1913 Ontario Regiment Army Cadet Corps
Colonel R. S. McLaughlin Armoury
53 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario L1G 4R9
905-721-4000, ext 4061
cadets1913army@rogers.com
www.localendar.com/public/1913ontregt
www.cadets1913army.com
RECRUIT
HANDBOOK
Parade Night
Wednesday 1800hrs to 2130hrs.
Military Band, Drill Team, Marksman Team, Biathlon Team
Monday 1800hrs to 2030hrs
CADET: __________________________________
August 14, 2012
Page 2 of 22
I am in Troop #_______________________
My ‘Chain of Command’ goes through the following:
Troop Sergeant:
__________________________________________
Troop Warrant Officer:
__________________________________________
Troop Sergeant Major:
__________________________________________
Troop Officer:
__________________________________________
Commanding Officer: Major D. Haylock
(I realize that I can request an interview with the Commanding Officer at any time.)
Page 3 of 22
Positive Social Relations for Youth
Your safety and well-being is of primary importance to Cadets Canada. That’s why the
Canadian Forces developed the Positive Social Relations for Youth Program. It’s our
response to the realities of today’s world. Harassment and abuse can happen. This
behaviour ranges from unkind or demeaning remarks to racial slurs to physical and
sexual abuse. The program provides you and all adult members of Cadets Canada
with the information and training to prevent this behaviour and with guidance on what
action to take should it happen.
POSITIVE SOCIAL RELATIONS is a training awareness program built around a series
of short, age-sensitive video segments that demonstrate various forms of harassment
and abuse. They are designed to facilitate classroom discussion.
POSITIVE SOCIAL RELATIONS was developed especially for cadets by the
Directorate of Cadets, assisted by a team of experts from Consulting and Audit
Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and in consultation with the Canadian Human Rights
Commission and the Secretary of State (Children and Youth). Designed for
adolescents, the subject matter is divided into two segments. The Sensitization
Module is mandatory for all cadets. The Leadership Module is for senior and staff
cadets aged 16 to 18.
A Sensitization Module for All Cadets
The Sensitization Module focuses discussion on mutual respect and concern for
others. The videos use plain-language material to show how to recognize the different
forms of harassment covered under the Canadian Human Rights Act and the four kinds
of abuse – emotional, physical, sexual and neglect, defined by provincial and territorial
child protection legislation.
Cadets learn that harassment is defined solely by its impact on the victim. The videos
discuss the difficulty of speaking up and describe where to get help. Cadets are also
taught the consequences of harassment and abuse and are provided with a list of their
rights and responsibilities.
Leadership Training for Senior and Staff Cadets
The Leadership Module for senior and staff cadets teaches the responsibilities of being
a leader. It helps cadets understand the proper use of authority and how to distinguish
between discipline and abuse. Cadets learn how to deal with disclosures of
harassment or abuse and how to report it. As well, they are shown how to recognize
situations that can put them at personal risk and how to prevent them.
Page 4 of 22
Cadet Drug and Alcohol Policy
A main objective of the Canadian Cadet Organizations is to encourage a healthy life
style for Canadian youth participating in the cadet movement. Within policy and
procedures concerning alcohol, the principle that adults will be treated as adults and
cadets as a separate group, regardless of national or provincial definition of an adult,
will be maintained.
Drug Policy
Involvement by cadets with illegal drugs, prohibited substances, or drug-related
paraphernalia will not be tolerated. Any involvement by cadets will be referred to local
civilian authorities for prosecution. Where it is established that cadets committed a
drug-related offence, they will be released or returned to unit and released.
In plain language: in every case where you are involved with illegal
drugs in any way you will immediately cease to be a cadet and we will
contact the police and you will be charged!
Zero tolerance with NO EXCEPTIONS!
Alcohol Policy
Regardless of age or provincial legislation, cadets are prohibited from purchasing,
consuming or having alcohol in their possession while engaged in cadet activities.
Cadets who violate alcohol policies will be suspended from training,
counselled and subjected to appropriate administrative and
disciplinary action up to and including release from the Cadet Corps.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS!!
Page 5 of 22
A brief history of the Ontario Regiment (RCAC)
The Ontario Regiment, Royal Canadian Armoured Corps is one of the oldest
continuing regiments in Canada and one of the senior existing armoured regiments in
the country.
