137 Ashbury RCACC

Audax et Celer

“Bold and Swift”

1Cadet Information Handbook

Information Guide for New Recruits September 2018

Backgrounder

Cadets Canada and the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program

Cadets Canada is the largest federally sponsored youth program in Canada. It is a national program for young Canadians, ages 12 to 18, that are interested in participating in a variety of challenging and rewarding activities and learning more about the individual elements of the Canadian Forces (Land, Air, or Sea).

Cadets are encouraged to become active, responsible members of their communities. They learn valuable life and work skills like teamwork, leadership, and citizenship. Cadets also reap the personal benefits of increased self-confidence and physical fitness, learning how to take initiative, and how to make decisions. Cadets make valuable contributions to Canadian society on a daily basis in terms of environmental, citizenship and community activities.

MOTTO OF THE ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADETS

"ACER ACERPORI" (As the Maple, so the Sapling)

Aims of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets

The three stated aims of the Army Cadets are:

• To develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership • To promote physical fitness • To stimulate the interests of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces

Table of Contents

Backgrounder 2

Table of Contents 3

137 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Staff 4

Corps Information 5

Uniform: Welcome to the RCD family! 6

Your Basic Issued Kit 7

Field Training Uniform 8

Tunic and Insignia - Left/Right Placement 9

Necktie 10

Lacing of Boots Ankle and Combat 11

The Army Cadet Uniform 12-13

Care for the Army Cadet Uniform 14

Royal Canadian Army Cadet Ranks and Promotion Criteria 15

Canadian Army Officer Ranks 16

Cadet Regimental Accoutrements 17

History of the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the Springbok 18

Closing Remarks 19

137 Ashbury RCD RCACC Staff

Commanding Officer Captain P.A. Bonacci

Deputy Commanding Officer Captain K. Comeau

Officer in Charge Service & Support Captain C. McKee

Administration Officer Officer Cadet F. Daviault

Training Officer Lieutenant J. Ryan Assistant Trg Officer Lieutenant T. Nichol

Supply Officer Second Lieutenant. H. Patterson

Training Staff Civ. Kevin Maloney Civ. Shane Albers Civ. Rob Gilmour Civ. Ryan Peever Civ. Patricia Schultz

137 Ashbury RCD RCACC Support Committee

Support Committee Chair: Mr. Gordon Marshall Support Committee Treasurer: Mrs. Jocelyn Peever Secretary: Mrs. Amanda Ehrlich Co-Chair & Recruiting: Mr. Stephan Bourgie

We are actively looking for Parent Volunteers to fill, if interested, please send an email to : [email protected].

Army Cadet League of Canada

Liaison Officer Mr. Terry Cull

Affiliated Unit

137 Ashbury RCD Army Cadet Corps is sponsored by its affiliated unit , the Royal Canadian Dragoons, an armoured Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Petawawa.

Corps Information

1. Weekly Parades 137 Ashbury RCD RCACC meets at Ashbury College (362 Mariposa Ave, Rockcliffe Park), on Monday evenings between 1815hrs (6:15pm) and 2045hrs (8:45pm).

Weekly Parade Timetable Start Finiss Arrival 18:15 Fall-In / Inspection / Opening 18:20 18:30 Period One 18:35 19:05 Break 19:05 19:10 Period Two 19:10 19:40 Break 19:40 19:45 Period Three 19:45 20:15 Fall-In / Closing 20:15 20:30 Dismissal Time 20:40

2. Corps Headquarters (HQ) Contact Information The Corps phone number is 613-749-9630 ext. 382.

The Corps website is located at http://www.dragooncadets.com Follow us on Twitter at @ 137RCACC Like our Facebook page at '137 Ashbury RCD Army Cadets’

3. Attendance

ATTENDANCE AT WEEKLY PARADES IS MANDATORY!

If a cadet is unable to attend a parade night, it is their responsibility to inform the Admin Office by either calling 613-749-9630 ext 382 or going to our website ‘www.dragooncadets.com’ and clicking on ‘Attendance’ and following the prompts. Acceptable reasons for absences include schoolwork, illness, or parental requests.

