To Learn. To Serve. To Advance.
Developing Life Skills
ACHIEVING GROWTH
WHEN
The Cadet training year begins in September and ends in June. New recruits are accepted from September to February, but it's better to join early.
Weekly Wednesday evening meetings are mandatory and include training in aviation, leadership, citizenship, outdoor survival, drill, marksmanship, and sports.
HOW TO JOIN
We accept new recruits from September to February. To join, complete the the initial registration application through the online registration tool (link below); then e-mail the Administration Officer to submit all supporting documents and confirm we have received your application from the online registration tool.
What is the Air Cadet Program?
The Cadet program is one of the largest federally sponsored youth programs in Canada.
It is a national program for young Canadians aged 12 to 18 who are interested in participating in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities while learning about the Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities. Cadets also learn valuable life and work skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship.
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Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, nor are they expected to join the military. While they are introduced to Air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces and certain traditions, they are also introduced to many other respectable career choices that are available to them.
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Through the Cadet Program, the Government of Canada is investing in today’s youth and Canada’s future.
The Cadet Program is community-based. The program succeeds through strong community support and involvement. Cadets in turn make valuable contributions to their communities.
ALUMNI
Here is a sample of just some of our many successful alumni.
Colonel Jeremy Hansen, CD
CF-18 Pilot
Canadian Astronaut
Hansen was born on Jan. 27, 1976, and grew up in two towns near London, Ont., a city west of Toronto. His work in aerospace began at the tender age of 12 when he joined the 614 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron of London.
Hansen earned his Air Cadet glider wings at age 16 and then a year later, at age 17 in 1992, received his private pilot license and was accepted to the Royal Military College Saint-Jean in Quebec. By 1994, thanks to "the discipline and self-confidence" Air Cadets gave Hansen, the youngster was accepted for officer training in the Canadian Armed Forces, his Canadian Space Agency biography states.
After completing basic training in British Columbia, Hansen began a 4-year bachelor's degree in space science at the Royal Military College (initially in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Que., then graduating from the branch in Kingston, Ont. in 1999.) He completed CF-18 fighter pilot training in 2003.
Hansen then served as a fighter pilot for five years, between 2004 and 2009, with 441 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron; he also was Combat Operations Officer at 4 Wing Operations. His work included efforts with NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and in the Arctic.
Major (Ret) Jacquie Pepper, CD
Commanding Officer,
Trenton AIr Cadet Summer Training Centre
Jacquie Pepper-Journal’s career highlights a commitment to public service, from her foundational experiences with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets to her influential roles in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves (COATs), Government of Nunavut, and her ongoing dedication to community and the north. Jacquie’s career and achievements have provided an inspiring journey.
Jacquie Pepper-Journal was born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, and grew up in London, Ontario, Canada, where she joined the 614 Forest City Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron at age 13. Excelling in the cadet program, she became a Squadron Warrant Officer First Class and served as Camp Warrant Officer at Trenton Air Cadet Training Centre. At 19, Jacquie joined the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Notably, she became the first female Commanding Officer at both Trenton and Blackdown Cadet Training Centres.
In her civilian career, Jacquie initially worked as an Emergency Medical Care Attendant and 911 dispatcher before transitioning to a full-time CIC Officer. After a 29-year military career, she retired in 2011 and moved to Iqaluit, Nunavut. There, she held leadership roles with the Government of Nunavut, ultimately becoming Assistant Deputy Minister of Programs and Standards in the Department of Health.