Militia units have existed in what is now the Region of Durham since the early days of
the 19th-century.
In 1827 there was an infantry company known as the Whitby Highland Rifle Company
formed by Capt. John Wallace. This was the start of our fine Regiment. In April 1860,
this company joined with others in the Toronto area to form the 2 nd Battalion, Volunteer
Militia Rifles of Canada, with the first battalion being already established in Montreal.
The Whitby Company was in fact No. 6 Company of what was later called the Queen's
Own Rifles of Toronto (today's Queen's Own Rifles of Canada). Shortly after 1862 the
Whitby Highland Rifle Company again became independent as there were enough
other companies in Toronto itself to keep the Queen's Own up to strength.
During the period of national tension that gripped Canada in the early 1860s, other
volunteer militia infantry companies were formed in Ontario County. Many men from
Ontario County were mobilized for service during the anxieties of 1864-66 when Fenian
invaders were massing south of the Niagara Frontier. The Whitby Highland Rifle
Company received its baptism of fire as skirmish troops of the Queen's Own Rifles at
the Battle of Ridgeway, during the Fenian raids on the Niagara Frontier in 1866.
Another infantry company from Oshawa also took part in the Battle of Ridgeway in
June 1866, as part of a Provisional Battalion of Ontario infantry.
On 14 September 1866, nine infantry companies located in Ontario County joined
together to form the 34th Battalion of Infantry. These companies were located as
follows:
a) two in Oshawa;
b) two in Whitby;
c) one in Prince Albert;
d) one in Greenwood;
e) one in Uxbridge;
f) one in Columbus; and
g) one in Brooklin.
In those days regiments were given numbers to indicate their seniority and therefore
our Regiment was the 34th to be formed in Canada. This was the official start of our
Regiment and in the early 1900’s we became known as the 34th Ontario Regiment
(Ontario was for the County we came from and not the province).
Page 6 of 22
During the early years of the Regiment only individual volunteers were sent to the
Northwest Rebellion of 1885 and the South African War. During the Northwest
Rebellion, they were attached chiefly to the Queen's Own Rifles and the 10th
Grenadiers (now the Royal Regiment Canada). During the South African war,
Ontario's were attached to the 1st (Special Service) Battalion of Royal Canadian
Regiment as well as the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
In September 1915, the Second-In-Command of the 34th Ontario Regiment, Major
Sam Sharpe was authorized to raise the 166th Battalion, CEF from Ontario County. In
October 1915 the now Lieutenant Colonel S. S. Sharpe commanded the 166 th Ontario
County Battalion.
Most World War I battalions were mixture of many regiments that were put together to
fight, however LCol. Sharp managed to keep the 116th battalion together and it fought
with great distinction in France and Belgium.
It is from the actions of the 116th battalion that our Regiment claims its World War I
Battle Honours. The price of these Honours was not cheap as the battalion lost a total
of 474 all ranks (29 officers, 20 Sr. NCO's and 425 men). Our World War I Battle
Honours are:
Vimy 1917, Hill 70, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, Amiens, Drocourt-Aueant, Canal du
Nord, Cambrai 1918, Valenciennes, France and Flanders 1916-1918, Somme 1916,
Arras 1917-18 and Scarpe 1918.
Another battalion was raised from Ontario County known as the 182 nd battalion, CEF,
however it was unable to serve together as it was broken up for reinforcements to other
battalions once it arrived in England.
After World War I always quiet for the Regiment, however it was during this period that
we became known as “Colonel Sam’s Private Army”. This was because our Honourary
Colonel of the time, Colonel R.S. (Sam) McLaughlin (founder of GM Canada) had to
support the Regiment with money to keep it going and in some cases, even paid the
soldiers.
It was also during this time that our present-day cap badge came into existence. It
shows a large black house cat “Statant, Gardant, Irate”, surrounded by the Regimental
motto and over ¾ of a circle denoting the former 34 th battalion. The motto is
surrounded by a wreath of nine maple leaves (one for each province of the time) and
topped by the Royal Crown. The Regiment name is situated at the base of the badge.
