program in Canada.
• RCACS (Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron) refers to an individual Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
• RCSU(P) (Regional Cadet Support Unit Pacific) provides support to Canadian Cadet Organizations in British Columbia.

S

• Sgt (Sergeant) is a cadet Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
• Sqn Comd (Squadron Commander) is a senior cadet parade position.
• SupO (Supply Officer) is the officer responsible for squadron supplies and equipment.
• SSC (Squadron Sponsoring Committee) is the committee that provides support to the squadron.
• SWO (Squadron Warrant Officer) is a senior cadet parade position and is not a rank.
• 2IC (Second in Command) refers to the person who is second in charge during an exercise or activity.

TUVW

• TrgO (Training Officer) is the officer responsible for planning and overseeing cadet training.
• Wing refers to the 808 (Thunderbird) Wing, located on the top floor of the LHQ and sponsored by the RCAF Association.
• WO1 (Warrant Officer First Class) is the highest cadet Non-Commissioned Officer rank.
• WO2 (Warrant Officer Second Class) is a cadet Non-Commissioned Officer rank below WO1.

WXYZ

• Zulu Time refers to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is also commonly associated with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

The ACR is the most important event of the Air Cadet training year. As part of mandatory training, all cadets are required to attend in order to complete their training level, qualify for rank promotions, receive awards, and participate in summer training opportunities.

The ACR also serves as a special occasion for cadets to proudly showcase the skills, discipline, and knowledge they have developed throughout the year. Families, friends, and distinguished guests are invited to attend and witness the accomplishments and growth of the cadets during this formal parade and awards ceremony. 

This event is both a celebration of achievement and a milestone marking the successful completion of the training year. The ACR is held at the end of the training year in June.

Promotion to higher levels and ranks occurs once a cadet meets nationally prescribed standards. These criteria ensure equal opportunity for advancement, provided the cadet has completed required training, developed the necessary skills or qualifications, and that a suitable position is available at the desired rank.

The criteria and process for cadet rank promotions are governed by the Cadets Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) Group Order 5511-3 Cadet Promotions – Corps/Squadron (link below).

• 5511-3 Cadet Promotions – Corps/Squadron link
• Rank Insignia for Sea, Army and Air Cadets link

Cadet 365 is the official online communication and collaboration system used by the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO). It’s built on Microsoft Office 365, but configured specifically for cadets and staff across Canada.

📢 CADET 365 SIGN IN LINK

Cadet 365 provides each cadet with an official Outlook email account (@cdt.cadets.gc.ca) and access to squadron specific channels on Microsoft Teams. Outlook and Teams are are the primary communication platforms for authorized cadet activities. Additional apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive.

Cadet 365 is the place to go for:

• Announcements and training information
• Monthly Routine Orders (MROs)
• Exercise and Event Warning Orders and Joining Instructions
• Summer training course applications
• Communication between cadets and staff
• Shared documents and resources.

Cadet365 Cadet Onboarding

Go to the Government of Canada Cadet365 Cadet Onboarding page and follow the detailed instructions. You may find it helpful to download or print the PDF or text versions of the instructions before you start. ALL cadets, staff and civilian volunteers must complete the Cadet Cyber Awareness Course found in Cadet365.

Note: It is strongly recommended to do the initial onboarding with a computer and a smartphone. This makes the 2-step verification setup much easier.

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) Group IT Support and Resources CJCR IT Service Desk link.

• For technical assistance, or to request a change to a known/expired password or to reset a forgotten password go to the CJCR Group IT Support and Resources Link provided.
• For technical support call 1-855-252-8082. For requests send email to IT@Cadets.gc.ca
• IT Service Desk Hours – Monday to Friday (8am to 8pm), for all time zones.

The Cadet Program, including both Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers, offers youth an exciting opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and life skills through structured training, community involvement, and outdoor activities. Participants gain valuable experience, mentorship, and a sense of responsibility that prepares them for future challenges.

For more information about the Cadet Program, including details specific to Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Cadets, please visit the official program resources here.

For questions, please contact the 205 Collishaw Squadron Administration Officer.

Air Cadet Uniform

The Air Cadet Uniform is the official attire worn by members of an air cadet program. Proper care and wearing of the uniform to ensuring cadets maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times.

• Air Cadet Identification (Insignia, badges worn on uniforms, show the Cadet’s rank)
• Air Cadet Sleeve Insignia Placement (Left & Right Sleeve)
• Field Training Uniform (FTU) Guide PDF
• How to tie a Necktie – Windsor Knot PDF

Uniform Request Forms (Print out request forms, fill it out, and hand it in to Supply Officer)

A Uniform Request Form is used by air cadets to request new uniform items, replacements, or adjustments. Submitting the form properly ensures timely and accurate uniform distribution, supporting the cadet’s readiness and professional appearance.

• New Cadet Uniform Request Form PDF
• Outgrown Uniform Request Form PDF

You will be contacted when uniform supplies are ready for pickup. If you have any questions or need further information contact Supply Officer.

