Happy Holidays from the President and Members of The

ON-TARGET Fall / Winter 2013 The Army Cadet League of Canada’s National Newsletter Happy Holidays from the President and members of the

Also in this issue: Army Cadets have a new Colonel Commandant … page 3 Canada’s Most Outstanding Army Cadet...page 4 National Expedition to Haida Gwaii...pages 8 & 9 Encounters With Canada...page 24 The Vimy Foundation – An oportunity for Cadets...page 32 Apply for the Gerard Buckley Cadet Fund by Dec 15th...page 3

ON-TARGET is an official publication of The Army Cadet INSIDE THIS ISSUE League of Canada. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the League or it’s Army Cadets have a new Colonel Commandant 3 Board of Governors. Canada’s Most Outstanding Army Cadet 4 ON-TARGET welcomes submissions from cadets, members, The Walsh Award Presentation Ceremony 6 CIC officers, volunteers and parents. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and Waterdown Cadet Receives Prestigious 7 style. Provincial Award

National Expedition—18 Army Cadets travel Please submit your articles or announcements by e-mail at 8 [email protected] to Haida Gwaii A cadet’s Experience on the National 9 Editor in Chief Expedition Maxime Corneau, Communications Officer The Major General Howard Medal 11 Deputy Editor Nova Scotia Army Cadet Earns Wings Jennifer Golden, Executive Assistant 12 My experience on the Army Cadet Basic 12 Assistant to the Deputy Editor Parachutist Terence Whitty, Executive Director Never Give Up on Your Dreams 14 Contributors New book by Army Cadet League Director Cathy Bach, National PR Committee Chair 17 tells stories of Canada’s underage soldiers Elaine McDernid, National PR Committee for Alberta Marilyn Walkom, National PR Committee for Ontario Working together a win for Cadets and Legion Captain Mike Blackwell., SO3 Expedition (Land), RCSU PAC 18 Cadet MWO Austin Bowles, 2483 PPCLI RCACC,,Victoria, BC An Opportunity of a LifeTtime— Outward 2Lt Jake Rideout, UPAR, 2444 Kings County RCACC, NS 20 Bound Scotland Exchange MWO Kirklan Huntley, 2444 Kings County 2ndLt. Bianca Fung, Marksmanship Coach at 105 RCACC, ON Brandon Army Cadet takes on the Northern 22 Karen Murphy Corr, PA, Sponsoring Committee, 2277 RCACC Challenge in Whitehorse, YK Cadet Eric Bolech,2520 -71 Battery RCACC, Brandon, MB Seaforth Cadet Corps’ Exchange with Scotland Major Rob Thompson, ACICO, PAC Region 23 Jasmine Ouellette, Encounters with Canada Cadets 2nd Lt Betty Froese PAO Whitehorse CSTC Encounters With Canada 24 Mr. Barry Gerus, Father of Cadet Gerus, PEI Cadet Kaleb Perry, 2444 RCACC, Aldershot, Nova Scotia A Team of Many Hands Accomplishes Much 27 Nicholas Alexandris, ED of The Vimy Foundation Cpl Archibald, Mackenzie, 2928 Truro RCACC A Remembrance Day Ceremony in Whitecourt 28 Greg Chan, CO, 2893 Seaforth RCACC , Port Coquitlam BC Capt. William Banks, Commanding Officer 1944 EME RCACC PEI Cadet Experiences Remembrance Day in 29 Capt. N. James, Public Affairs - Web Content Officer (DCdts) Ottawa

A Cadet Pays Tribute to the Fallen in Flanders Translation 30 André Montgiraud Field The Vimy Foundation – An oportunity for 32 Return undeliverable to Cadets ON-TARGET The Army Cadet League of Canada A cadet’s experience at Camp Argonaut 33 66 Lisgar Street Ottawa, ON, K2P 0C1 A BC Cadet at RMC 33 Tel—613-991-4348 Creemore Cadets Win Challenge Against 34 Toll Free—1-877-276-9223 Ontario Provincial Police E-mail: [email protected] www.armycadetleague.ca The World Wide Web – A Tool to Enhance 35 Twitter: @Armycadetleague Communication

ARMY CADETS HAVE A NEW COLONEL COMMANDANT

Brigadier-General (Retired) R.R. Romses, OMM, CD Canadian Contingent Commander in Bosnia (1998), was Chief of Staff of Brigadier-General (Ret’d) Romses grew up in Lethbridge, the Multinational Stand-by High Alberta and is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge. Readiness Brigade for United He began his military service as an army cadet in Nations operations (SHIRBRIG) Lethbridge in 1967. He attended Vernon Army Cadet (1999-2001) in Denmark, completed Camp for two summers the second of which he was a United Nations tour in Ethiopia selected as the Cadet Parade Commander. In winter 1970 and Eritrea as the Force Chief of Staff from November he placed first on the Alberta Master Cadet exams and 2000 to May 2001, and whilst Commander CDLS was selected to attend a summer cadet exchange to (London) he was also accredited as Canada’s Defence Barbados. Following this activity he was commissioned Attaché to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. as a Lieutenant with the Cadet Services of Canada and th In this latter capacity he was responsible for managing worked with the 2296 18 Field Regiment RCA Cadet Canada’s defence relationship with those two countries. Corps and instructed at the Banff National Army Cadet Camp for two summers. In 1972 he was accepted into the General Romses completed his duties in London, England Regular Officer Training Plan and later commissioned in and then retired from the Canadian Forces effective 1 1975 as a Lieutenant with the Princess Patricia’s April 2009 and lives in Lethbridge, Alberta. He is Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). He then served in a currently President of the Dominion of Canada Rifle wide variety of positions whilst on numerous postings in Association, President of the Army Cadet League of Calgary, Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Petawawa, Toronto, Canada (Alberta), Director of the Southern Alberta Denmark, and the United Kingdom. Commissionaires, and is Chairman of the Lethbridge Military Museum Committee. He was also President of General Romses commanded at various levels including: the Lethbridge United Services Club from February 2010 the First Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light to February 2012, a Director of the Last Post Fund Infantry (1989-91), Canada’s Special Forces unit – Joint (Alberta) from May 2010 to August 2012, and a Director Task Force Two (1992-94), Canadian Forces Base of 702 Wing Royal Canadian Air Force Association from Calgary (1994-96), Commander Land Force Atlantic Area June 2011 to June 2013. (2003-05), and Commander Canadian Defence Liaison Staff (London, England) (2005-08). Brigadier-General Romses has a Bachelor of Arts Degree (1975-UofL), Master of Arts (2004-RMC), and was His international experience included two United Nations rd honoured as the University of Lethbridge Distinguished Cyprus tours (1978 and 1991), a posting with the 3 Alumnus of the Year in 2005. He is married to Carol Battalion British Parachute Regiment (1981-82), service Romses (nee Ririe formerly of Magrath) and they whilst CO 1PPCLI with both the Allied Command Europe have one son, Roger, who is married and living in (ACE) Mobile Force and NATO Composite Force, Keswick, Ontario. completed a NATO Stabilization Force (SFOR) tour as

$3000.00 Grants Available to Finance Your Corps Activities. Does your corps need assistance to fund:  Biathlon Program for cadets  Music programs for cadets  Marksmanship and hunter safety training for cadets  Adventure training program and expeditions for cadets  Optional training activity subjects conducted by cadet groups  Citizenship activities for cadets (i.e. Cadets Caring for Canada)  Cadet groups that are disadvantaged in their geographical area for their ability to raise monies and resources for training will receive priority You could qualify for one of four grants offered to corps across Canada by Mr. Gerard Buckley and the ACLC Submit your application ACLC’s National Office no later than December 15th, 2013 For further information refer to policy 17.1 of the ACLC’s National Policy Manual

CANADA’S MOST OUTSTANDING ARMY CADET By Maxime Corneau, Communications Officer, ACLC National Office

The Army Cadet League of Canada (ACLC) and the Training Centre Connaught near Royal Canadian Legion are pleased to announce that Ottawa, ON, for the past three Cadet Chief Warrant Officer Srosh Hassan from summers and has become a Edmonton, AB, of the 2551 Princess Patricia's Canadian superb Marksman having gone Light Infantry Cadet Corps was named Canada’s most to Bisley, England with The outstanding Army Cadet and the recipient of the 2013 National Rifle Team in 2012. General Walsh Memorial Sword. On October 7th, 2013, Back at her corps, as the during an official ceremony organized by the Alberta Sergeant Major, Cadet Hassan is Branch of the ACLC, Cadet Hassan was presented the a model Cadet for all to look up Award. Further details and photos of this event can be to. She is meticulous in her deportment even out of found on page 6. uniform. She has become an extremely confident and methodical communicator that can articulate her thoughts The General Walsh Memorial Sword is the highest in mature conversation. She is highly respected by all national prize for any Army Cadet. The award was whom she is associated with. created in 2004 by the Army Cadet League of Canada in partnership with Royal Canadian Legion, and named in Cadets who are nominated for this award must also honour of Lieutenant General Geoffrey Walsh, CBE, demonstrate their strength in the academic aspect of their DSO, CD, who dedicated much of his time to the Army life. As for Srosh, she attends the Old Scona Academic Cadet Program. Recipients of the award are chosen not School, which has been ranked as the number one only based on their performance as Army cadets but also academic school in the province of Alberta by the Fraser for their community involvement and their academic Institute. Students have to go through a challenging standings. entrance process and must meet minimum levels in academics, character and standardized testing scores. "The Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta) is Based on her current academic achievements, Srosh is both honoured and thrilled to hear that Cadet Srosh ranked in the top 5% of academic students in the province Hassan has been chosen as Canada's Walsh of Alberta. Cadet Hassan intends to pursue her post- Award winner. She is truly an exemplary cadet and an secondary education to study sciences at the University of outstanding role model for the Army Cadet Program", Alberta or McGill, in Montreal. said the President of the Alberta Branch, Brigadier- General (retired) Ray Romses, OMM, CD, who is also the Cadet Hassan is an “all-around” exceptional individual new Colonel-Commandant of the Royal Canadian Army who volunteers with various organizations including her Cadets. “C/CWO Hassan is an energetic and dynamic Mosque. As a young Muslim woman, Srosh was chosen individual who has achieved recognition as an this year to speak at a Muslim Women’s and Girls’ event outstanding citizen of Alberta and Canada by receiving focussing on immigrant Canadians’ integration into The Queen Canadian society. In 2011, Cadet Hassan was the Muslim Elizabeth II Association of Canada Diamond Jubilee Junior High School Medal. In every Student of the Year. aspect of her life, She has volunteered in Cadet Hassan is a after school care self-disciplined and programs and has been conscientious person involved with her who has dedicated school Brain Care herself to her family, Centre Youth her school, her Organization, devoted community, her to helping brain injury mosque, and survivors and promoting Cadets.” awareness of brain injuries. She is also As a cadet, Srosh consistently involved in attended the organizing various fund National Army raising events for her Cadet Summer Cadet Hassan is pictured here (middle row centre) with the National RCAC Rifle team who competed in Bisley, England during the summer of 2012. corps.