In April 1928, his Majesty King George V approved the alliance of our Regiment with
the Welsh Regiment (41st Regiment of Foot) of the British army in response to
considerable efforts by the commanding officer LCol Frank Chappell. The Welsh
Regiment joined with the South Wales Borders in 1969 to form the Royal Regiment of
Wales and our alliance continues today.
Page 7 of 22
The Ontario Regiment became a tank battalion during the militia reorganization of
1936. With limited resources, it trained in this role at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle
School established at Camp Borden in the late 1930s. The Regiment was mobilized
for World War II on 1 September 1939 as the Ontario Regiment (Tank). Within six
days, 594 men had enlisted for active service. Following training in England, the
Regiment took part in the invasion of Sicily 13 July 1943, and in Italy 4 September
1943, as part of the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade. After much action in Italy the
Regiment, also known as the 11th Armoured, left for Northwest Europe where is came
under command of the 49th British (West Riding) division in the Nijmegen sector of
Holland.
As expected, our Regiment fought with distinction in World War II, winning 20 Battle
Honours. Again the price was not cheap as the Regiment lost a total of 69 all ranks (9
officers, 4 Sr. NCO’s and 56 men). Our World War II Battle honours are:
Sicily 1943, The Gully, Casino II, Sant’Angelo in Teodice, Liri Valley, Aquino,
Sanfatucchio, Advance to Florence, Italy 1943-45, Northwest Europe 1945, Casa
Beradi, Arnhem 1945, Pursuit to Messina, Trasimene Line, Gustav Line, Hindenburg
Line, Ortona, Colle D’Anchise, Arezzo, Point 59, and Torre Muchia.
After World War II we continued as a Tank Regiment until 1973 when our last 11
Sherman tanks were retired. It was at this time that we became a wheeled
reconnaissance unit using the 1/4 ton Standard Military Pattern Jeep and to accomplish
this role.
In 1980, the militia again had a minor reorganization and some units were designated
Cougar Regiments when the Militia was issued with the new Cougar AVGP (Armoured
Vehicle General-Purpose). This vehicle was designed as a “tank trainer” so that
Armoured units could practice their armoured crew skills.
Today, our Regiment is organized as follows:
Regimental Headquarters - Armoury, Oshawa;
A Squadron (Ceremonial) - Armoury Oshawa & Oshawa Airport;
B Squadron (Cougar) - Oshawa Airport;
C Squadron (Recruiting) Armoury, Oshawa;
HQ Squadron - Elements at both the Armoury & Oshawa Airport.
Regimental Facts:
Motto: “Fidelis Et Paratus” (Latin for “Faithful and Prepared”.
Marches: Regimental Quick March – “John Peel” (Dismounted).
Regimental Mounted March – “My Boy Willie”
(This is also the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps March).
Page 8 of 22
THE UNIFORM
1. Origin of the Uniform: Military uniforms developed out of necessity on the
battlefield:
a. Without uniforms or identifiable markings, two sides were often
unable to tell friend from foe.
b. When uniforms appeared on the battlefield, it made it simple to
identify friends at a glance. Today, we have continued with this
innovation as uniforms are standard equipment in military
organizations around the world.
2. The Army Cadet Uniform:
a.
The present Army Cadet uniform follows the military tradition of
wearing a uniform for identification purposes.
b.
The present Army Cadet Uniform was authorized in 1976.
c.
The Department of National Defence approves and issues the
Army Cadet Uniform on loan to individual cadets.
d.
You should identify parts of your uniform by marking your
name on it (the size tag is a good place).
3. When to Wear the Uniform:
a.
The Uniform will be worn only:
(i) when you are attending training or proceeding to or from the place where
you train; and,
(ii) when you are attending ceremonies or functions at which the wearing of
the uniform is appropriate and authorized.
b.
When the uniform is worn:
(i) it is to be worn to reflect credit on the Army Cadet movement as a whole.
(ii) it is the cadet’s duty to be sure that their uniforms are properly maintained
and worn correctly.
(iii) parts of the uniform are never to be mixed with civilian
clothing.
(iv) No part of your uniform is ever to be worn as a costume
Page 9 of 22
DEPORTMENT AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Conduct in Public: It may be unfair, but it's a fact of life, people are far more critical of
childish or rowdy behaviour in cadets than in other young people. Therefore, the
reputation of the Cadet Corps and indeed the reputation of the Canadian Armed Forces,
is affected by how you look and act in public. Always be careful that the conduct between
cadets does not give you or us a bad name.