Attendance at weekly parades and certain functions (citizenship and fundraising activities, weekend exercises, Remembrance Day Parade, etc.) is a requirement to progress from one training level to the next. It is also one of the criteria used for special activities and summer training selection.

It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that you are marked as present when you arrive at the Cadet Corps. Failure to do this may result in you being marked as ‘absent’ and missing out on special privileges including promotions. If you arrive late, please see the Administration office to report your presence.

Welcome to the RCD family! Wear your Army Cadet Uniform with pride!

Here is a cadet in Full Dress Uniform (C-1). This is what you will wear on CO Parades, and other formal events.

*Cadets at the rank of Cadet to Master Corporal will wear a green tunic belt.

The winter dress period is from mid-October

to mid-April. Check the corps website for the proper dress every week. Above is the Field Training uniform (FTU). This will be worn during most parade nights

During summer dress periods, you will not wear the tunic, nor the tie (C-2). 6

Listed below is everything you should be issued when What should I have? you first join. As you progress, more kit will be loaned Your basic issued kit: to you, and it is your responsibility to care for it properly. Write your name or initials in permanent marker in all items issued to you. Please note: The Supply Office is only open between 6pm and 8:30pm. Do not ask for items after Final Parade.

Dress Uniform or DEU or C-1

Tunic + Belt Beret + Cap Badge Socks

Pants Slip-Ons or Tie Epaulettes

SS Shirt Boots Belt

Field Training Uniform FTU (Combats)

This uniform is worn during identified training nights and also worn during weekend exercises (FTX).

Rank Slip on (one only)

Beret with cap badge on front flap of Tunic

Green T shirt FTU - Tunic FTU – Pants

Belt, same one Combat boots (if issued), issued with Dress Green Socks we do not have a large uniform supply of this item at this time.

If you were not issued combat boots wear your own:  Runners for in the gym;  Boots during winter 8

Tunic and Insignia

When wearing the tunic you will always keep all pockets buttoned. Be sure all front buttons (except the top one) are also fastened. Replacement buttons can be obtained from the Supply Officer. You should keep your tunic well pressed; however, it should not have any creases. Be sure your belt is even with no twists. The black buckle of your tunic belt is to be centered. The pockets of your tunic should not bulge. A tunic fits correctly if it is not too loose or tight, the cuffs just cover the wrist, and the bottom hem just touches your finger tips when you hold your arm down and lightly close your hand.

Insignia shall be positioned as shown in the diagrams. The shoulder title is worn flush with the shoulder seam and centered on the epaulette, with the Royal Canadian Army Cadet’s maple leaf below it. Insignia must be sewn neatly with matching colour thread. Do not use glue. The name tag is worn centered above the right pocket with the bottom of the name tag just touching the top of the pocket.

Necktie You will normally only wear a necktie on parades such as the Commanding Officer's Parade. Your necktie should be ironed and tidy. The knot should be compact and the tie done up to the collar when worn. There must be no shirt button showing above the knot. Both ends should be the same length, but the narrow end should not show behind the wide end. Ties must be tied with a Windsor knot, which can be taken off without untying it.

Lacing of Boots ankle (Parade) and of Boots Combat

The Army Cadet Uniform

Beret The Army Cadet beret shall be worn as follows: • Placed evenly on the head with the sweat-band 2.5 cm above the eyebrows; • The badge is centered over the left eye; • The crown of the beret is pulled downwards to the right and to the rear; the drawstrings are tucked • Tunic The• into jacket the beret shall be worn fully buttoned up except the top button. Sleeves shall be pressed, with no creases. There are to be no loose threads or strings shown. It is to be clean and proper at all times. Tunic Belt Shall be worn so as the excess of the belt, once attached, is on the same side as the buttonhole flap. The excess belt shall be tucked neatly into the loop. Shirt, Short Sleeve May be worn with tie, ascot, or open neck, with or without jacket. Rank slip- ons shall be worn on the SS shirt. Tie Shall be knotted neatly using a Windsor or four-in-hand knot and shall be kept tight. When the jacket is removed, the tie shall also be removed, and collar opened. Check Annex B. Pants Will be pressed without starch so as to have creases down the centre of each leg. Creases shall extend from the top of the leg to the bottom. The length of the trousers should extend to the third eyelet of the ankle boot. Belt The trousers/slacks shall be worn with the issued black belt. Boots Shall be laced across horizontally from side to side. Boots shall not be modified by any type of metal cleats, hobnails or other metal attachments to the heel or sole. No varnish other than shoe polish can be used to shine the boots. Only use Kiwi Polish to shine your boots! Nametag The standard cadet name tag shall be detachable, made of black and white laminated plastic plate 6.3 cm in length and 1.2 cm in height, inscribed with white lettering 0.6 cm high, and shall indicate the surname of the cadet only. 12