BGen Romses also adds, “This young and C12s at distances up to 1000 yards. woman is focused and goal driven. She Summer of 2012, I qualified to be a part of demonstrates qualities in every aspect of the RCAC National Rifle Team and I was her life, showing extreme compassion shooting at the International level in Bisley, and respect of others. She is a self-reliant England. How many teenagers get to do individual who prides herself on her high something like that? Throughout that moral standards, her honesty, and adventure and so many more, I met amazing integrity. Cadet Srosh Hassan is one of individuals from all over Canada that I’m Canada’s leaders of tomorrow and is proud to call my friends. We've shaped each truly deserving of the Walsh Award for other, grown together and made memorable the 2013 Top Cadet in Canada.” experiences. I’ve drastically changed as a person and I can't imagine who I'd be if I As the winner of the Walsh Sword, Cadet chose to quit early or never join”. Hassan travelled to Ottawa, as a guest of the Royal Canadian Legion to attend the "“How you feel about being the Top Army th November 11 Remembrance Day Cadet Hassan with her two perfect Cadet in Canada?" ceremony at the National War Memorial, targets at the National “It's unbelievable. Being nominated for it as part of the Vice-Regal party. Marksmanship completion in 2012 was a wonderful surprise, but getting the Following the ceremony, she also had title? That's a dream come true. I’ve met the opportunity to meet both the Governor General and exceptional cadets and to be recognized as one is just the Chief of the Defence Staff at the Luncheon for the such an honour. I’m so proud to be the first Army Cadet Silver Cross Mother hosted by the Governor General at from Alberta to achieve this title and I’m looking forward Rideau Hall. to working at different regional events in the hopes of inspiring other cadets to achieve this goal. Most of all, I’ll We wish Cadet Hassan the best in her future endeavors continue to strive for and exemplify what it means to be and wish her to have an outstanding year with her corps. an outstanding Army Cadet.” Prior to the Remembrance Day ceremony, as the ******* Communications Officer for the National Office of the After my visit with Srosh, I felt honoured once again, to ACLC in Ottawa, I had the opportunity to meet with this have met, another outstanding and well rounded young exemplary cadet. During that time I wanted to get a better individual who certainly deserved to be named Top Army idea of her experience as a cadet and how she felt the Cadet of Canada this year. Every cadet who has received program benefited her. Here is what she said: this title, since I started here at the National office in "What does the cadet program mean to you?" 2007 has impressed me and left me in awe of all the “It's one awesome experience, one grand adventure no accomplishments they’ve achieved at such a young age. matter what element you go into. Personally, going into Srosh will be invited to attend the National ACLC AGM in Army Cadets, I learned so much about myself, others and April, and I look forward to introducing her to all our what it means to be a Canadian citizen.” members and guests that attend our Awards Banquet. "What has the cadet I invite all the future program done for senior cadets to strive to you?" reach for the top and to “It’s provided me with achieve success in one challenge after everything that you do. another, with me eager Take every opportunity to face each one. Going the program can offer into the program I you and be the best you wasn't very ambitious, can. You may yourself, but after seeing all the be a candidate for this great opportunities title in the next few of down the road like years. travelling and shooting, I was hooked. For example, I got to attend Connaught NACSTC in Ontario for two Cadet Hassan practicing her standing Thumbs up from Cadet Hassan with summers shooting C11s shooting at the National Marksmanship 2551 PPCLI during an FTX completion in 2012 5

THE WALSH AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY ByElaine McDermid, National PR Committee Representative for Alberta

At the Jefferson Armouries in Edmonton, AB, home of further the 2551 PPCLI RCACC, 07 October 2013 . details). With so many great Their motto is “This is a fine regiment. You can make it people the finest” written across the wall where the cadets can working see it every parade night! What an inspirational parade together great facility! things can What an inspirational cadet! On this night of October 7, happen! 2013, the Walsh award was presented to C/CWO Hassan. An official The cadets, the family members, friends, and Army Cadet ceremony was League of Canada - Alberta members who attended were organized to in awe of the present the CCWO Hassan and BGen Romses pictured here quiet, respectful, award. At the holding the Walsh Commemorative Sword. and lovely start of the young person parade – you could see that the staff required the highest who has standard of dress and deportment from all the cadets for achieved so this event, in uniform or not. The new Cadets, without much. C/CWO uniforms yet, were required to wear dress slacks with Srosh Hassan is white shirts nicely pressed and shoes that shined. Cadet a young lady Chief Warrant Officer, Srosh Hassan, is an excellent with lofty goals model for dress and deportment. She stands relaxed but which will be perfect. That was only the start! After they formed up, accomplished they were ready for the parade inspection by BGen with dignity in Raymond Romses, OMM, CD, President of the Alberta the future, but BGen Romses, CCWO Hassan, Capt. Russell and Branch of the Army Cadet League, (and newly appointed right now this ACLC rep Fred Goldring Colonel Commandant of the Army Cadets), the Cadets of distinctive the 2251 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps were in award will be treasured and will go with her whatever her perfect formation. The younger ones were in the middle prospects. ranks so they could have a better visual aspect of what to To make this historical event happen, everything started do. What an excellent idea! on the recommendation from the Commanding Officer, The whole unit was listening carefully to what BGen Capt. S. Russell to the Army Cadet League of Canada - Romses had to say. He mentioned the history of the Alberta Branch, stating Cadet Hassan be considered for Walsh Award, the reason why C/CWO Hassan was the Top Army Cadet of Canada award, also known as the receiving the award and how it was his great pleasure to Walsh Award. Ken Usher, (Alberta’s Vice President on present this award to such an outstanding young the Army Cadet League of Canada’s National Council) woman. What a big smile from both! then followed up on this recommendation with an interview of the cadet and the CO. Once the Provincial The corps parade was dismissed to be followed by a Branch approved Cadet Hassan’s nomination for the round of photos. award, it was sent to the National A nice lunch was provided where Office of the ACLC in Ottawa BGen Romses and Cadet Hassan walking everyone mingled and got some time who evaluated the applications through the ranks during the corps to talk with Cadet Hassan and the received from across Canada and inspection. families of all the cadets who accepted the recommendation of attended this prestigious award Cadet Hassan the Most ceremony. Outstanding Army Cadet in Canada for 2013. It is important Everyone present enjoyed the evening to note that the ACLC’s National and were thankful to the corps, and Office works closely with the their staff for their hard and dedicated Royal Canadian Legion on this work in organizing this award (see article on page 5 for historical event!

The National Office offers customized recruiting posters. For more information and to view samples Visit www.armycadetleague.ca/toolbox We will customize them to your requirements, just let us know what you need. First 50 copies supplied at no charge!

WATERDOWN CADET RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS PROVINCIAL AWARD Submitted by the ACLC Ontario Branch

On Thursday, September 26 Master Warrant and medals during the course of his cadet Officer(MWO) Alexander Brennan received career, including: The Legion medal of the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario) Excellence, Lord Strathcona Medal, Army, “Top Cadet” award. During a Commanding Navy, Air, Veterans Medal, (ANAVETS) medal Officer’s parade in front of 64 of his Army and his Army Cadet Service Medal. MWO Cadet comrades in Burlington, Ontario, he was Brennan concluded his participation in the presented the President’s Award by Mr. national shooting program by participating as a Donald McCumber, President of the Army team member on the 2012 Cadet National Rifle Cadet League of Canada (Ontario). The award Team (NRT) in Bisley, England. On the NRT, is presented to the Top Army Cadet in Ontario MWO Brennan won cadet of the week almost as determined by an Army Cadet League every week, Top Course Cadet, ANAVETS award committee. The recipient of the award medal and over a dozen shooting medals. He is then submitted as Ontario’s nominee for the graduated the 2013 Canadian Forces Basic prestigious General Walsh Memorial Award in Parachutist course. It is an exceptional competition with other cadets chosen from achievement to be both a member of the Bisley each of the provinces and territories Cadet Brennan pictured with D. McCumber,and his Team and a Canadian Armed Forces parachutist. The award is a striking bronze statue of an Commanding Officer He has earned a number of additional medals Army Cadet holding a compass. MWO and awards including: The Silver Duke of Brennan’s name is engraved on a plate affixed to the statue Edinburgh Award, Excellent Fitness Award, Distinguished which will be kept at the cadet corps for the remainder of the Marksman designation and many individual shooting and training year. He also received an individual pewter orienteering trophies. He was the captain of a highly statuette depicting an Army Cadet standing at attention. successful orienteering team and award winning shooting In his address to the corps, President McCumber described team. In addition to winning many awards himself, as a the requirements of the award and outlined how MWO coach and mentor he was and continues to be instrumental in Brennan had exemplified them in his cadet, school, spiritual developing other cadets in these activities. and civilian activities. MWO Brennan continues to participate in volunteer Captain Philip Harris, Commanding officer of the 2379 activities in the community, school and church. He has Burlington Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Cadet Corps recorded over 250 volunteer hours and has many more to his ascribed the following attributes to credit. The Officer-In-Charge cited Alexander in his nomination to the him for his positive ambassadorial committee. nature during his attendance at the Team Canada Full-Bore MWO Brennan developed in the Championship in Bisley, England. cadet corps from a basic recruit into the fine young leader he is today. He He has been on the Principal’s is an extremely active young citizen, Honour List for six consecutive years. both at school and within the Alexander, who lives in Waterdown community. Leadership abilities enrolled immediately upon attaining developed within the cadet program his 12th birthday and currently holds have been put to good use outside the the appointment of Drill Sergeant cadet corps. Major at the Burlington Cadet D, McCumber presents the Presidents Trophy to Cadet Corps. Alexander has achieved many awards Brennan.