1. Deportment: The way you behave in uniform will affect what people will think of
all cadets. Here are some do’s and don’ts:
a) When in uniform DON’T:
(i) chew gum;
(ii) slouch or lean against things;
(iii) walk or stand with your hands in your pockets; or
(iv) walk arm in arm or hand in hand with anyone.
b) When in uniform DO:
(i) ensure you are wearing it properly at all times;
(ii) ensure that it is kept clean and in good repair at all times; and,
(iii) take pride in your appearance and your corps.
c) Headdress Rules:
(i) Your headdress is to be worn when you are outside, even when sitting
down.
(ii) It is also kept on if you enter a mall or a store unless you are seated.
(iii) Headdress will be removed upon entering a church or restaurant and
when you are eating outside.
2.
Personal Appearance
a) Hair Style: Exaggerated, bizarre, or unusual hair colours or styles ARE NOT
permitted. Hair on the head shall be neatly groomed and conservatively styled.
The length, bulk or style of hair shall not detract from a positive military
appearance or preclude the proper wear of military headdress. (Bulk is the
distance that the mass of hair extends from the skin, when groomed, as
opposed to the length of hair). In particular, style and colour shall not present a
bizarre, exaggerated, or unusual appearance. Unusual colours, such as green,
bright red, orange, purple, etc., are not permitted. Hair must be secured or
styled back to reveal the face, and any accessories used to secure or control
hairstyles shall be as unobtrusive as possible. Hair ornaments shall not be
worn, except women’s conservative barrettes, which blend with the hair colour.
Shaving of all of the hair on the head is permitted. The personal manner of
wearing hair within these general style limits, including moustaches, beards and
braids, shall be modified to the degree necessary to accommodate operational
or occupational equipment, such as gas, oxygen and scuba masks, hard,
Page 10 of 22
combat and flying helmets, etc., where a member’s safety or mission is put in
jeopardy.
(i) Males: Hair shall be taper-trimmed at the back, sides, and above the
ears to blend with the hair-style; be no more than 15 cm (6 in.) in length
and sufficiently short that, when the hair is groomed and headdress is
removed, no hair shall touch the ears or fall below the top of the
eyebrows; be no more than 4 cm (1 ½ in.) in bulk at the top of the head,
gradually decreasing to blend with the taper-trimmed sides and back; and
be kept free from the neck to a distance of 2.5 cm (1 in.) above the shirt
collar. Taper trimmed square back styles and shaving of all the hair on
the head is permitted.
(ii) Females: Hair shall not extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar
(see below). Exaggerated styles, including those with excessive fullness
or extreme height, are not authorized. Braids, if worn, shall be styled
conservatively and tied tightly: secured at the end by a knot or a small,
unadorned fastener. A single braid shall be worn in the centre of the
back. Double braids shall be worn behind the shoulders. Hair shall be a
maximum length when gathered behind the head and braided which does
not extend below the top of the armpit. With the permission of a
Commanding Officer, a 60-day transition period may be granted a
member to grow her hair longer for re-styling, during which time hair may
extend below the lower edge of the shirt collar; all the while maintaining a
positive military appearance, and subject to the member’s safety.
b. Make-up: You will only wear very limited make-up while in uniform. You
cannot wear:
(ii) false eyelashes;
(iii) heavy eyeliner;
(iv) brightly coloured eye shadow; or
(v) coloured nail polish.
Page 11 of 22
c. Jewellery: You are not permitted to wear jewellery when in uniform with the
exception of:
(i) watches; and,
(ii) ID or Medical Alert bracelets or necklaces
(iii) Females may wear ONE pair of plain stud earings, centred in each
earlobe. These shall be round in shape and not more than 7mm
(1/4”) in diameter. Other types of earnings may NOT be worn.
(iv) Piercings may not be covered up with bandaids
(v) Males will not wear earrings at any time whatsoever.
(vi) Necklaces may not be worn if they show in the collar of your uniform.
.PREPARING AND WEARING YOUR UNIFORM
You are responsible for all parts of your uniform. Do not leave your uniform lying around.
