614 Forest City
ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET SQUADRON
LONDON, ONTARIO​
WELCOME TO 614 SQUADRON
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Weekly Announcements - Nov 10-15
Weekly Regular Training:
Regular training continues this week at Catholic Central High School, 450 Dundas Street, from 1815h-2100h.
The order of dress for this week is:
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Cadets – C5 (Field Training Uniform)
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CAF Members – CADPAT
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Civilians – Business
Parents are invited to come inside CCH to watch the closing parade on regular training nights. Closing parade starts around 2040 hrs, and there will be a staff member available downstairs to let parents in through the side door at the school.
Upcoming Activities: There are a number of upcoming activities which you should mark your calendars for:
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Regional Biathlon Competition - 24-26 November: A few of our senior cadets will be attending the Regional Biathlon Competition as support cadets. We wish them well in this exciting opportunity.
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Annual Squadron Mess Dinner - 15 December: Each year the Squadron hosts a Mess Dinner just before the Christmas break. A mess dinner is a military tradition where members of a corps or squadron dine together in a formal yet comfortable setting on the same level irrespective of rank. The Cadet Program emulates many of the traditions in the Canadian Armed Forces when it comes to mess dinners, with Air Cadets following along with Royal Canadian Air Force traditions. All cadets are invited to participate in this fun and enjoyable activity. This activity comes at significant cost to the Squadron and while much of the cost is offset by the Squadron Sponsoring Committee, there is a cost of $20.00 per cadet to attend the dinner. The SSC will begin signing cadets up and collecting money this week. Cadets must have signed up no later than 29 November 2023 to attend(This week). The evening will run from 1800-2130 hrs and will be hosted at The Spare Room, 720 Proudfoot Ln, London. Dress for the evening is C2 - Mess Dress (full dress uniform with white shirt and black bow tie in lieu of issued blue shirt/black neck tie). Cadets are not obligated to purchase a shirt and bow tie and C1 Ceremonial Dress may be worn instead. Link to CJCR Dress Instructions
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PO 513 Workshops - 20-21 January 2024: Cadets in level 5 must participate in a series of workshops over a two year period as part of their proficiency level training. This year they will be held virtually in January 2024. Level 5 cadets may indicate desire to register with the Level 5 Officer no later than 29 November (registration closes 30 November).
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Holiday Standdown - 22 December - 5 January: Over the Christmas break there will be no cadet training as cadets and staff enjoy a well deserved break and time with friends and family. Our first training night back in the New Year will be 10 January 2024. Cadets are reminded that if they plan to do any travelling abroad over the break (or any time during the year) that use of Cadet365 is only authorized within countries which are members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance (Canada, United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand). Accessing C365 (including MS Teams and email) outside the geographic bounds of those countries may trigger a security alert. Enjoy your holidays and we'll see you in the New Year!
Optional Training:
The Squadron’s optional training is starting up as we run several additional activities to supplement our primary training nights. The 2023-24 optional training program will include:
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Air Rifle Marksmanship program: This is an opportunity for interested cadets to familiarize themselves with basic marksmanship skills and for cadets to try out for the Squadron Marksmanship Team. Cadets will receive instruction and coaching on these skills from a qualified Range Safety Officer (RSO). Prior to their first time at marksmanship, new cadets are required to complete the Safe Handling Test with the Daisy Air Rifle. Next Marksmanship date will be announced soon.
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Music Program: This is an opportunity for cadets who are interested in learning to play a musical instrument to join the Squadron’s brass and reed marching band. Musical instruments are loaned from the squadron to participating cadets so there is no need to provide your own. Band members will play at weekly squadron parade nights and potentially partake in the Southwestern Ontario Area Band and Drill Competition. Most Band members have had their musical instruments distributed to them at this point and will commence regular group practices shortly. Those that have not yet recieved their instruments are to coordinate distribution directly with the Band O, CI Alvarado.
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Drill Team: Cadets interested in honing their drill skills are welcome to join the Squadron Drill Team. Cadets will learn precision in drill, execute intricate routines, perform silent drill routines, and potentially partake in the Southwestern Ontario Area Band and Drill Competition. Showcase your skills at the 614 Annual Ceremonial Review.
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Online Ground School: The deadline for registration in the Online Ground School has now passed. Cadets interested in applying for the Glider Pilot Scholarship and Power Pilot Scholarship must first complete the nationally run online ground school and must successfully complete the entrance exam at conclusion of the Online Ground School. Participating cadets must complete the online exam No Later Than 15 January 2024.
Cadets who are interested in participating in Marksmanship, Band, or Drill Team are asked to submit their intent to participate using the signup form.
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614 Forest City RCAC Squadron Optional Training Sign-up Form 2023-2024 (Page 1 of 9) (office.com)
Weekly dates are subject to confirmation of facility availability; more to follow once facilities confirmed.
Supply:
Returning cadets who require an exchange of uniform part are reminded to submit their request through the online form on the Squadron Website. New cadets are to submit their measurements for their new uniform through the squadron’s online portal located on the squadron website; (SUPPLY/UNIFORM | 614rcacs (614aircadets.org) Uniforms for new cadets will be issued as the supply section is able to accommodate, however the first step is to submit your measurements.