2013 NATIONAL EXPEDITION—18 ARMY CADETS TRAVEL TO HAIDA GWAII, BC By Captain Mike Blackwell., SO3 Expedition (Land), RCSU Pacific

Pacific Region had the rain, wind and fog; typical honour and privilege to coastal weather for this time of lead and conduct the 2013 year. The second week however National Expedition for the was anything but normal with Army Cadet program. The clear sunny skies, no wind, or unique and specially fog. There were even a few selected location for this tanned faces! Everyone National Expedition was experienced a very challenging Haida Gwaii in the Queen but vey rewarding Expedition. Charlottes Islands of Many of the cadets stated that British Columbia. The they were very fortunate to Expedition was prepared experience this part of Canada well in advance and was and that they would leave with conducted from August 24 great memories that would last a to September 05 during this The cadets visiting the Pesuta Shipwreck, a log barge who ran lifetime. past Summer. The amazing aground in a storm in 1929. This ultimate adventure met the adventure proved to be a required objectives of Expedition very successful experience training and challenged all of the participating cadets with for all of the eighteen senior Army Cadets and four CIC improving and enhancing their leadership, decision- Officers from across Canada that participated in this making, problem solving, teamwork and resourcefulness. Expedition. A National Expedition has a prerequisite of at least four Throughout the National Expedition, everyone that years of training, and requires a superior level of fitness participated was provided an opportunity to further and maturity. This Expedition put it all to the test for develop their self-reliance and leadership skills. The each cadet. content of the expedition was to experience and complete Additionally, the Army Cadet League of Canada is very five days of sea kayaking and five days of extreme hiking proud to support National Expeditions. For this particular in separate remote locations. The sea kayaking portion expedition to Haida Gwaii, the Army Cadet League raised provided the cadets an opportunity to observe Moresby funds to help provide additional equipment and various Island and various other cultural sites while paddling cultural activities to assist with ensuring the cadets enjoy throughout historical and very scenic locations in and a rewarding first-class experience. around many of the islands that make up the Haida Gwaii archipelago. The hike consisted of a very challenging 89 As a final result, the aims of the Expedition Program were km trek along the East Beach Trail in Naikoon Provincial accomplished during this National Expedition and the Park. The teams were required to navigate over varied Cadets that participated improved their existing skills terrain and be aware of the local tidal charts. The group while learning many new skills throughout the adventure. carried all of the required expedition gear, supplies, tents, Overall, the activity was a very challenging and food, and water rewarding experience that necessary for each 18 Army Cadets take part in the 2013 National Expedition to Haida Gwaii. proved to be a significant phase of the trip. A accomplishment. few of the amazing Congratulations goes to all things witnessed by of the participating cadets the group consisted and staff and to all other of ancient Haida stakeholders that villages, totem poles, supported the great ship wrecks, sea- success of this National lions, black bears and Expedition in Pacific abandoned logging Region. camps from the late 1800’s. The weather challenged everyone during the first week,

A CADET’S EXPERIENCE ON THE NATIONAL EXPEDITION By Cadet MWO Austin Bowles, 2483 PPCLI Army Cadet Corps from Victoria, BC

My name is challenges I faced, was that I was suffering from lower Austin Bowles, I back pain, which started about half way through the trip am a senior cadet however I had to push through it to help my team with the 2483 complete this cycle. PPCLI Army Cadet Corps from Our guides were wonderful, very helpful and very funny. Victoria, BC and We had some good laughs along with some harsh times currently hold the out on the ocean. rank of Master On day four, we were able to see an old native village, Warrant Officer walk through it, and see old totem poles that have been (MWO). After there since it was built however, they are now covered in years of training moss and have suffered damage from the weather. with my cadet corps and plenty Once we had finished the kayaking portion of the of summer Expedition, we had a day of rest. Well, sort of, it consisted more of taking showers and viewing Skidgate, a courses at the Cadet Bowles practicing his kayaking skills. Cadet Summer beautiful place filled with nature and wild life. Training Centres under my belt, I was one of the 18 For the next cadets chosen to participate in the 2013 National challenge Expedition to Haida Gwaii in BC, which took place in of our trip, late August to early September. Here is an account of my my team experience during this grueling but most rewarding had to hike experience. for 80 km At first, the 18 cadets from various parts of the country along the flew to BC. We spent the first couple of days in north beach Vancouver doing prep work and all the packing required trail in for the trip. We had done a day of kayaking to help those Naikoon who hadn’t kayaked before learn and to help refresh Provincial everyone else`s minds. Before we knew it, we were Park. The biggest carrying our bags to the airport ready to go. challenge we Trekking along the north beach in Naikoon Provincial Park. Upon arrival, the cadets and our four officers were split all had on into our two teams and each team went their separate our hike was water or lack thereof. The availability of ways. My team, The drinking water along the hike was really limited and on Salish Warriors, one of the day`s most of us were hiking with little to no started with the five- water. Another challenge we faced was the terrain, day kayak portion of although it does not sound hard, hiking along a beach is the trip. One of the very tiring. However, it was such a beautiful sight to be biggest challenges on able to wake up and see the sunrise and throughout the this cycle was day watch it move over us. competing with the weather, which was Overall, the trip was amazing. I would have never thought often uncooperative. I would have had the opportunity to go to Haida Gwaii The team only ended and done these things with such great people. I would up kayaking for about love to go back and visit all the places we never got a four days out of the chance to see and do some more hiking along some of the scheduled five, due to trails, but no beaches! an unfortunate injury, You can view further information about the expedition to which sent a teammate Haida Gwaii on the www.cadets.ca Website. home. Cadet Bowles preparing meals during the One of the personal expedition

Visit the RCAC Expeditions Facebook page to view more photos of this expedition.

Photo provided by Capt. Blackwell Team Salish Warriors

Team Coat Busters Photo provided by Cadet Bowles

Photo provided by Cadet Bowles

Photo provided by Cadet Bowles Photo provided by Cadet Bowles

The Army Cadet Expedition is the premier Army Cadet activity known as the Ultimate Army Cadet Challenge, challenging the best Army Cadets in Canada to push their mental and physical limits. This travel experience provides cadets the opportunity to put into practice the self-reliance, leadership, and spirit of adventure they have learned at their local cadet corps and during their summer training at the Cadet Summer Training Centres (CSTC). It also magnifies their sense of what it is to be a Canadian! The Army Cadet League of Canada and its donors support the Expedition cadets by providing the extras that add to the excitement of the trip. We add to the funds committed by the Department of National Defence with an annual fundraising campaign to provide additional equipment specific to the destinations and the activities of each expedition. This ensures that the cadets have a first class experience and guarantees that the country visited appreciates that, we in Canada support our youth in a meaningful way. We would like to thank all the donors who have generously donated funds over the years, helping to make this an amazing experience for all the cadets. If you wish to donate for future expeditions you may contact our National Office by e- mail at [email protected] or by using our online donation form. Your contributions are appreciated. Thank you.

THE MAJOR GENERAL HOWARD MEDAL By Elaine McDermid, National PR Committee member for Alberta

On this important evening, at the Kinsmen huge success and this young man was very pleased to Korral in St. Albert. AB, the cadets of the receive this award in recognition of his hard work and 3069 St. Albert RCACC, formed up as dedication to the corps and to the Army Cadet program as part of their routine training evening for a whole. the parade inspection by officers and by After the presentation, the cadets were dismissed from the guests invited for this special evening. the parade to resume their regular training schedule. It Mr. Darcy Nilsson led the inspection party was such a beautiful and warm October evening that and took a few moments to speak with a some cadets even carried on their parade practice outside. few cadets as he walked along the ranks. As a League representative it is always such an honor to At the start of the evening, the Commanding Officer and be part of these special presentation evenings. It staff relinquished their positions for a few moments to confirms the reasons for our involvement with such an introduce Mr. Darcy Nilsson, North West Zone President outstanding program for our youth. of the Army Cadet League of Canada (Alberta) who was the first spokesman of the evening. Mr. Nilsson Major-General W. A. Howard, CMM, CM, CD, QC, mentioned how glad he was to be a part of this special Colonel Commandant Royal Canadian Army Cadets from evening and to get the opportunity to 1974 to 1979, established an annual compliment and welcome the new award for outstanding army cadets cadets of this corps. He especially known as "The Major-General W. A. made mention of the importance for Howard Medal" as a legacy to promote the cadets to have fun during their time training excellence by senior Army with this corps. After his speech, Mr. Cadets through a structured assessment Nilsson introduced Mr. Ken Usher, of a cadet's overall performance. This Vice President of the National Army award will recognize the cadet in each Cadet League representing Alberta province and territory who has achieved who was also present and called to the highest results in the 4th year Gold make a special presentation that training level annually as they prepare to evening. enter into the Year 5 “Master Cadet” level. Other criteria for this award Mr. Usher mentioned how he was Mr. Darcy Nilsson presenting the Howard include that the cadet show outstanding pleased to represent Brigadier General medal to Cadet Babichuk. leadership skills, excellent conduct, Raymond Romses, provincial President active community involvement and for the Army Cadet League of Canada outstanding personality. More information about this (Alberta), and who is also the Colonel Commandant of award is available on the National Policy Manual the Royal Canadian Army Cadets on this special evening page of the Army Cadet League of Canada’s to present an award to the Top Cadet of Alberta. national Website refer to policy 13.4. This prestigious provincial award, which is also known as the Major General Howard award, is given to top cadets from every province. According to the recommendations made by the Commanding Officers of the province, the This year’s Ontario recipient of the Major General Area Cadet Officers (ACO’s), and the Army Cadet Howard medal is Cadet WO Steven Swanick (pictured League representatives, a cadet form this corps, WO right) from the 2824 Royal Canadian Army Cadets Babichuk, would get the honor to be presented the medal, Mississauga C.O.P.S. Corps. pictured here. Dan Matthews, Vice After the describing the reasons why this outstanding President of the ACLC cadet was chosen for this award, the whole corps gave Ontario Branch was on WO Babichuk the biggest round of applause! Mr. Nilsson hand to present this medal. mentioned how important it was to also acknowledge the Also in attendance were hard the work and dedication of the corps staff. He Deputy Chief Chris requested that the cadets recognize this by giving them McCord, Inspector Deb another huge round of applause, which was answered Pincivero and Sergeant enthusiastically by the whole corps. The evening was a Dave Kennedy of the C.O.P.S. program. 11

NOVA SCOTIA ARMY CADET EARNS WINGS By 2ndLt Jake Rideout, Unit Public Affairs Representative, 2444 Kings County RCACC

ALDERSHOT, NS – While the Lord Strathcona Trophy, awarded to the top Army many local high school Cadet Corps in Nova Scotia, in 2011 and 2012. The students worked at their first Cadets progress through a variety of age-appropriate job this summer, one jumped training including specialist courses in fitness and sports, from airplanes – with a expedition and adventure training, drill and ceremonial, parachute, of course. and marksmanship. Advanced training, like the parachutist course, is offered on a national level, as are Cadet Warrant Officer international exchanges. Kirklan Huntley, 17, of 2444 Kings County Royal During the year, Cadets at the unit have the opportunity to Canadian Army Cadet Corps learn field craft on field training exercises, take part in based at Camp Aldershot, familiarization with military members and equipment, completed the Canadian play sports, and compete in biathlon and marksmanship Cadet WO Kirklan Huntley, 17, , Army’s Basic Parachutist competitions regionally and even nationally. proudly displays his parachutist Course this summer at 8 Wing Members are given leadership training and placed in wings at Camp Aldershot. Trenton in Trenton, Ontario. leadership positions within their unit with increasing Huntley, a Grade 12 student at Central Kings Rural High responsibility. Cadets participate in citizenship events and School in Cambridge, is the second member of the local training as well, and can often be seen supporting the Corps to earn his parachute wings in three years. Royal Canadian Legion in the community. Hopefuls are up against stiff competition for a coveted All training is facilitated and supervised by members of spot on the course. the Canadian Armed Forces who have undergone Candidates are among the top performing Army Cadets specialized training to work with youth. from across Canada demonstrating exemplary physical “The community has a lot to be proud of when it comes to fitness standards, proven leadership at their home Corps, the Cadets in our unit,” says Captain Mandy Forbes, and motivation to take on one of the most demanding Commanding Officer of 2444 Kings County RCACC. courses offered to Army Cadets and members of the “These youth are our future leaders, and the skills Canadian Armed Forces. and knowledge they gain in the Cadet program stay “We all worked very hard,” says Huntley. “I’m very with them throughout their lives.” proud to have been selected and to wear my wings.” Cadet Huntley shares his experience, see next article. His home Corps has a reputation for excellence, winning