Mark your name and cadet number in every piece of your uniform. Return damaged or
poorly fitting parts of your uniform to the Cadet Corps supply, and get new parts. If you
loose any part of your uniform ensure you report the loss to the Supply Officer as soon as
possible. You must return your uniform promptly if you leave the Cadet Corps. The
Supply Officer will sign off on your uniform sheet when everything is returned.
Clothing:
Ironing Tips: When you press your uniform, you should use a pressing cloth that will
prevent parts of your uniform from becoming shiny. Some things that can be used as a
pressing cloth are a thin towel, a pillow case, an old cotton cloth or a paper bag.
1. Wearing and How to Press:
a) Beret: Your beret will be worn evenly on your head with:
(i) The sweatband 2.5 cm (1 in) above your eyebrows;
(ii) The crown of the beret pulled downward and to the right and rear
(iii) The cap badge centered over your left eye
(iv) The drawstrings pulled tight and tucked inside the sweatband
(v) Any excess hair tucked inside
(vi) Any lint removed with a lint brush
b) Trousers/Slacks:
(i) Should be well pressed and kept free of dirt and lint at all times.
(ii) The creases in the front will extend from the centre of each leg to the waist
inside the first belt loops;
(iii) in the back, the crease will extend from the centre of each leg to the
inside corner of the pockets.
(iv) trousers are held up with a belt.
(v) Buttons on the back pockets of the trousers are to be kept buttoned at all
times.
Page 12 of 22
c) Tunic:
(i) Should be kept clean with all the buttons closed at all times (except the
top one).
(ii) Tunic should be kept well pressed. Creases should extend along the
outside seam and along the inside of the arm from the top corner of the
pocket to the thumb.
(iii) The belt should be even with no twists.
(iv) The black buckle is to be centred in the front.
(v) Contents of the tunic pockets should not bulge.
d) Shirt
(i) Should be kept neatly pressed when worn.
(ii) The only crease to be in the shirt is to be down the centre of each sleeve
starting at the centre of each epaulette.
(iii) The collar may be starched to prevent it from becoming limp.
e) Neck Tie
(i) Is to be kept ironed and tidy.
(ii) The knot should be compact and done up at the collar when worn.
(iii) Is tied in accordance with the diagrams shown on the OHP.
f) T-Shirt (Green)
(i) Is to be worn as ordered.
(ii) It is to be kept pressed with creases down the centre of each arm
beginning at the shoulder seam.
g) Turtleneck
(i) Is usually worn in the winter, always with the neckband neatly folded
down.
(ii) It is to be kept pressed but is not to have any creases in it.
(iii) Be sure to use a cooler iron with this garment.
h) Socks:
(i) You are to wear only the wool socks that you were issued.
(ii) If you are allergic to wool, you may wear made of suitable material and of
a similar colour.
(iii) Sports socks may be worn under the wool socks if you find the wool
uncomfortable.
i) Slip-ons
(i) Slip-ons are to be worn on the epaulettes of your shirt. They should be
pressed out flat so the rank on them is in the centre.
Page 13 of 22
j.
Placement of badges: As a new cadet, you do not need to know where all
badges go, just the ones that you will have to deal with before you finish
Green Star.
(i) The shoulder flash is worn on both sleeves of the tunic, centred with the
epaulettes and flush with the shoulder seam of the tunic.
(ii) The shoulder badge is worn centred 12cm (5in) below the shoulder seam
of the tunic.
(iii) Proficiency Badge: When you finish this course and get your green star
badge, you will wear the badge.
(iv) Centred on the right sleeve of the tunic; and,8cm (3in) above the bottom of
the sleeve,
(i) Name Tag: If you have a nametag, it is to be worn centred with the button
above the right pocket flap.
2. Boots:
General: It is important that you keep your issued black boots in good repair and
well shined. Properly shined boots are key to having a good uniform.
a) Shining: The following are some easy steps to follow that will help you get
shiny boots:
(i) Remove dust and dirt from the boot with a soft, damp cloth (do not use the
one you intend to polish with).
(ii) Use an old toothbrush to remove dirt from the welts.
(iii) Use the toothbrush, with polish, to blacken the welts.