Cadets are expected to maintain their uniforms in excellent condition as a sign of respect and pride for the Squadron. While uniforms are provided free of charge, cadets are fully responsible for their care. This includes keeping uniforms clean and pressed, boots polished, and ensuring all badges and rank insignia are properly fastened.

All uniforms remain the property of 205 Collishaw Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and must be returned upon a cadet’s release or graduation from the program.

Cadet Code of Conduct PDF Form.

Cadet Summer Training for Cadets Overview:

• Purpose: Offers local and regional opportunities to enhance development and leadership, aligned with the Cadet Program’s objectives.
• Focus: Leadership skills, personal growth, and program-specific training.

Accessing Information:

1. Log in to Cadet365.
2. Navigate via:
   • Top Menu: SharePoint Site Directory → Publications → Summer Training
     OR
   • Dashboard: Scroll down → Click library icon → Summer Training → Cadet Training Centres (CTC) Training – Air

Questions or Clarifications:

• Contact the Administration Officer directly for any inquiries regarding CTC camps.

The canteen, run by the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC), operates every Thursday during break time. The SSC is a not-for-profit charity that supports the Air Cadet squadron. For more information on SSC here.

• Operating Hours: Second to third period break (20:00–20:25hrs) at the Local Headquarters (LHQ).
• Offerings: A variety of snacks and beverages are available for purchase.
• Canteen Card: Can be purchased at the Local Headquarters (LHQ) with a maximum limit of $10. Personalized with the cadet’s name and usable only by the cardholder.

Purchase Rules: (3 Items Per Person Limit)

• BIG Gatorade and full-size chocolate bars $2
• Wafers and small chocolates (2 items) $1
• Everything else $1

The Air Cadet League was successful in implementing a program for the British Columbia Cadets whereby certain courses within the Cadet program will qualify for Educational Credits. These credits allow cadets to reduce the number of classes they must take in school, which in turn allows them to focus on their remaining studies and responsibilities within their squadron.

For more information go to Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Provincial Committee (BCPC) Educational Credits view here.

Interested or have questions check with your 205 Squadron Training Officer for qualifying courses.

Freeze Frame professional photos are taken once a year and include one individual portrait of cadet and one group portrait of Levels 1–5 cadets, with special group orders available upon request; cadets wear C1A Ceremonial Dress Blues with Whites (if applicable) and medals.

Special group orders can be requested contact Support Desk.

Necktie shall be knotted neatly using a Windsor knot, (see CJCR Dress instructions – Section 2 Appearance Figure 2-2-9 Necktie).

The Lew Davies Bursary was created to assist Air Cadets pursuing post-secondary education. All applicants must be current and active 205 Collishaw Squadron Air Cadets with a minimum of four years as an air cadet. They must be planning on attending post-secondary studies at an accredited institution within twelve months of being notified of their successful application. 808 (Thunderbird) Wing RCAFA information link.

Tag Days are fundraising events where supervised cadets, in uniform, stand outside local businesses always with management’s permission requesting donations from the general public. In return, donors are given a tag that reads, “I Support Air Cadets.”

Tag Days are one of the squadron’s key fundraisers and represent the Squadron Sponsoring Committee’s (SSC) largest source of funding. The funds raised help cover activities and resources not supported by Cadets Canada, including Familiarization Flying, Mess Dinners, band and biathlon equipment, insurance, and more.

Cadets are highly encouraged to participate in this important fundraiser. It’s also an excellent opportunity for them to interact with the public and showcase the many benefits of the Air Cadet program.

Warning Orders and Joining Instructions are accessed thought Cadet 365. All cadets are required to use Cadet365 for all Cadet and Officer communication. 

Warning Order: A warning order is “a preliminary notice of an order or action which is to follow.” Warning orders are planning directives that describe the situation, allocate resources, and provide initial planning guidance and initiate mission planning.

• Officer in Charge – Cadet in Charge
• Start time – End time
• What to bring – What NOT to bring
• Where to go
• What cadet will learn
• What is expected of the cadet
• Who to contact in an emergency
• If applicable, maps, or any other info necessary for the cadet to have regarding the activity.

Joining Instructions: Joining Instructions are the official documents sent after a cadet is approved to attend an activity that is outside the squadron and sponsored by DND Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers (CJCR) such as Cadet Summer Training, cadet courses, or competitions.

They include the same key details as a Warning Order, like:

• Location and dates
• Travel and reporting times
• Dress and equipment required
• Conduct and expectations

What makes Joining Instructions different is that they also include a consent form:

• Parents/guardians sign to give permission for the cadet to attend
• Cadets sign to confirm they understand and agree to follow the instructions

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. What Cadets do link.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAC) use a set of official symbols that represent their identity, heritage, and connection to both Canada and aviation. These symbols are an important part of cadet traditions and are commonly seen on uniforms, flags, and during ceremonies.