MY EXPERIENCE AS AN ARMY CADET BASIC PARACHUTIST By Cadet MWO Kirklan Huntley, 2444 Kings County RCACC

There is no adrenaline rush like the one make this an easy summer. To get that comes over you as you take the last accepted for this course, in Nova step out the door of a CC-130 Hercules Scotia you had to be one of the top Aircraft travelling at over 200kph. As four on the fitness test, and pass the the parachute deploys, you quickly medical test, along with having a 6 become surrounded by the loudest and week instructor course completed most aggressive wind imaginable as already in your cadet career. The your body is tossed around in the air. It fitness test consisted of running, only lasts for about four seconds before chin-ups and sit-ups. To get one of it changes to a sudden quietness while the top selection spots you simply you weightlessly drift to the ground. It is truly an had to beat everyone else on the test that applied in the experience like no other, but getting to the point of province, surprisingly, that happened to be the easiest part jumping out of a plane with the Canadian Forces is a of the course. challenging adventure that is not for everyone. When I arrived at CFB Trenton, Ontario, I joined the In my training for basic para I spent a lot of time running other 48 cadets from all across Canada in a platoon of and doing push-ups, but no amount of preparation could complete strangers, and faster than we could have

imagined, our two week tower, where we had to jump pre-course began. It from a building properly became clear to us right while attached to cables to away that this course was simulate jumping from a going to take a lot of hard plane. After the tower, at the work, dedication and the end of the last week before ability to deal with more jump stage, we were tested in stress mentally and all areas of the course, and a physically than most of us final decision was made as to had ever experienced. who went on with the course, Right away in day one the and who did not. Seven of the physical training started, remaining cadets on course we ran for hours, and did weren’t able to pass every test push-ups in the hundreds. Cadet Huntley, pictured in center, waiting to get on the plane for one of and after 4 weeks of effort, Within the first day, we had the courses jumps with two of his course buddies. they were sent home. For done the fitness test twice. those of us who passed, this Those who could not pass during the second test, after we meant we were going on to “J Stage”, the week that we were exhausted from the first one and the training in- all got to do what we came for. between, failed the course right there and went home. For During jump week we made 5 parachute descents. Twice the remainder of the two weeks, the physical training out of a civilian skydiving plane, and 3 times out of the never slowed down, we were up every day at about 5am CC-130 Hercules. The first time, we had no extra and some days didn’t stop until 10pm, each day felt like it equipment, just our parachute, and our reserve chute, was never going to end. Before week 2 was over, 10 of standing in the plane waiting for the command to go, I the guys we came with had either failed, quit, or got sent couldn’t think, my heart was pounding and I thought I home for other reasons such as injuries. Most of the would just freeze up and forget everything I learned. My cadets that had gone home by this point were from mind was overwhelmed, but my body knew what to do, Atlantic Canada, only I and one other cadet from Nova just as we had practiced so many times, I naturally did Scotia were still on course out of all of the Atlantic everything the way I was supposed to, and did not Provinces. By the end of the pre-course, we were all hesitate to exit the aircraft. The next three jumps were noticeably toughened and were ready to start the actual with equipment hanging from our waist that we had to Basic Parachutist course at the Advanced Warfare Centre. release before we reached the ground. The greatest part of The parachute instructors, or “PI’s” in Trenton are the jumping out the Hercules was that the rest of the jumpers most hard-core and influential group of people I have were floating down all around you at the same time, ever met. Collectively they seemed to have done it all, which made for an amazing view. The final jump was at and each one of them had a motivational speech for any night, it was cloudy, and fog covered the ground, the only situation. They taught us all we needed to know, thing anyone could see outside was the light on the tower including a lot of discipline, and they did not go easy on where we had to meet up after the landing. Leaving the anyone. We had learned and practiced Aircraft drills, aircraft on the fifth jump means that from that moment on flight procedures, equipment packing and landings every you are officially Airborne, an accomplishment that not day until it was drilled into our heads through muscle many people achieve, and something I will have for the memory. Every single mistake, even the smallest resulted rest of my life. in punishment through push-ups, we found out soon to not screw up. Quick learning is the key for success on this course and those who could not, fell behind and ended up failing the course when the PO testing came along. Our knowledge of aircraft procedures was tested in the mock

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NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS By Second Lieutenant Bianca Fung, Marksmanship Coach at 105 RCACC, ON

Competitions between Canada and UK cadets have been athletics. However, going on since 1911 when the first Canadian Cadet Team marksmanship remained a sailed across the ocean to compete in Bisley. Since then major part of my life. I the competitions have become a yearly tradition between attained my spot on the Ontario the two countries. Every year Cadets compete in various team every year I competed in Marksmanship competitions at various levels across the marksmanship and by the end country in hopes of qualifying for a spot on the National of my cadet career, I had attained several national titles. Rifle Team. Our qualifying Cadets train at the National As well, a bronze medal at my last nationals in Cadet Summer Training Centre Connaught, near Ottawa Vancouver, British Columbia. Only 0.01% away from where they also host the cadets from the UK after the first place in the country. Bisley competition for further training and competitions In my last summer fighting for a spot on the National on Canadian soil. 2nd Lieutenant Fung tells us her story Rifle Team, I had placed 19th. The team consisted of about her dreams to compete in Bisley and how it came only the top 18. Realizing that I had not made the team true, just was one of the most devastating things I've had to go differently then through in my entire life. Knowing that dream you had she had worked years and years for, was over, crushed me. expected. Following the summer, I patiently awaited a phone call, From a young in hopes of hearing that someone had dropped out of the age, we were team, meaning a spot would open up for me. However, all told that if the months went by and there was nothing. we dream big I was so upset the entire school year. But one day, I and work hard realized that my passion for the sport was not completely at it, gone. I made the decision to go back to CSTC everything is Connaught and staff as a coach. I wanted to keep possible. Little 2nd Lieutenant Fung in position to shoot at a surrounding myself with the atmosphere of did I know, it Marksmanship competition marksmanship, with hopes that one day, I will still get to would take go to Bisley. I had staffed three summers at the camp nearly ten years for me to learn the true meaning of 'never until I aged out of the cadet program. giving up'. At the age of 13, I willingly joined the Royal Canadian Army Cadet program. On one of the nights, Soon after retiring from the program, I decided to join the there was an announcement made for marksmanship team Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC). I fell in love with the cadet tryouts. This definitely caught my attention and I showed program because of all the opportunities it has to offer for up to the tryout and was called back to continue training. Canadian youth. The ability for kids to develop new life At that time, I had no idea what the marksmanship skills and making life lasting memories was something I program entailed, however, I seemed to be good at is, as would never forget. By joining the CIC, my goal was to my officer kept urging me to continue with the sport. We give back as much as I could to the program as it gave went to many competitions and placed well enough to go me. to nationals in Valcartier, Quebec my first year as a I was lucky to be junior. I shocked myself at how much potential I had! given to opportunity Throughout the year, my officer seemed to train me to coach fullbore at harder and harder, as he was really determined to get me CSTC Connaught on to the marksmanship courses during the summer in because usually the CSTC Connaught. After completing and topping my coaching staff are Basic Marksman course in 2005, I was invited back the comprised of past following summer to continue on the road to earning a National Rifle Team spot on the Canadian National Rifle Team. It was then, members. Although that I realized I wanted to make this a goal. Something I it has been years would work my hardest towards. It was a chance for me since the devastating to represent Canada and shoot in Bisley, England. announcement that changed my life, it During the school year, I kept busy with academics and 2nd Lt. Fung at the Bisley Historic Shooting felt good knowing Ground

that I was still able to Alan Henshaw and CI Nicolas Beaulne. The cadets shot coach cadets effectively several meetings in Bisley, including the Schools, ISCRM and as well as the other and Imperials. I was fortunate enough to get the officers. I had coached experience of shooting the Imperial Meeting as well. fullbore for about two Aside from shooting, the team toured places including years as an officer at the Portsmouth, Dover, Vimy Ridge, Beaumont Hamel and camp, until one day in many more. When our England tour finished, the cadets May; I was sitting in my continued to compete in Canada. Taking part in the room studying and National Cadet Fullbore Championship and the DCRA received a phone call. meet. Little did I know, this Without a doubt, my first Bisley experience was phone call was about to something I will remember for the rest of my life. change my life. An Coaching a team overseas and representing Canada was Officer Fung preparing the rifles for officer from CSTC such an amazing feeling. I did not realize that joining the competition. Connaught was calling to CIC would be this rewarding. Especially knowing that I inform me that I had been had worked almost nine years for this dream, I will chosen to be a coach for the 2013 Canadian National Rifle continue to give back to the cadet program. Prior leaving Team! I immediately fell silent, as I thought there was no Bisley, England, I told myself this is something I will do way this could be. Without hesitation, I accepted the for the rest of my life. I will be back in Bisley. I am not position and celebrated alone with tears of happiness. It sure when, I am not sure how, but one day, if I continue was then, that I realized, my dream of going to Bisley had to work hard and never give up, I will be walking the come true! With over nine years of hard ranges of Bisley during sunset again. work and dedication to the sport and the 2Lt Bianca Fung is the Silver Star Level Canadian Cadet program, I felt that my Officer and Marksmanship Coach at dream as a young girl was finally coming 105 – 7th Toronto Regiment RCA true. Streetsville Royal Canadian Army The summer of 2013 was one of the best Cadet Corps, in Mississauga, Ontario. summers of my life. The first night in 2Lt Fung is a recent graduate of Bisley meant everything to me. Stepping McMaster Univeristy with a B.A. foot on the shooting grounds and finally Honours in Geography and is currently seeing Century range for myself and working on her second degree to watching a sunset on Stickledown range achieve a Bachelors of Education at really set the tone for my tour in England. York University. 2Lt Fung is also the 2012 recipient of the Central I coached alongside some amazing staff Officer Fung receiving her scholarship Region Cadet Instructors Cadre including Major Kathi Kopan, Captain cheque. Citizen Scholarship.