(iv) Apply polish:
 wrap polishing cloth around your index finger;
 moisten the cloth with cold water;
 dab a small amount of polish onto the cloth;
 apply polish to a selected part of the boot in a circular motion;
 use large circles to cover an area initially;
 use smaller circles once the polish begins to work into the boot; and,
 continue with the circles until you no longer see circles formed by the
polish. Repeat step until your boots reach a high gloss. Considerable
patience is required with new or previously unpolished boots.
(v) Boots are to be polished all the way around, not just the toes!
b) Lacing and Wearing
(i) Boots are to be laced straight across according to the OHP diagrams.
(ii) When the boots are tied, the laces are to be tucked inside to boots.
(iii) When tying your boots, make sure you do not do them up too tightly.
Page 14 of 22
OVERVIEW OF THE ARMY CADET TRAINING SYSTEM
a) Aims” The aims of the Army Cadet Program are
a) to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership;
b) to promote physical fitness; and,
c) to promote an interest in the Canadian Forces, particularly the Army element.
c) The Four Components: The Army Cadet Star Training System is composed of
four components:
a) The Army Cadet Star Training Program;
b) Summer Training Courses;
c) Citizenship Activities;
d) Physical Fitness; and,
e) Optional Programs.
THE STAR PROGRAM
1. General:
a) The Star Training Program is the first element of the Army Cadet Training
System you will be exposed to as a new recruit at the home corps.
b) It represents the basic Army Cadet training program.
2. Levels:
a) There are four levels to the Star Program:
(i) The Green Star Course;
(ii) The Red Star Course;
(iii) The Silver Star Course; and
(iv) The Gold Star Course.
b) Each level builds on the next like the blocks of a pyramid.
c) Each level is normally completed in a training year.
d) Topics covered will cover citizenship, community service, healthy lifestyle,
marksmanship, Canadian Forces history and traditions, leadership (how to be
a leader), how to be a member of a team, map and compass, orienteering,
first aid, wilderness survival, drill, dress and deportment.
3. Standardization and Responsibility:
a.
The Star Training program is mandatory for all Army
is nationally standardized.
(i) The Green, Red, and Silver Star Courses are composed of 60 periods of
instruction plus some mandatory activities such as weekend exercises.
Page 15 of 22
(ii) The Gold Star Course is composed of 40 periods of instruction to allow
time to prepare for the NSE plus some mandatory activities such as
weekend exercises.
The Department of National Defence (DND) is responsible for the Star
Program and all of its contents.
b.
SUMMER TRAINING CENTER COURSES
1.
General: Summer training courses make up the second component of the
Army Cadet Training System.
a. Summer training courses vary from two, three and six weeks and are
conducted at Canadian Forces Bases or Stations.
b. The Department of National Defence is responsible for the conduct of this
training component.
c. Cadets request summer camp options in January for the following Summer at
the summer camp information night.
2. Breakdown: Summer Training Courses are broken down into four categories:
a. Familiarization Training:
i) Referred to as General Training & Familiarization courses.
ii) Deal with basic fundamentals and are roughly equivalent to the Green
Star Course.
iii) This course will be the first summer course that you will attend, unless you
are 14 years old when joining, then you can select from one of the basic
courses.
b.
Leadership Courses:
(i) Referred to as Basic courses.
(ii) Provide cadets with the fundamental of followership, teamwork and
leadership training, building upon what has been taught during the past
training year.
(iii) These courses are 3 weeks in length.
(iv) The Options consist of Expedition, Leadership, Fitness & Sports, Band
and Marksman.
c.
Instructional Training Courses:
(i) Referred to as Instructor courses. Cadets must have completed a Basic
Course.
(ii) Deal with specific areas of training to allow candidates to become
instructors at the home corps or summer training centre.
(iii) These courses are all six weeks in length. Examples of some series
courses are:
 Drill and Ceremonial;
 Air Rifle Marksmanship
Page 16 of 22






Fullbore Marksman Phase 1
Fullbore Marksman Phase 2 (must have completed Phase 1)
Expedition
Fitness and Sports,
Military Band – Intermediate Musician
Military Band – Advanced Musician
d) Advanced Training Courses and Exchanges:
(i) These courses are open only to above average senior cadets who have
done very well in other phases of training.
