Join Us! Your next adventure awaits!
538 ‘Buffalo' Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:15pm at Ernest Morrow Junior High School - 1212 47 Street SE
To be eligible as a cadet, you must meet the following 4 requirements:
Be a legal resident of Canada;
Note: A legal resident of Canada is a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or, the dependent of a person who is lawfully residing in Canada on a temporary basis for the purpose of education or employment.Provide proof of provincial or private health insurance coverage;
Be at least 12, but not yet 19 years of age; and
Not belong to another cadet corps or squadron; and be accepted to the Squadron by the Commanding Officer.
Please direct any additional questions to the squadron email at Comms@538aircadets.com
Ready to start today?
Download, complete and return the following documents to our Recruiting team:
Go to Cadets.gc.ca and complete the online application form and then email the administration officer CI Noelle Dierickse at noelle.dierickse@cadets.gc.ca
Bring along copies of:
Evidence of Date of Birth: Canadian Passport or Birth Certificate, and
Private or Provincial Health Care Cards (we don’t take copies of these, we just need to see it!)
FAQs
Q. Should I join Army, Air or Sea Cadets?
AIR, obviously!! All of the cadet organizations are fantastic, and each will teach you valuable skills while having great fun in a specific elemental setting. The choise 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?
Some of our activities include: Flight training, Ground School training towards pilot’s licenses, 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 Training (we pay you to go!) and much more!! Click here to see all the badges, medals, and courses you can take as an Air Cadet.
Q. If I join the cadets, am I in the military?
While the cadet programme does foster a better understanding of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Department of National Defense provides funding for the program, cadets are not members of the Canadian military! You will not handle military firearms, throw grenades, drive a tank or fight overseas! But you will go camping on field training exercises, learn about aircraft the Royal Canadian Air Force uses, and learn to lead other cadets - just to name a few. And you'll play a special role in things like the annual Battle of Britain and Remembrance Day parades. Certainly there are cadets who 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?
The program is funded by the Department of National Defense with additional local fundraising coordinated by the corps Support Committee. It costs nothing to join, and the uniforms, most travel expenses, food, lodging, training and more is provided. There are only a few small expenses such as your name tag and pocket money for the kids for trips.
Q. Do I get paid to be a cadet?
Yes, and no. Cadets who attend summer training centres receive a training bonus at the end of each week. Also, senior cadets who return to training centres as staff 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. As you progress through your training, opportunities may arise where you will be able to fire competition rifles that are typically .22 caliber, for biathlon or National Rifle Team members.
Q. What kind of teams are there in Cadets?
538 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. There are drill teams, marksmanship teams, biathlon teams, and more in the works.
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 'flight'. A flight is made up of only 10-20 cadets and these people will become your closest buddies! As soon as you're in a flight you will meet your Sergeant or Flight Sergeant - the cadet in charge of your flight. S/he is there to answer all your questions - when in doubt, ask your Sergeant!
Flights and 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 Level, Level One for new recruits. Level One’s attend all their classes and training together, 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?
There is one type of uniform: the dress uniform. Uniforms are supplied to you by the Cadet Squadron at no cost. We only ask that you take care of them as per regulations and promptly attach new rank badges and other training badges you earn to your uniform!
Q. Is there travel involved?
Throughout your cadet career you will have a chance to go to different cities in Alberta, and sometimes other provinces. This is especially true if you join one of the teams, as they often travel to competitions.
The Squadron as a whole also does trips for citizenship training. Once you have completed your cadet training and have obtained your Level Five 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!