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NEW BOOK BY ARMY CADET LEAGUE DIRECTOR TELLS STORIES OF CANADA’S UNDERAGE SOLDIERS

It is an amazing statistic. Many of these young boys served in the trenches alongside their elders, and fought in all the major battles, While the minimum age including Ypres, the Somme, Vimy Ridge and to join the Canadian Passchendaele. Many were injured or suffered armed forces during the psychological wounds. Many died. Old Enough to Fight: First World War was Canada’s Boy Soldiers in the First World War is the first 18—and the minimum book to tell their story. age to be sent into battle was 19—between 15,000 The authors combed archives and collections to bring and 20,000 underage these stories to life. Excerpts from letters the boy soldiers youths, the same ages as wrote home reveal the range of emotions and experiences most members of the they underwent, from the humorous to the unspeakably Royal Canadian Army horrible. Their parents’ letters touch us with their concern, Cadets, managed to sign love, uncertainty and, often, grief. up to fight during that The book is meticulously researched and abundantly war. Astonishingly, at illustrated with photographs, paintings and a collection of least two ten-year-olds specially commissioned maps. Old Enough to Fight enrolled in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, but is Canadian military and social history at its most fortunately never made it overseas. fascinating. But several thirteen- to seventeen-year-olds did succeed in getting overseas and into combat. As we approach the 100th anniversary of the First World War next year, their Old Enough to Fight: Canada’s Boy Soldiers in the stories are told in a new book just published by Army First World War by John Boileau and Dan Black with Cadet League of Nova Scotia Director Colonel (Ret’d) Foreword by Romeo Dallaire is published by James John Boileau and his co-author Dan Black, editor of Lorimer and Company. It contains 448 pages and sells Legion Magazine. for $34.95

Were you once an Army Cadet? Can you attribute your personal or professional success to what you learned from the program? Your stories can inspire today’s cadets by providing them examples of teenagers who came before them and persevered in the cadet program and have since, become successful, understanding it’s not how far you get but how far you go from where you started. If you are one of them and wish to share your story, visit our Website’s Success Story page to fill out the online form created for this purpose. You can also read the testimonials of past cadets that have already shared their stories. Note: You may also know someone in your community or a family member who is not currently involved with the program but may attribute their success to the program, please invite them to share their stories too.

For questions contact Maxime Corneau at [email protected]

WORKING TOGETHER - A WIN FOR CADETS AND LEGION By Karen Murphy Corr, Director Public Affairs for the Sponsoring Committee, 2277 RCACC Submitted by Cathy Bach, Chair of the National PR Committee

When the commanding Last June Branch 6 officer of a new cadet Cloverdale of the corps in British Columbia Royal Canadian was looking for space, she Legion invited the got a lot more than just Seaforth Highlanders access to a facility after 2277 and 2812 Corps, approaching a local the Mariners and the branch of the Royal Air Cadets 746 Canadian Legion over a Squadron to host year ago. information “Dana, president of our displays at the Sponsoring Committee, Legion’s open house. and I went to Branch 6 The open house ran Cloverdale of the Royal from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Canadian Legion to let and included them know that we were a photo credit Phil Edge information about the new cadet corps and that a proposed new lot of our cadets were 2277 RCACC cadets and Capt. Ward with Legion members. building for the from the Cloverdale area. Cloverdale Branch as well an impressive display of We were requesting any type of support that they could military equipment from the Canadian Military Education offer - anything from financial to the use of the facility,” Centre (CMEC) in Chilliwack. explains Captain Mary Ward, Commanding Officer of the 2277 Seaforth Highlanders, Royal Canadian Army Cadet One of the highlights of the event, which was attended by Corps (RCACC) of Langley. hundreds of people, was using a 1961 Russian tank from the CMEC to flatten three vehicles – including a car She says Branch 6 Cloverdale is unbelievably supportive, donated by Capt. Ward. Raffle tickets were sold for two helping not only with use of their space for training, lucky winners to get a seat on the tank for each vehicle marksmanship, the annual Battalion Ortona dinner and crush and cadets helped sweep up debris after each funding to help with activities, but in building a real vehicle was flattened. sense of community. “It was fantastic to see the interaction between the Legion “We have a close tie with them and the adults quite often members, the cadets and the young children at this event,” go for a social evening. They have included us in to the says Capt. Ward. activities and fellowship in a manner that is warm and welcoming.” WO Fraser agrees, “The open house last year was amazing! We saw and learnt so much. The Legion putting Dana Reid, now past president of the Sponsoring Committee, agrees the benefits from the relationship are photo credit Phil Edge valuable in ways no one anticipated: “We work together for the community, for parades and events. The Legion also gives our cadets a chance to work and hear the stories from the Vets, and learn respect for that they did for our country.” This intergenerational contact is invaluable to his fellow cadets, says grade 12 student Warrant Officer David Fraser of Langley. “It means a lot to speak to the vets. We often don’t get the opportunity through school books to learn first-hand what is must have been like for them. Having an insight into their service to this county gives me an appreciation Cadets sweep up after tank crush of everything they have done so we can remain free.”

on the military displays and giving the public the Branch’s tricycle races, helped with the pancake breakfast opportunity to get up close and personal with the vehicles, at the Cloverdale Rodeo and hosted a pub night fundraiser is something they likely would never see.” at the Legion. The cadets are not alone in their appreciation. Frank Not only are the groups helping each other, says Redekop is president of Branch 6 Cloverdale and he says Redekop, but their partnership gets both the Legion and he and his members reap the benefits of forging ties with the cadets more exposure in the community at large. And the cadet corps. that’s not all. “The cadets “The relationship between the volunteered with us photo credit Phil Edge groups has been a lot of fun. We for poppy sales. have gained new friends; it just They worked so works all the way around,” says hard and helped us Redekop enthusiastically, who raise a lot of funds hopes the seeds sown now have a for the poppy long-lasting effect. “Eventually the campaign,” he cadets will age out. We hope they explains, noting will remember the positive that the Legion experiences they have had with the donates some of Legion and they may become those proceeds back members themselves in future.” to the cadet corps. It may not take too long before this The 2277 Seaforth is realized. WO Fraser says he is Highlanders also very grateful for the support the marched on parade veterans and Legion members for the Cadets with Legion executive member Anne Sharkey and children have shown to the cadets of the Remembrance Day 2277 Seaforth Highlanders, helping Ceremony and volunteered at different activities the corps offer more training and opportunities for youth including Legion Week. Many of the parents have paid to serve the community. the $50 annual membership and joined the Legion in the last year. It is not unusual now that while cadets are “I would like us to carry on the legacy, supporting the enjoying an activity in the auditorium their parents are Legion for years to come. I hope we keep telling relaxing in the lounge and enjoying an evening out. their stories to new generations of cadets.” The 2277 Sponsoring Committee attended the Cloverdale

Looking for a fundraising idea for your corps? The Vimy Foundation can offer you one : The Cadet Vimy Pin Program The Vimy Foundation is proud to offer Army Cadet Corps across Canada with Vimy pins to help cadets with their own fundraising efforts while promoting awareness about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The cadet corps will be supplied with any number of Vimy pins they request for $2 each and are only required to pay for the pins once they are sold. The cadets sell the pins for $5 each from which they dedicate $3 to their own special projects and fundraising efforts. If they are unable to sell all of the pins they order, they can simply return the balance to the foundation. For more information about the Cadet Pin Program contact The Vimy Foundation at (514)-904-1007 or by e-mail at [email protected] .

AN OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETTIME— OUTWARD BOUND SCOTLAND EXCHANGE By: MWO Ryon Gazey 57 SD&G Highlanders RCACC VKH ON

Outward Bound Scotland 2013-As we tasks, live firing, first aid, field craft exercises, recce all stepped into the registration area, patrols, and obstacle courses. we were all shaking full of eagerness and excitement. As we spent the first At the end of the week, we participated in the Barry couple of days at Connaught, we Budden Skill-At-Arms Competition 2013 and we went spent our time getting to know each against many different cadet schools. The competition other, making sure our personal and involved activities such as knots and lashings, issued kit was completely ready for marksmanship, archery, first aid, timed obstacle course, our travels. Meeting cadets from all tug of war, and command leadership tasks. The over the country was just so amazing to experience, you ‘Canadians’ (as they call us) didn’t exactly get close to learn a lot of things and get to share and hear stories that gold, but we definitely showed them what we’re made of. could be from Vancouver all the way to Nova Scotia…it My favourite part about the competition was designing socially gives experience to learn about other cadet our attack plan and performing first aid because for regions and how they’re doing. What was really going on obvious reasons ‘Operation: Flaming Maple’ received top in our heads at the time was “Am I really going to points in its attack plan and first aid was quite the Scotland? I can’t believe I was accepted!” and there is experience because they actually tested us in a real life always doubts to a positive “Can I pass the fitness test?” situation with fake blood everywhere which ultimately That was the biggest concern, but we all pulled through tested our skills even though they were actors. That ended and passed which was a relief for a lot of us. our week and it was time for a “good-bye” to our newfound friends and we boarded a coach bus and we The big day was here, we boarded an Air Canada flight were on our way to Dingwall to start our adventure and we were on our way to London Heathrow. For some training. plane, rides weren’t really exciting, but for others it was our first time which made it very exciting. As we arrived We arrived at the Seaforth Highlanders camp in Dingwall at London Heathrow the three exchanges split off; since and we were split off into our three adventure groups that we were in London, M.L.E. Cadets left the airport while were already pre-chosen by the cadet during their initial O.B.S. and O.B.W. Cadets waited for their next interviews. The three adventurous activities were rock- departures. After our plane ride from London to climbing, sea kayaking, and inland kayaking. I was in the Edinburgh and a long, but exciting bus ride through inland kayaking group in which my group got to kayak Scotland, we arrived at Barry Budden Combined Cadet through all of the Scottish rivers and Lochs. Every Force Central Camp. Once we got off the coach bus, we adventurous day would start with us waking up, cleaning were introduced to our adult staff from the 51st Scottish our barracks, and getting ourselves ready for the day’s Brigade, we got issued the required equipment that we’ll activities. We then ate breakfast together and then split need during the week, and then we were shown our off and depart to our destinations for the day. Each group sleeping quarters. I was expecting to stay in quarters has a full day of plan activities and we all meet up at relatively the same as we have here in Canada, but even dinner back at the base. We all then get to share our better we got to stay in really nice, heated buildings. amazing stories of the day and socialize. After dinner, we usually have a lecture period with the instructor’s that Training day; we dug ourselves straight into weapons usually takes about an hour, but it’s nothing close to being training and safety, the weapon we were using was the a simple lecture, we have lots of fun and it can be really SA80 Assault Rifle…the weapon instructors were quite inspiring. Once the lectures were over we then had free surprised in how mature we acted during the training and time to do what we wanted (provided that, we obeyed by our ability to pick up on the skills and techniques and the rules and behaved during the day) like spending time know them by heart with in just a couple of days. in the Shops picking out trinkets or socializing in the café. According to the instructors, it takes at least a year or two During the middle of the week, the instructors decided to for a CCF Cadet to be able to handle the weapon safely, surprise us with a trip to Fort George and day of shopping correctly and pass the weapons test, looks like our and touring in Inverness, which was really appreciated. I marksmanship training really does pay off. Throughout cannot say for the other adventure groups, but I do know the week we were split off into our sections and did from the many great stories I heard that the rock climbing various activities and training such as; section attacks, group got to climb amazing rocks and cliffs in the survival skills, rope work, archery, command leadership Scottish Highlands. For the sea kayakers they got to