(ii) Marks on summer courses, National Star Exam, and Expedition
participation are important factors in the selection process for these
activities.
(iii) Exchanges and advanced training courses are 6 weeks in length. Some
examples are:







Army Cadet Parachute Course;
Army Cadet Advanced Band;
Army Cadet Leadership and Challenge Course.
Maple Leaf Exchange (UK);
Outward Bound Wales Exchange (UK);
Army Cadet Bisley Team (UK); and,
Federal Republic of Germany Exchange.
RANK STRUCTURE
It is important for a cadet to be able to identify the different ranks in the Army and in
Cadets in order to pay the proper respect.
You will apply this knowledge in your day-to-day interaction with different ranks of the
organization.
SUBORDINATE AND JUNIOR OFFICERS
1. Most cadets will normally expect to see Subordinate and Junior officers
working at the corps level.
2. Subordinate Officer:
a. These are officers that have been recently enrolled and are undergoing
training.
b. They have not yet received their commission but may be saluted out of
respect.
c. Usually do not fill command positions.
Page 17 of 22
d. Rank is: Officer Cadet - One narrow gold band.
3. Junior Officers:
a.
Usually fill staff positions to help senior officers do their jobs.
b.
Most platoon commander positions in the Army are filled by junior officers.
c.
Ranks are:
(i) Second Lieutenant - One wide gold band;
(ii) Lieutenant - One wide and one narrow gold band;
and,
(iii) Captain - Two wide gold bands.
SENIOR AND GENERAL OFFICERS
1. Senior Officers
a.
Are officers that have the ranks to command a base, regiment, ship or
squadron.
b.
Ranks are:
(i) Major - Two wide and one narrow gold band;
(ii)Lieutenant-Colonel - Three wide gold bands; and,
(iii)Colonel - Four wide gold bands.
General Officers
a.
These are officers of the rank to command regions, divisions, or commands
in the CF.
b.
All have the word “General” in their rank title.
c.
All “Generals” wear a singlewide band on the lower sleeve of their
dress uniform to distinguish them as a general.
Page 18 of 22
d.
e.
All “General” Officers wear their rank insignia on shoulder boards or slip-ons
which consists of:
(i) Button;
(ii) A sword and baton (crossed); and,
(iii)One to four maple leafs depending on the rank
Ranks are:
(i) Brigadier-General - One maple leaf;
(ii)Major-General - Two maple leafs;
(iii)Lieutenant-General - Three maple leafs; and,
(iv)General - Four maple leafs.
f.
Remember the following hint to remind oneself of how the General
Officers are ranked:
Be My Little General = Be (Brigadier) My (Major) Little (Lieutenant) General
(General).
g.
There can be only one full General in the Canadian Forces at a time. This
individual is known as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and the position can
be held by a Navy, Army or Air Force officer.
NCM (ARMY CADET) RANKS
1. General: In the Army Cadet program, you can advance in rank. As a
first year cadet, it is important that you be able to recognize the rank of other
Army Cadets.
2. Junior Ranks: Are referred to as Junior Non-Commissioned Members
(NCM’s). They include:
a.
Lance Corporal
b.
Corporal; and,
c.
Master Corporal.
Page 19 of 22
3. Senior Ranks: Are referred to as Senior NCM’s. They include:
a.
Sergeant;
b.
Warrant Officer;
c.
Master Warrant Officer; and,
d.
Chief Warrant Officer.
HISTORY OF SALUTING
1. General: Military saluting is a form of greeting or compliment that has
developed over a long time:
a.
A salute is a sign of mutual trust and respect between two or more persons
in the service.
(i) The person saluting is showing respect for the commission held by the
person being saluted.
(ii)The person receiving the salute returns it as a sign of his/her trust and
respect for the person saluting.
b.
The salute is a privilege granted to members of the service to use as a form
of greeting.
c.
The Canadian Cadet Organization follows the Canadian Forces in the use of
this custom.
2. Origin of Saluting: We have had many stories handed down to us to explain
where saluting originated. It is widely accepted that:
a.
The right hand has traditionally held the role as the “weapon hand”.
(i) A knight on horseback would keep his right hand near his sword at all
times so he would be able at a moments notice to defend himself.
