More than 450 Air Cadet Squadrons offer our dynamic aviation oriented program to over 25,000 youths across Canada. Twenty-three of the these squadrons function in sixteen cities and towns in Manitoba. The Air Cadet program offers challenges, friendship and adventure for Canadian youth who have had their twelfth birthday but have not reached their nineteenth birthday. Squadrons usually meet one night each week and will have special activities on some weekends.
Uniforms are provided without charge as is the Air Cadet program; although Squadrons will expect cadets to assist their Sponsors in raising funds for optional activities. These fund raising events may include poppy sales or similar projects within the community.
Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces, nor is there any expectation for them to join the military. Air Cadets participate in aviation-related activities and may learn to pilot gliders and airplanes.
The training program is divided into two training periods:
- Local training - Cadets participate in training at their home squadron on a weekly basis during the regular school year from September to June.
- Summer training - Air Cadet Summer Training Centres throughout Canada, with cultural and training exchanges abroad, train approximately 10,000 cadets and offer employment to senior cadets each summer.
To join the air cadet program:
- Step 1: Consult the Squadron Location Map to find an air cadet squadron near you. To become an air cadet, you must join one of these local squadrons.
- Step 2: Contact them. For each squadron listed, there is information about their meeting location, meeting day and time and how to contact them. Call the squadron if you have questions or show up at the squadron during one of the training nights to register.
- Step 3: You can download the PDF copy of the registration forms, or pick them up at the squadron, fill them out, have it signed by your parents and bring it with you. You will also need a proof of provincial health coverage and legal residency (Canadian birth certificate, citizenship certificate, etc.)
The Air Cadet Story explains the growth of the Program from its origin in 1941. More information about Air Cadets and complementary information about the program is available on the National Cadet Web Site. Further information can be obtained for the individual Manitoba Squadrons that are listed on this site, or also, at the Air Cadet League of Canada National Web site.