paddle around the before we left to the Scottish shores, bays airport to catch a and travel to some flight to London. mini islands. The cadets that With the next week of wanted to see a training approaching Scottish sunrise got we had our final mess up very early in the dinner all suited up to morning and we make it classy for left with one of our congratulating cadets officers and tour for passing their guide staff, we adventure training and drove way out to appreciating their King Arthur’s instructors. We made Seat…it wasn’t that our farewell the next easy though. We day and headed for had to hike our way Back Row: Shawn Meekins, Jordan Prato, Chris Bore, Dylan Leach-Trudeau, Jonathan Clark, all the way up to the Nesscliffe Army Cadet Peirce Leibel, Ryon Gazey, Abigael Bouffard, Etienne Gareau, Genevieve Bilodeau. Force Training Camp actual monument, Front Row: Captain Natalie Dionne-St. Vincent, Matthew Roberts, Jesse Johnson, Alex which is said to be in Shrewsbury. This Young, Vivian Zhou, Krystine Caron, Nathalie Denis, Donovan Blauvelt, Jasmine Fletcher, one of the best training week typically Matthew Doris, Jermaine Jeffrey, Captain Al Stewart involved the same views of Scotland. activities previously from the first week, but now we As the sun hit the horizon looking East through the North already qualified and trained to their standards so we just Sea, I must say it was one of the most beautiful things I had review lessons to recap anything that may have been have ever seen. I’m on top of that mountain with the missed. Our sleeping quarters were not as nice as it was in world at my fingertips as I’m reflecting upon my Barry Budden, but it was still very interesting and cool experiences in Scotland knowing that I’m going to miss staying in barracks that were built during World War II. it. We went straight out on to field training exercise the next We then traveled to the airport and went on our flight to day and it incorporated section attacks, survival skills, London as it is our final week in the United Kingdom. We recce patrols, and command leadership tasks. Although arrive in London and travel to another military base to we’ve already previously done this during the first week, meet up with the Wales and England Exchanges. At our we got to experience how the Army Cadet Force operates visit in London, all exchange cadets once again united compared to the Cadet Combined Force and gave us a since the beginning, we headed to Greenwich (0° great chance to socialize with more cadets, make new longitude) the national maritime museum and made a visit friends, and learn about their culture. to the Queen’s house. We than headed to the London Eye Our fourth week was one of the highlights of the summer, to get an amazing Arial view of London, but we didn’t as it was our cultural week; we made our way all over drive there, we took a ferry ride across the River Thames Scotland, visiting many different tourist attractions and to the London Eye. Once we got off the eye, we once historical sites. We visited places such as Stirling Castle, again had time to ourselves to explore and socialize. The Edinburgh Castle, Scone Palace, the National Museum of next day we went to the White Cliffs of Dover and toured Scotland, the Maritime Museum, R.S.S. Discovery, the Dover castle and its city, which was nice. The next day Museum of Flight, the Falkirk Wheel, Scotland’s Secret included a visit to the Tower of London and Buckingham Bunker, Real Mary’s King Close, the birthplace of Sir. Palace. Must have been one of the biggest line-ups I have John A. Macdonald and the Wallace Monument…that’s ever seen just to see the Crown Jewels, it was about an only a fraction of the places we went to. We were given a hour and a half wait. Once we finished touring lot of time to spend shopping and exploring the city of Buckingham Palace we then had an entire day to explore Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness in groups of four. the city of London in groups which they let us plan our That week in particular let us experience the Highland own day with a schedule which is very surprising that our traditions, trying out the food, learning Gaelic, officers privileged us with their trust. experiencing different customs, terms, and ways things It was our full last day in Europe; this was a very are done compared to Canada. I have honestly never important and special day. We traveled to France via Euro learned so much about culture and history in my life on Tunnel, which was quite unbelievable to experience. We this exchange, the things you learn cannot be compared to first traveled to the Vimy Ridge Memorial, it was anything you would learn in school, simply because you honestly very emotional for others and me because you have to live it, not read it. It was the last day in Scotland are right on a memorial site where Canadian family

members fought or where many died. I felt very honoured graduation day, the feeling of excitement to see your to be representing my country overseas and paying my family, accomplishment, and achieving ones full respects to the fallen Canadian Soldiers of the Great War. potential. We all miss being back in the United Kingdom, We received a guided tour of the reconstructed trenches but we were all glad to be back home. I have made and how it was like for soldiers to live in. After our tour extraordinary and amazing friends from all over the of Vimy Ridge, we traveled to Beaumont-Hamel Country this summer that I will never forget. While on Newfoundland Memorial to again, pay our respects to the my exchange, I experienced things that have affected my fallen. As I say repeatedly every year at the eleventh day life a lot and the people around me truly inspired me and of the eleventh month, “We will remember them”. We gave me memories that will last a lifetime. I would like to spent a little time in Calais just to do a little bit of thank my exchange officers and peers throughout the independent cultural learning and shopping, and then we summer for making the summer unforgettable and voyaged back to the White Cliffs via Ferry through the the memories long lasting. English Channel. Homeward bound it was for us the next day, a summer well spent. A couple of days later it was

BRANDON ARMY CADET TAKES ON THE NORTHERN CHALLENGE IN WHITEHORSE, YK By Cadet Eric Bolech of Brandon’s 2520 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps 71 Battery

As friends and family wondered what to do this summer, disappointment, happiness, and joy of marching back into Eric Bolech of Brandon’s 2520 Royal Canadian Army Whitehorse Cadet Summer Training Center after just Cadet Corps 71 Battery, took to the great waters and finishing our 18 Day Expedition and having the whole wilderness of the Yukon, in the beautiful landscape of camp cheer you back in and applauding and Whitehorse’s Cadet Summer Training Center (CSTC). congratulating you, and then having other course Bolech spent his summer with 60 other army cadets from members and platoon members jump all over on you with across Canada, including 12 cadets from the United excitement for not seeing you for 18 days!” Kingdom, in the Expedition Instructor Course. Every summer the Whitehorse CSTC offers a unique Throughout July and August over 200 army cadets wilderness experience to over 200 cadets from across converged into the Whitehorse CSTC to train in the Canada, being the only cadet camp located ‘North of 60’. various courses; General Army Training, Basic A small number of positions are available to cadets from Expedition, Basic Marksmanship and the Expedition the prairie and eastern provinces as this training centre Instructor Course. caters primarily to cadets from the northern regions of Throughout the Expedition Instructor Course cadets learn Canada. “Summer training is an enhanced opportunity a lot about each other, about themselves, and how to be that allows cadets to build self-confidence, and learn new effective leaders and instructors for their home cadet skills and abilities,” says WCSTC Commanding Officer, corps. This six week long course included activities such Lieutenant Colonel Kiecker. “This prepares them for their as hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and first-aid future, and to assume leadership roles at their home cadet training which was practiced on their eighteen day corps. Those cadets who are chosen to train at Whitehorse expedition in the Yukon. During the 18-Day Expedition, Cadet Summer Training Centre truly have a unique the cadets mountain-biked close to 200 km and hiked opportunity to develop these necessary skills in an approximately 40 km on the spectacular mountain trails incredible location.” All WCSTC training courses surrounding Whitehorse. The final leg of Bolech’s implement various exciting outdoor activities for youth to expedition was canoeing four days down the Takhini enjoy the wonders, beauty and adventure of the Yukon! River, starting at the Kusawa Lake Campground Over a dozen army cadets from the Brandon/Shilo corps southwest of Whitehorse. “Our instructors let us hang out attended summer camps across western Canada this on the beach to watch for the northern lights the night summer from general Army training to music courses, before we were to canoe down the river,” Bolech said. such as bagpipes and drums, to Drill and Marching, to “And we were looking up and seeing the stars and we fell Expedition Leadership training, all under the full asleep on the beach in our sleeping bags. I would never sponsorship of the Department of National Defence. have thought a year ago I would be doing this, sleeping To see more of Eric and his fellow cadets at Whitehorse on the beach in the Yukon, in a military sleeping bag!” Cadet Summer Training Centre go to our photo The seventeen year old summarized how it felt returning gallery: www.whitehorsecadet.smugmug.com. back to camp, “The pride, excitement, relief,

SEAFORTH CADET CORPS’ EXCHANGE WITH SCOTLAND CADETS By Major Rob Thompson, ACICO, PAC Region, Submitted by Cathy Bach, Chair, National PR Committee

Scotland cadets and Seaforth Highlkanders FTX Exchange group in chilliwak - just under 300 participants

For close to 20 years, the six affiliated corps of the Night at the PNE, Thanksgiving dinners, a hosted Dance Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in southern BC have and social evening and a number of other interesting and hosted a Biennial exchange with Lanarkshire and fun activities. As well the cadets visit a number of the Glasgow Army cadet force battalion. This exchange six Seaforth units on a parade night and participate in a program if privately funded by the six Seaforth Cadet weekend Field training exercise in the Chilliwack area to sponsoring committees who work in concert with one get a firsthand taste of the outdoors in BC. The cadets another in fund raising, hosting and the Canadian Cadet also take in a local Hockey Game. Selection process that is undertaken every two years. The Canadian cadets chosen to travel to Scotland go the Generally the program involves up to 18 sr. cadets and 6 following March during the regular school spring break. officers from both sides who are selected based on merit, While in Scotland the Canadian cadets travel throughout participation in the local cadet program, notable the highlands to see among other things Edinburgh Castle achievements in their careers with the organization and and city, Fort George, Urquhart castle, Loch Ness, support and participation in the inbound hosting of the Glasgow Transportation museum, people museum, other countries cadets. Hamilton House and grounds, Wallace Monument, and more as well as participating in a weekend exercise with The Scottish cadets chosen travel to Canada in October their Scottish hosts. and have the chance to see the many cultural The six Seaforth corps attractions that are use the trip as an located in Southern BC incentive for their Sr. and the lower mainland Cadets to stay in the including Grouse program, reward their mountain, Capliano hard work and augment Suspension bridge, the benefits of the Stanley park, Vancouver program by having yet Aquarium, Britannia another goal for cadets Mines, Shannon Falls, to achieve in their cadet Vancouver City Police career. Museum, Surrey Pre Trial Center, Vancouver Coast Guard, Fright Cadets while touring the cultural attractions in Vancouver, BC

YOUNG LEADERS IN ACTION!