(ii) Over time the practice developed that when a knight approached
someone he recognized as a friend (or he did not wish to challenge), he
would raise his empty right hand to show that he did not wish to give
challenge.
Page 20 of 22
(iii) Later, knights would also raise the visor on their helmets and look the
other person in the eye.
(iv) The act of raising the “weapon hand” and later raising the helmet visor
was a sign of trust and respect for the other knight.
c.
As time went on, and fighting men no longer wore armour, the symbolic
raising of the hand as a salute changed to raising the hat.
d.
More recently, the gesture we recognize as a salute has been simplified to
the movement of the right hand to the head and back to the side.
3. Addressing an NCM:
a.
As a general rule, NCM’s will be addressed by their Rank and Surname at all
times. (i.e. Warrant Officer Brown)
b.
For senior NCM’s, there are exceptions that you should know about:
(i) Chief Warrant Officers may be addressed as:
 Chief Warrant Officer (Surname)
 Sir (by junior ranks only)
 Mister (Surname) (by officers only)
(ii)Master Warrant Officers may be addressed as:
 Master Warrant Officer (Surname)
 Sergeant Major (Surname)
 Sergeant Major
(iii)Warrant Officers may be addressed as:
 Warrant Officer (Surname)
 Warrant (Surname)
 Warrant
c.
To properly address an NCM:
(i) stand at attention;
(ii) do not salute;
(iii) address him or her by her proper rank and surname; and,
(iv) remain standing at attention during the conversation (unless told to relax).
4. Addressing an Officer:
a.
As a general rule, officers will be addressed by their Rank and Surname at
all times. (i.e. Lieutenant Smith)
b.
It is acceptable to use “Sir” or “Ma’am” once initial introductions have been
made.
Page 21 of 22
c.
To address an officer:
(i) stand at attention, salute;
(ii) address him or her by her proper rank and surname or Sir/Ma’am;
(iii) remain standing at attention during the conversation (unless told to relax);
and
(iv) salute again when the conversation ends.
3. Entering an Office: At times during your cadet career, you will find yourself
having to report to an office for one reason or another. The proper procedure for
entering an office is:
a.
An Office Occupied by an Officer:
(i) stand at attention in the doorway; salute; state your business; and, enter
only when instructed to do.
b.
An Office Occupied by an NCM:
(i) stand at attention in the doorway do not salute;
(ii) state your business; and,
(iii) enter only when instructed to do.
c.
Leaving an Office:
(i) Stand at attention in the doorway (facing into the room);
(ii) salute (if an officer is present); and
(iii) depart and carry on.
4. OCCASIONS TO SALUTE
As a Cadet, you will find yourself in many situations where you will be required to
salute. The following is a brief list:
a. All commissioned officers will be saluted. Other individuals that
are to be accorded salutes are:
(i) The Queen and members of the Royal Family;
(ii) the Governor General;
(iii) the Prime Minister;
(iv) foreign heads of state;
(v) the Minister and Associate Ministers of National Defence;
(vi) Lieutenant-Governors of the Provinces; and,
(vii) all commissioned officers of foreign defence forces as applicable.
b.
NCM’s and other cadets will not be saluted at any time;
Page 22 of 22
c. When the national anthem of Canada or the national anthem of a foreign
country is played:
(i) individuals in uniform and wearing headdress will come to attention and
salute;
(ii) individuals with headdress removed will stand at attention;
(iii) when on parade, officers will salute, NCM’s and cadets will stand at
attention.
(iv) when in civilian clothing, all ranks will remove headdress
and stand at attention.
d. When the national flag, a foreign national flag, and/or the Army Cadet Camp
Flag is raised or lowered:
(i) all ranks will face the flag, stand at attention, and salute if in uniform.
(ii) all ranks will face the flag and stand at attention when not in uniform or not
wearing headdress.
e. There are many other instances where you will be required to pay
compliments. You will be advised of these situations if they become
necessary in accordance with the Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and
Ceremonial. Some situations you may experience are:
(i) parading of consecrated colours;
(ii) cenotaphs; and,
(iii) funerals and memorial services.
When to Salute:
Playing of the National Anthem
Meeting Officers
Raising and lowering of flags
Walking past a Canadian Flag