The Army Cadet Uniform (Continued)

General The cadet uniform is property of the Government of Canada. The items loaned to a cadet for wear as a uniform are expected to be cared for. Parents and cadets sign an agreement upon joining stating they understand this and take responsibility of such during the cadets’ career in the system. Upon completion, the uniform must be returned.

Military clothing and equipment requirements are expected to be cared for properly and frequently. All items should be clearly marked with permanent marker. Cadets will report in full uniform for CO’s Parades or when specified on the Corp’ website. Uniforms will have:

• The beret formed; (to form correctly, wet beret, form it, wring out excess water and wear until it has begun to dry) • The necktie tied properly; • The tunic and pants ironed (creases on the pants must be sharp); • All badges sewn on properly and in the correct spot; and • Boots polished to a high gleam/mirror finish. The Uniform The standards of personal dress, appearance and grooming shall be such as to reflect credit on the individual and on the Canadian Cadet Organization (CCO) as a whole.

The following regulations are extracted from Canadian Forces Dress Regulations and Cadet Dress Regulations. They are not intended to be overly restrictive, but to ensure the maintenance of high standard of grooming consistent with military standards while also recognizing the standards of Canadian society and the traditional privileges, which have proven their value in fostering group identity and morale. The regulations are reasonable, enforceable, assure a favorable military image, and yet permit some individuality.

The wearing of jewelry by personnel in uniform is restricted. Wristwatches, ID or Medic Alert bracelets are permitted. A maximum of two rings may be worn provided that they are not of a Jewelry gaudy or costume nature.

Religious accoutrements are also permitted when wearing the Army Cadet uniform, but they must be hidden from plain sight.

Personnel in uniform shall not wear necklaces or chains about the neck. Females may wear only a single pair of plain gold, silver stud, diamonds, or white pearl earrings in pierced ears. A healing device of similar size not to exceed 0.6 cm. in diameter and spherical in shape may be worn while ears are healing after piercing. Only a single earring or healing device, worn in the centre of each ear, may be worn at a time.

If the cadet has a worn or unfitting uniform part they must bring in the item. If the item can be replaced immediately then it will be, however, some items have to be ordered and may require a few weeks to have them delivered. Personal Appearance No part of the uniform is allowed to be worn outside of cadets activities (i.e. school, mall, park, etc.), without prior approval from the Commanding Officer. If the cadet is found wearing such without permission then they may be liable for the cost of replacement.

Valuable items such as radios, iPods, cellular telephones, expensive cameras, jewelry, and civilian clothing should not be brought to the corps. Bringing valuables is done so at the cadet’s risk as the Department of National Defense accepts no responsibility for personal property. 13

Hair (Male) • Hair shall be kept neat and well-groomed and shall not extend below the lower edge of the jacket collar. Varying hairstyles, straight or curled are permitted within these limits but exaggerated or bizarre styles including those with excessive fullness or extreme height are not authorized. In no case shall the bulk of the hair interfere with the proper wearing of military headdress. Hair ornaments shall not be worn. Bobby pins, hairpins and similar items used to secure the hair shall not be visible. This information is referenced from CATO 46-01.

• Braids, if worn, shall be styled conservatively and tied tightly, secured at the end by a knot or a small-unadorned fastener. A single braid shall be worn in the center of the back. Double braids shall be worn behind the shoulders. Hair shall be a maximum length when gathered behind the head and braided which does not extend below the top of the armpit. Multiple braids and/or cornrows shall be directed toward the back of the head, pulled tight to the head and secured at the end by a knot or a small-unadorned fastener. Multiple braids extending below the lower edge of the collar are to be gathered in a bun. Referenced from CATO 46-01. Hair (Female) Care for the Army Cadet Uniform

Hanging Hang up your uniform and keep it in a safe place.