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Administration:
All cadets are reminded to use their Cadet365 email address for communication. Cadets are also reminded that if they have not requested their annual medical validation form, they must do so ASAP. Outstanding Annual Validation and Detailed Health Questionnaires MUST be returned by 01 November 2023. If you require assistance onboarding with your C365 account, or need to request your annual validation form please contact the Squadron Admin Officer at Phoenix.Golshan@cadets.gc.ca.
Communications:
Weekly announcements will continue to be distributed through the channels we have all become accustomed to, however we will also be utilizing the Cadet365 platform more with cadets receiving announcements to their cadet email addresses as well as posted on our Squadron Teams channel. In the spirit of the aims of the Cadet Program, cadets are encouraged to take on the responsibility of managing their own schedules and should pay attention to upcoming events and important details; these new communication channels will help them with this task.
Bravo Zulo Capt Coulter and CI Ruseff!
CI Ruseff's contribution to the CTC Blackdown OR Team has been incredible this year, and without her, Trg Support and the OR couldn't function properly. Cl Russeff's accomplishments this year include taking on the completion of the administration handover package and cleaning, organizing, and replenishment of the PERT shed; in Admin, CI Russeff stepped in to assist while we are short-staffed, as well as filling in for Trg Support in Capt Marier's absence. All while still doing her role of Sports & Rec O.
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For these reasons, CI Ruseff was presented with a Command Team Coin! Bravo Zulu, CI Ruseff!
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Congratulations is also extended from the Cadets, Staff, and Sponsors of 614 to Gillian Coulter on her recent promotion to the rank of Captain! Captain Coulter was recently promoted while at CTC Blackdown by Lieutenant-Colonel David Forester (CO of CTC Blackdown) following her appointment as Training Officer for 614 RCACS in preparation for the 2023/24 training year.
Bravo Zulu Captain Coulter!
Cadet365 Email and Network Access
All Cadets have access to their own cadet email address ending in "cdt.cadets.gc.ca", which will allow them to access Cadet resources. This will be beneficial and be used for Summer training and other purposes. We are going to be using this more in the 2023-2024 training year, so all Cadets must complete the onboarding process.
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What is Cadet365?
Cadet365 is a collaborative platform for Cadets and Adult Staff across Canada. The suite provides access to familiar products like Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Planner, OneNote and OneDrive. The aim of the suite is to promote collaboration and facilitate remote work.
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The innovative cloud-based platform enables the team to work on both personal and work devices. This is a proven solution that balances the need to innovate and continue working with the need to maintain security and accountability.
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How does Cadet365 work?
After you have completed your onboarding process, you will always have access to the Microsoft365 suite on your personal or work device. You will be able to use the different apps to collaborate with your colleagues.
To complete the onboarding process, you will need to contact the administration officer, Lt Golshan at 614rcacs@gmail.com to obtain your email address and initial password, which you must change. Then, click the link below to complete the onboarding process:
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If you have forgotten your password, you must click on "forgot password" to change it. Contact Lt Golshan if this is not working.
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.
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What do we do?
Air Cadets learn the principles of aviation, while some learn to become glider pilots, pilots of engine-propelled aircraft or both.
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Why do youth aged 12 to 18 years old join cadets?
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To have fun;
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To be with their friends or to make new ones;
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To partake in interesting and unique challenges;
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To participate in diverse training at no cost;
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To learn valuable life skills (work and personal);
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To improve their self-confidence and sense of responsibility;
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To pursue an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces; and To be part of a program that is both welcoming and nurturing, where they feel included and have a sense of belonging.
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Five things to remember about the Cadet Program
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Invites all Canadian youth aged 12 to 18;
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Instills Canadian military values;
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Develops in youth attributes of citizenship, leadership and fitness;
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Balances safety and challenge; and
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Leaves a positive life-long impact through a set of positive youth outcomes.
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Five things to remember about Cadets
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Cadets are proud Canadians and proud citizens;
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Cadets are healthy in mind and body;
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Cadets contribute to Canada’s future;
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Cadets seek and appreciate healthy discipline; and
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Cadets represent Canada in a positive light.
What is the Cadet Program?
Fundraising
There are no fees associated with participating in the Air Cadet program. To run 614 Forest City Squadron, the expenses are roughly $55,000 per year, before any trips or extra activities for the Cadets! Since the Department of National Defense (DND), only covers a portion of the training that the cadets receive, the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (SSC) must raise funds to meet the annual squadron training budget. This is why our fundraising efforts are so important!,
Annually the squadron is assessed and is required to pay a fee to the Air Cadet League of Canada - Ontario Provincial Committee of $54 per cadet. The assessment is paid by every squadron in the province to support effective speaking competitions, volunteer screening, the selection process for advanced cadet training courses and international exchanges, regional gliding centres, insurance for all cadets while at cadet functions, public relations, and other activities of the Air Cadet League.
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The SSC holds various fundraising activities during the year. However, without the generous support of the community, the squadron budget cannot be met and the cadets risk losing out on many activities.
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Financial donations are gladly accepted and extremely welcome, of course, and we will issue tax receipts for the current tax year.
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THE 614 SQUADRON SPONSORING COMMITTEE WARMLY THANKS YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!