Program Overview
The cadet program seeks to provide youth with a realistic outlook on firearms by teaching them the proper use and safe handling of firearms for recreational purposes only.
The marksmanship program is patterned on Olympic-style competitive shooting with an emphasis on the safe handling and care of firearms. Several Canadian Olympians got their start through the cadet program, including small bore athletes Pat Vamplew and Mike Ashcroft.
All sea, army and air cadets are taught the basics of the air rifle as part of their mandatory local headquarters training that takes place at the corps and squadron level. Corps and squadrons are then able to choose to take part in further training to compete in local, zone, provincial and territorial and national level competitions. All involvement with the air rifle beyond basic familiarization at the corps and squadron level is optional.
Air Rifle Training
Air Rifle training was introduced to the Canadian Cadet Movement in the 1990s. The addition of air rifles reflects the need for an inexpensive, readily available marksmanship program.
The Canadian Cadet Movement’s Air Rifle is the Daisy / Avanti 853C .177 Calibre Target Air Rifle. This Daisy model was created specifically for the Canadian Cadet Movement.
Because of the low muzzle velocity, the Daisy 853C is not classified as a firearm under the current Federal Gun Legislation. During competition and practice, cadets fire at a recreational full round target that has 10 firing and two sighting diagrams.
Air rifle ranges can be setup virtually anywhere. We routinely setup on our parade square, and in the field during Field Training Exercises.
The range is configured in 1.5 metre x 10 metre lanes. Cadets typically fire from the prone (laying down) position.
Range Team
Cadets can try out for 15 Sqn range team. The team is made up of 5-8 members, only the unit’s top marksmen will make it to competition.
The Canadian Cadet Movement Marksmanship Series Competition
Stage I – Local Competition (Range Team Selection)
Stage II – Zone Competition – Calgary Area Teams
Stage III – Provincial Competition
Stage IV – National Competition
Safety
Safety is of paramount importance to the Canadian Cadet Marksmanship training program. Supervisory staff are made up of Canadian Forces Personnel (CIC Staff) who have completed an intensive training program. These qualified Range Safety Officers are highly skilled at preventing injury, and loss of property.
Biathalon Training
Biathlon training takes place at various times throughout the year. The zone competition is scheduled for November each year. Teams that compete can move on to provincial and national competitions.
Air Cadets!
What is Air Cadets? Air Cadets is a nationally funded program for youth ages 12-18. Each week we meet to parade, practice drill, and learn things like how to fly or survive in the woods, Aviation, Aerospace and more! Weekends are when we take part in local activities such as FTX , gliding days, Familiarization Flying Community Service Ceremonies and more.
Why Join Air Cadets?
Cadets is open to anyone between the ages of12 and 18. Feel free to come out and see if cadets is for you. Air Cadets Is a great way to have fun and make friendships that will last a lifetime. It builds character, leadership skills and provides opportunities like summer training camps. Interested in flying or want to earn your pilot's license for free? Enjoy wilderness camping or want to learn how to survive on your own in the bush? Enjoy being a part of a team, doing things together? Have an interest in precision target shooting, space, astronauts, and aerospace? How about fitness and healthy living? If you answered YES to any of the above, cadets has something for you!
How Much does it cost?
There is no initial cost to joining. Through a combination of fundraising and funding provided to us by the Department of National Defense, the cadet program is one of the only programs in Canada for young people that costs nothing at all! The uniform, your training, your weekend activities, and even summer training camps are covered. We only ask that you help the squadron in fundraising whenever you can.
We accept new recruits throughout the training year from September - June.