Name Put your name on the tags of all your uniform parts.

Sewing Follow the directions of where your badges are to be placed and ensure they are sewn in the proper spot. If you do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again! Never use glue!

Ironing To prevent damage to your pants and tunic, use a damp press cloth between the iron and clothes when pressing. Always iron using the medium-high setting with steam. Be especially careful when pressing creases that you press the same crease that was there before and that you don’t create a second crease alongside the first.

Washing Wash your pants, tunic and socks in warm or cold water. Wash your shirt in hot water. All your uniform, except your headdress, is safe for machine drying. You should wash your uniform on a regular basis. Wash your headdress, if required, by hand and let it air dry.

Responsibility for the You should follow these rules to help safeguard your uniform: Uniform - Don't leave your uniform unattended; - Mark your name on every item of clothing; - Exchange damaged or poorly fitting parts of your uniform; You must return your uniform promptly if you leave the Corps

• Participate in the Green Star training program for a minimum period of five months • Be recommended by the appropriate Platoon Commander

• Hold the rank of LCpl • Successfully complete the Green Star training program • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

• Completed six months of service at the rank of Cpl • Successfully complete the Red Star training program • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

Royal Canadian Army Cadet NCM Ranks and Criteria for Promotion

Lance Corporal • Participate in the Green Star training program for a (LCpl) minimum period of five months • Be recommended by the appropriate Platoon Commander

Corporal/Trooper • Hold the rank of LCpl • Successfully complete the Green Star training program (Cpl) • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

( C p Master Corporal • Completed six months of service at the rank of Cpl • Successfullyl complete the Red Star training program (MCpl) • Participate) in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

• Completed six months of service at the rank of MCpl • Successfully complete the Silver Star training program Sergeant • Achieved a minimum of "Completed without difficulty" in (Sgt) PO 303 (Leadership) • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

• Completed six months of service at the rank of Sgt • Successfully complete the Gold Star training program Warrant Officer • Achieved a minimum of "Completed without difficulty" in (WO) PO 403 (Leadership) • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment

• Completed six months of service at the rank of WO

Master Warrant Officer • Achieved a minimum of "Completed without difficulty" in PO 503 (Leadership) (MWO • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment • Identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process

• Completed six months of service at the rank of MWO Chief Warrant Officer • Identified as a successful candidate through the (CWO) merit review board process

Canadian Army

Officer Ranks

Subordinate Officers Junior Officers

Officer Cadet (OCdt) Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Lieutenant (Lt) Captain (Capt)

Senior Officers

Major (Maj) Lieutenant-Colonel (LCol) Colonel (Col) Colonel Gorget

General Officers

Brigadier-General Major-General Lieutenant-General General General (BGen) (MGen) (LGen) (Gen) Gorget

Cadet Regimental Accoutrements

The cadet corps is honoured to be able to carry on several traditions of the Regiment through the wearing of specific regimental and CF accoutrements. These are assigned or granted at specific points in a cadet's career and are loaned to the cadet. All, are expected to be returned in good condition at the end of the cadet's membership with the corps. Lost or damaged items are to be replaced at the cadet's expense after initial issue

Army Cadets Cap Badge

Awarded to each cadet when sworn-in to the unit. This is typically accomplished after 4 consecutive weeks of training and demonstrates competence in general cadet knowledge and drill. It is to be worn immediately upon issue with the cadet uniform.

Springbok Cap Badge

Awarded to each cadet on promotion to the rank of Trooper. This typically happens after 5 months service in the cadet corps. worn on the cadet's beret. A small cut will need to be made in the middle of the stiffener to insert the cap badge.

RCD Shoulder Titles

Awarded to the rank of Sergeant, the shoulder titles are worn on each epaulette centered along the seam with the top of the shoulder of the jacket.

White Belt with CF Standard Buckle

Issued on promotion to the rank of Sergeant or Warrant Officer. All NCO will continue to wear the CF standard buckle until promoted to the rank of Master Warrant Officer.

History of the Royal Canadian Dragoons and the Springbok

On 21 December 1883, Lieutenant-Colonel J.F. Turnbull was authorized to raise and command A Troop, Cavalry School Corps and School of Cavalry. In 1891, it was recommended that the Permanent Force adopt the regimental system. The Cavalry School Corps was re-designated the Canadian Dragoons on 14 May 1892. On 27 June, the Canadian Mounted Rifle Corps at Winnipeg was amalgamated with the regiment and designated B Troop, Canadian Dragoons. In May 1893, the corps was given its present title, The Royal Canadian Dragoons.

In December 1899, the Canadian government's offer of more troops for South Africa was accepted by the British War Office. A brigade of field artillery and two battalions of mounted rifles, designated the 1st and 2nd battalions Canadian Mounted Rifles (CMR), were mobilized. The Royal Canadian Dragoons provided most of the trained officers and men for the 1st Battalion. At the request of the unit while in South Africa, it was re- designated The Royal Canadian Dragoons on 22 August 1900. During the Second Boer War (1899–1902), during the advance to Pretoria, the RCD set up camp in a field. Regimental legend has it that one of the sentries noticed that some springbok were behaving erratically, and alerted the officers, who ordered a stand-to. This resulted in the defeat of Boer forces that had been trying to sneak up through the fields to attack the Canadian force. However, there is no documentary evidence of this incident. The Commanding Officer at that time, Lt.-Col. Louis Lessard, makes no mention of it in his personal papers or his official reports. It is more accurate to state that the RCD wear the springbok as a recognition for the regiment's sterling service in South Africa. The commander of the RCD then put a request to King Edward VII, the reigning monarch, to officially have their cap badge changed to the springbok, which was finally accepted in 1913.

When war broke out in 1914, The Royal Canadian Dragoons, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), and the RCHA Brigade went overseas with the 1st Canadian Contingent. From this group the Canadian Cavalry Brigade was formed in January 1915. Initially, the 2nd King Edward's Horse was the third regiment; but it was replaced in September by the Fort Garry Horse, making the Brigade an all-Canadian formation. At the beginning of the Second World War there was precious little demand for horse- soldiers, the regiment remained behind while the infantry divisions proceeded overseas. With the formation of the Canadian Armoured Corps in August 1940, however, The Royal Canadian Dragoons went on active service as an armoured car regiment, first as a unit of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, and later as corps troops with the 1st Canadian Corps in Italy and North-West Europe.

After the war, the regiment exchanged its armoured cars for tanks, and became Canada's senior armoured regiment; but the graceful South African springbok on its badge remains a constant reminder of the service performed by The Royal Canadian Dragoons as horsed cavalry.

137 Ashbury RCD Cadets are proud to wear the Springbok cap badge on their berets

Closing Remarks

Your decision to become a member of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a big one. The cadet program is a national program, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Through your involvement in cadets locally, and during the summer at the regional summer training centres, you will experience new adventures and meet new friends. The friendship between those who have shared the challenge of cadet training is a strong one, and is one that becomes a lifelong bond.

The leadership skills and self-discipline you learn from cadets give you a qualification that will allow you to stand out from the crowd. However, in order to gain the benefits available to you from the cadet system, you have to be dedicated and disciplined, and strive to reach a level of personal excellence.

As an RCD cadet, you are expected to hold yourself to a high standard of drill, dress, and deportment. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is the hub for all matter related to the government, which means that high-ranking officials are everywhere. When in uniform, you are representing the Canadian Cadet Movement, the Governor General's Foot Guards, and yourself, therefore, you must present yourself as a young and respectful individual.

The senior cadets and officers are here to ensure your future success. Do not be afraid to ask questions, or seek advice when things start to get tough. Take initiative, and be the best you can be, as you will only take out so much from the program, as you put into it. Furthermore, don't forget to have fun!

BOLD AND SWIFT!

Lastly, here are some words of wisdom you may look to when striving to achieve your goals or in motivating yourself to achieve a better you:

"A leader is best when people barely know they exist, when their work is done, their aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." --Lao Tzu

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." --Jack Welch

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." --Maya Angelou

"He who has never learned to obey cannot be a good commander." --Aristotle

"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." --Dwight Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." --John F. Kennedy