By: Jasmine Ouellette, Director, Communications and Special Events , Encounters with Canada

Encounters with Canada (EWC) field of interest. Thirteen career- is Canada’s largest and foremost oriented themes are available to national youth forum. For 31 years, choose from: Arts & Culture, EWC has been offering exceptional Canada Remembers, Ecology & Canadian youth programming, with Environment, Experience more than 95,000 young people Canada, International Affairs, having lived this once-in-a-lifetime Journalism & Communications, experience since 1982. It is a Law, Medicine & Health, Politics in Canada, RCMP, program of Historica Canada, The EWC facility on Terry Fox Drive in Ottawa. formerly the Historica-Dominion Science & Technology, Sports Institute, Canada’s largest & Fitness, and Vimy: Canada’s independent organization dedicated to Canadian history, Coming of Age. The weekly themes bring like-minded teens identity and citizenship. together to share and broaden their vision of potential career options and life interests through hands-on, interactive Held at the Terry Fox Canadian Youth Centre in Ottawa, presentations, workshops and visits; meetings with Ontario, Encounters with Canada is a one-week youth professionals and specialists, also provide unique citizenship and leadership program for teens aged 14 to 17 perspectives on particular careers. Increasing participants’ years, offered over twenty-six weeks, from September to knowledge and understanding of Canadian history, culture, December and late January to May. It is a fully bilingual heritage and political institutions also underlies all theme program, operating in both of Canada’s official languages. weeks. In particular, ones, such as Canada Remembers and Each year, some 3,200 teenagers, annually, travel from Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age, are rich in participatory across the land to meet in Ottawa. They form a mini-Canada activities and visits to historic sites – guaranteed to spark the representation, with students from every province and interest of students from across the country, particularly territory participating. These teens share a week of those involved in the army cadet program! experiential learning activities, which promote youth leadership, citizenship, and knowledge and pride in Canada’s Canada Remembers history, culture and institutions, as well as assisting them in Offered in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada, making more informed career choices. Canada Remembers week is always a touching and memorable week for participants. Young Canadians are A week of unique experiences – A lifetime of memories offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the Participants are at the forefront as they embark on the significance of Remembrance Day and hear first-hand discovery of the richness of the Canadian experience! They accounts of the crucial role that Canadian men and women enjoy a VIP tour of Parliament, take a bus tour of their played in the development of their country and the national capital, visit world-renowned museums, attend preservation of their freedoms. They attend the cultural events in the Ottawa Remembrance Day Ceremonies area ... No detail is spared to ensure held at the War Memorial, and participants experience their visit the Canadian War Museum. country in a fun and educational Participants will also take part in way. a wartime meal, similar to that Our country – Our story served to troops during World Encounters with Canada is proud to War II, in the company of many be partnered with many prestigious dignitaries. A true tradition, this organizations to offer workshops meal consists of pea soup, meat that excite and stimulate Canadian loaf, bread pudding and Coke teens - youth engagement, official Bottle Bread! But the real magic languages, peace, Canadian takes place when participants sit Heritage Minutes, and the The EWC group—Canada Remembers week pictured at the with Canadian veterans and Charlottetown Accord that led to the Canadian War Memorial (CWM) in Ottawa the week of the engage in conversation. National Remembrance day Parade in 2012. birth of our nation. Workshops linked with Canada Something for everyone! Remembers week include the making of Izzy dolls, the During their week at Encounters, participants have the researching of archival materials, a wartime kites workshop opportunity to explore various career paths related to their and Remembrance Slam poetry. Participants also receive a guided tour of Ottawa, which includes a number of touching

and powerful War memorials. to Canadian forces, that against all odds, captured the seemingly impregnable Vimy Kimberly Ibasco, Surrey, British Ridge from the Germans in April 1917. Columbia More importantly, this victory is seen as a “…This week was an amazing turning point in the history of Canada. experience for me. I’m sure that everyone says that, but it was truly Participant Taylor Hope of Orangeville, unforgettable. Never did I imagine that Ontario wrote of her Encounters I would get this amazing opportunity. experience: “Thank you for the amazing The entire time, I was pinching myself week! I had an incredible time! The because everything was just so surreal. memorial service was a great experience, I gained so much knowledge just by and was one of my favorite parts of the being here. I experienced countless trip! I also enjoyed going to the War The EWC group during the Canada Remembers Museum, the Museum of Civilization and firsts during this week like the first time week pictured at the Canadian Peace Keepers travelling without my parents, the first Monument on Sussex Drive in Ottawa. the National Archives of Canada! Doing time being away from home for a week, the research on the soldier made this all the first time spending my birthday away from friends and very real for me and it's an experience I'll never forget. I met family, and many others. Meeting the veterans was another fabulous people this week and when I look back, I can't unforgettable experience and I am more enlightened now on believe all the different experiences we shared. I know I've Canada’s history…” made many friends that I'll keep in touch with for a long time. The Vimy Week at EWC, I'm sure is going to be Vimy: Canada's Coming of Age something I'll remember forever.” Presented in collaboration with the Vimy Foundation, this theme focuses on Canada’s participation in the First World EWC – An affordable experience War. Participants learn about the legacy of Vimy and are Encounters with Canada affords high school students the challenged to take up the torch of remembrance, so that the opportunity to participate in an extraordinary adventure. To memory of those who served and sacrificed will never fade. be eligible, they must meet the following criteria: During a week filled with memorable activities, participants  Be 14-17 years of age when they take part; take an in-depth look at Canada’s role in “the Great War,”  Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of with seminars and debates on the Canadian Corps, the Canada; capture of Vimy Ridge, Canada’s 100 Days, the conscription  Be enrolled in an educational institution recognized by crisis, the home front, Canada’s new identity following the Ministry of Education in their province/territory; WWI and the legacy of Vimy.  Obtain an authorization from their parents/guardians;  Obtain a recommendation from their school. The jam-packed Vimy week may include such activities as a tour of Parliament Hill, an archival research of WWI Registration fees remain at $675 per participant for the soldiers, and special tours of both the Canadian War fourth consecutive year. This includes lodging, all meals, Museum and the Diefenbunker. The culmination of this most planned activities and local event-filled week is the participants transportation. Thanks to Exchanges attendance at the very moving National Canada, a program of the Department Ceremony of Remembrance – End of of Canadian Heritage, transportation an Era on Vimy Ridge Day, at the costs (plane, train, bus) are free from National War Memorial. anywhere in Canada! As an added bonus, by taking part in the Vimy week, participants also A Legacy of Excellence – A Symbol become eligible for the Beaverbrook of Hope The Encounters with Canada program Vimy Prize, offering the opportunity to fosters a strong belief in Canadian win a trip to England, France and youth and the future of our country. Belgium. Each year, the Vimy Several generations of teens have foundation chooses one participant participated, developing a base of from Encounters, who will take part in engaged youth leaders, ensuring this incredible experience. The prize Canada’s future is in good hands. We honours the memory of Lord are extremely proud of our legacy, and Beaverbrook, William Maxwell Aitken, This young Cadet who took part in the Vimy: we continue to look towards the future born in Maple, Ontario in 1879, a Canada’s Coming of Age theme week with EWC is with great enthusiasm! Canadian entrepreneur extraordinaire in uniform to join the hundreds of cadets from the and influential cabinet minister in two National Capital Region who are participating in To learn more about Encounters with war-time governments during World the National Army Cadet Vimy Commemoration Canada, visit www.ewc-rdc.ca War I and II. The prize also pays tribute Event at the CWM. or call 1-800-361-0419.

A TEAM OF MANY HANDS ACCOMPLISHES MUCH By 2nd Lieutenant Betty Froese Public Affairs Officer Whitehorse Cadet Summer Training Centre

It wasn’t the words of actors Brad Pitt or Anthony Quinn guides and instructors. that stirred a 43-year old Gord Cousins to join the Cadet program, but those of Lieutenant Colonel Lynn Moffat on Cousins originated the “Pioneer Platoon Training” course at the filming set of the movie, “Legends of the Fall“. 2137 RCACC that was adopted into Vernon’s CSTC Course “Colonel Moffat was then the Commanding Officer of the selection and was a sought-after course for many years. Calgary Highlanders, Calgary’s Reserve Infantry Unit, “Initiating the ‘Pioneer Platoon’ at Vernon for the whole Active Reserves,” Cousins says. “He was out seeing how battalion was one of the most satisfying accomplishments his soldiers were doing on the movie sight as there were that I undertook,” Cousins says. “This was an extension of over 80 of them “seeded” throughout the formations in the an optional program that I initiated at 2137 as a Training Officer. It was endorsed by Detachment and later Regional Assault Sequences of the film.” Headquarters support made it possible to teach hundreds of The Academy Award winning movie was released in 1994 cadets the skills of vectoring, 21 Knots and Lashings, and was filmed in the wilds and wonders of Alberta Bridging, Assault Boat Training, Improvised Watercraft, depicting a family of young boys and how history, war, love Seal Team training with snorkeling and other such and nature affected each of them; so befitting for Gord as it simulations.” opened the door to the adventures of the Cadet program and his passion for the outdoors. “It was a chance meeting with Captain Cousins was also instrumental in the development of the Colonel,” says Cousins. “And his casual suggestion to the Solo Survivor Optional Program for the Green and Red help out with the Cadets, that inspired me to join the Star Cadet levels, usually conducted in February or March. “This exercise is another “Right of Passage” where cadets Calgary Cadet Corps as a Training Officer.” are given flint and steel, 3 single serving sugar bags, three Cousins joined as a Volunteer Instructor and Civilian OXO cubes, a tin can, a metre of snare wire, 2 small cotton Supply Officer for two years with the Highlanders before balls, a whistle or radio, and a small notebook and pencil. joining the Cadet Instructor Cadre in 1997. However, this With these items cadets would be left alone in the bush from was not his first time at the recruiting office of the Canadian Saturday morning till noon the next day while journaling Forces. In 1965, a 15 year old Gord enlisted in Alpha Coy, their experience and conducting learned Survival and Signal the Lorne Scots, (Peel Dufferin & Halton) in Oakville, Fire Rescue techniques,” Cousins explained. “The success of Ontario. The Primary Reserve was very rewarding and soon this Solo Survivor exercise was that new cadets spoke of this Cousins was parading with Bravo Company as well, at school, raising the enrollment to the Cadet Corps and volunteering for extra training that was being implemented improving retention. This was a great recruiting tool.” for an intervention Force with the United Nations in Vietnam. From Rifleman, to the Heavy Weapons Platoon to Among his accomplishments, Gord has held positions in Anti-Tank Platoon, the cross-training for Gord was various community organizations including Development extremely interesting and plans were made to take an Board Member for Rosebud School of the Arts, Heritage additional Grade 12 course for entry into the Royal Military Christian School, Valleyview Children’s Homes and Juno College Saint-Jean located in Richelieu, Quebec. However, Beach Academy of Canadian Studies. He was awarded the Cousins was seriously wounded by an “IED” device after a Alberta Centennial Medal for Services to the Community of weekend Training Scheme in May of 1968, thus ending his Calgary and Alberta in 2005. active career as a Reservist. For Cousins, it has been over 50 years of canoeing the It wasn’t until 26 years later that his involvement with the Canadian River Systems; 22 of those years honing those and Canadian Military became a part of Gord’s life once again. other skills in adventure training in the Canadian forces. His Cousins has served in various capacities with numerous passion for the Cadet Program and for the cadets themselves corps in the Calgary area. By the year 2000 he was has impacted all who have been with him on course, at promoted to Captain and appointed Commanding Officer at summer camp, in expedition training and at each of his home 2137 Calgary Highlanders RCACC, a corps his two sons corps. Many a cadet and fellow Officer will remember the then belonged to. He was also DCO at 1955 RCACC gentle voice and strong teaching and leadership given to them in the man of Captain Cousins. On August 10, at the Calgary, and became involved in the formation of the 3125 th Chestermere Calgary Highlanders RCACC, becoming its Whitehorse CSTC, Cousins celebrated his 65 birthday, CO in 2007. He then transferred to the Calgary Expedition reaching the Compulsory Age of Retirement. “A Team of Centre as a Canoe Instructor and Logistics Officer, lending Many Hands Accomplishes Much!” is his favourite motto. his services in Public Affairs for the Unit. Captain Cousins On behalf of your Canadian Forces team, Cadets Canada and served a total of 10 summers at the Cadet Summer Training all who have served beside you, we thank you for dedicating Centres in Vernon, BC and Whitehorse, Yukon as Platoon your time and effort, for sharing your infectious Commander, Watermanship Instructor, Canoe Trip Leader, passion and for leading and mentoring us throughout and Cadet Instructor Program Coordinator with civilian these years of dedicated service. Bravo Zulu Captain Cousins! 27

A REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY IN WHITECOURT By Elaine McDermid, National PR Committee representative for Alberta

As Whitecourt Legion for the ceremonies to start. members, we are invited to Not one of them complained! go to each school in our town These students presented the to attend their Remembrance quilt with great respect. It was Day services. I attended the an honour for us to receive local Hilltop High School in this gift, it brought tears to Whitecourt for the first time. our eyes. Some of the students This is what I witnessed: from the group have since “Welcome to our school!” a moved on to secondary smiling teacher said. What a schools all across the country. nice welcome! Students were The playing of last post was a already gathered in one stirring reminder why were A group of students who went to Vimy, France in 2011 presented the corner in preparation for a we all there. presentation. In another Legion members a hand stitched flag. corner, local Cadets, both Air We then had the two minutes Cadets and Army Cadets were getting organized to be the of silence. Not one sniffle, cough, sneeze, rustle, or color party and the cenotaph guard; then, students from the whispering during that time, the one time at any ceremony whole school gathered quietly for the service. when everyone was completely quiet for the full two minutes. What an extraordinary feat with so many people in Once everyone found their place, each event on the program attendance! Students in this school were respectful of was introduced by another teacher. It all started at 10:30 everything that this service represented! a.m. The singing of “O Canada” was rousing inside a gym with echoing walls. The bare walls of the gym made the Reveille was just as beautiful! cenotaph stand out even more starkly. The Cenotaph guard One Legion member and a student laid a wreath each. arrivesd and settled in their positions. The Color party then marched down the centre, barking the orders, but in perfect The color party then marched off; the cenotaph guard was time. released from duty. The students and teachers dispersed quietly out of the The master of ceremonies introduced the singers – two room, still overcome young ladies with beautiful voices sang about a soldier by their emotions and writing letters home. remaining thoughtful Next a power point presentation was presented to depict all after the service. stations in life during war time, photos of soldiers from all As a member of the sections, nurses, women in the forces, life at home, children Army Cadet League of and wives greeting their soldier’s upon their arrival home. Canada and a Legion The presentation instilled a remembrance theme to all of us member, I am very present. They even had the four RCMP members from proud of all the Mayerthorpe on the presentation. It was stunningly students who beautiful, the students and Legion members in awe. participated, witnessed The twenty-two students who had the opportunity to go to and who were part of Vimy last year, presented the Legion members with a hand history by touring stitched flag of Vimy then relaying the their visit to history to the other A Legion member and a student each laid Vimy, France. students in their school. a wreath while cadets stand guard. Their teacher We have a chance to and supervisor have great leaders in the future, and they will lead in their was extremely own way! proud of them – she relayed a Thank you to the adults - teachers not only in the school story about how staff, but teachers by respecting the students who are in turn they all had to respectful of our country, the people in it, and the stand in pouring generations who go before us. rain for 11 hours Congratulations to the students, teachers and staff Two young ladies with beautiful voices sang at Vimy waiting members of Hilltop High School, Whitecourt Alberta! about a soldier writing letters home. 28

PEI CADET EXPERIENCES REMEMBRANCE DAY IN OTTAWA By Mr. Barry Gerus, Father of Cadet Gerus, PEI

Last summer, Stuart Gerus, instantly to excitement. It really was an the son of Barry and Vera honour as only a few cadets were Gerus, expressed an interest selected to do so. in joining the army cadets On Remembrance Day in Ottawa, we which is based in the drove Cadet Gerus to the National Summerside and Kensington Military Cemetery. He was taken aside areas. He had a great time along with other cadets where he was learning the basics and given a briefing of his duties for the attending an outdoor day. It was cold and rainy…very cold. It camping trip in the fall. He was a miserable day. We quickly forgot was told that the cadets play about the cold, when we watched with an active role in the pride as Cadet Gerus marched and Remembrance Day presented the Veterans memorial wreath ceremonies in PEI and was to Lieutenant General Devlin, Canada’s greatly looking forward to highest ranking military officer. the experience. When the official ceremonies ended, Unfortunately, he would Cadet Gerus was approached by a miss the opportunity because reporter from the CTV National news we needed to travel to who asked for an interview. He took it Ottawa at the same time and all in stride. He appeared calm as he therefore we would not be in described to the reporter what PEI for Remembrance Day. Remembrance Day meant to him. To ease his disappointment Cadet Gerus places a flag on a tomb at the cemetery. Friends and family saw him on the we contacted Captain Tracy national news that night, looking cold Enman of the 1231 Kensington Royal Canadian Army but speaking eloquently for all cadets across Canada Cadets Corps, and explained the situation. We asked if about why he was there. there was a way Cadet Stuart Gerus could participate in “It was really awesome to be here and honour all of the the Remembrance Day activities with a troop in veterans who died in the war,” said Cadet Stuart Gerus. Ottawa…since we were going to be there at the time. You would think that Cadet Gerus' experience up until We were delighted when Capt Enman responded that it then would be the highlight of his day. However, the most would it be possible. She had forwarded our request to memorable was yet to occur. After Cadet Gerus was League Volunteer Robert Gill, a friend and colleague in interviewed, he was approached by Robert Gill. Robert Ottawa. He in turn contacted Lieutenant Commander had located the grave of Canadian veteran, Trooper Brian Roland Vaillancourt, the NCR Cadet Coordinator, to Richard Good who had recently died in Afghanistan. We arrange for Cadet Gerus to participate in the discovered that Trooper Brian Good, 42, had been killed Remembrance Day ceremonies. Jan. 7, 2009 when a bomb exploded near an armoured About a week before we were set to leave, we got a vehicle he was riding in. He was married and has two phone call from Robert Gill, informing us that Cadet teenage daughters. Gerus had a choice of participating in the Remembrance Cadet Gerus stood beside the grave and laid a Canadian Day ceremony at the National War Memorial or the Flag. He then proudly saluted and honoured the fallen National Military Ceremony. After some discussion it soldier. It was a very emotional moment. It instantly was decided that Cadet Gerus could attend the ceremony struck us all this was the grave of a fallen Veteran who at the National Military Cemetery. While Cadet Gerus had a family and life, and that he had lost it while was still disappointed that he wouldn’t be attending the representing Canada. Remembrance Day will forever ceremonies with his 1231 Kensington cadet corps in PEI, have a deeper meaning for all of us after this experience. he was pleased that he would still be involved, albeit in Ottawa. When we tried to thank all those involved with Cadets who had made this such a memorable trip, Robert When he was told that he had been selected to present a simply said “It is always a pleasure to help out a wreath during the ceremony, his disappointment turned cadet”.

A CADET PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN IN FLANDERS FIELD By Cadet Kaleb Perry, 2444 RCACC, Aldershot, Nova Scotia

As I stood amidst the rows Foundation” was putting this and rows of marble week on and that they were gravestones that warm day hosting their own essay in August in the heart of competition during that week Flanders, I couldn’t help for a chance for one of us to but think to myself; “Is this win a scholarship which, as it real?” turns out entitled a two week trip to visit the battlefields of My name is Kaleb Perry, I Europe. Being a dream of am currently a Warrant mine since I was very young Officer with the 2444 to visit the battlefields of RCACC in Aldershot, Canada’s soldiers from the Nova Scotia, this past first and second World Wars, I summer after completing 4 “answered the call” in a sense. weeks of instruction as a The essay was very similar to staff cadet at Argonaught the one I wrote through cadets ACSTC I participated in a and using my newfound sense pilgrimage to the of the importance of Vimy battlefields of north-west Ridge to Canada, I wrote my Europe as part of a national essay and was one of almost scholarship program and fifty entries to be selected for this is my story. an interview. I had been used It all started in October of 2012, it was a typical night of to interviews, yet another skill I learned as a public training at my home corps, and I was chatting with my speaker in school and in cadets. There were six of us fellow NCMs when my CO asked to speak with me. She interviewed and at the end of the week at the closing informed me that an essay competition with the dinner; it was I who was selected as the “2013 possibility of a trip to Ottawa was going on amongst all Beaverbrook Vimy Prize Scholar” from EWC. It was a the cadet corps/squadrons across the Atlantic Provinces feeling one would only have to experience to actually and she asked if I would be interested in writing one. I understand took this as a challenge to test my writing skills and my I flew back home feeling very proud and so began a four ability to apply what I’d been learning in school with month wait until my trip would be a reality. After persuasive essays. I wrote a piece on why the battle of finishing the school year, I made the trip to CFB Vimy Ridge was important to our country and how it has Gagetown in New Brunswick and attended camp at affected us to this day. I submitted it the following Argonaught ACSTC as a staff cadet. I couldn’t have had a training night and so started my wait. I returned to cadets better time, at least that was, until my trip. I left camp every night hoping for news until finally in March 2013, early, leaving behind many friends, and many fond my answer came; I was one of six Nova Scotian’s memories only to make more of each three days later. selected to attend the “Vimy: Canada’s coming of age” After a long wait, and a short flight to Pearson week at Encounters with Canada in Ottawa. It was one of International Airport in Toronto, I’d met up with perhaps the greatest moments of my life, but little did I know, it the most amazing young people Canada has ever wasn’t going to stop here. produced. They came from across our country, from In April 2013, I flew to Ottawa with three fellow cadets of Montreal, to Calgary, Saskatoon, Vancouver, and Toronto all three branches and arrived at the Terry Fox Center and for a small town guy like me, I fondly became known where the EWC program is held. There we spent an as the guy from “middle-of-nowhere” Nova Scotia. amazing week full of fun, excitement, and a time that The next two weeks from August 7th to the 21st would be would change my life forever. As the name of the week the most life-changing, eye-opening and most humbling implies, it focused on commemorating the battle of Vimy experiences of my life. We would see things most young Ridge which is highly regarded by Canadians as our people here in Canada have never seen and we were very country’s “coming of age” when Canada forged herself as proud to be representing our country on an international a country as opposed to a colony. We were informed level. We arrived in London and we stayed at a boarding while we were there that a group known as “The Vimy school called Harrow School. It was a school attended by

Winston Churchill and Lord Byron and was our trip for me were, the beaches of Normandy (Juno, Gold “headquarters” while in London. We did many great and Omaha), the memorial to the Canadian soldiers slain things in London but the highlights of our four days there at l’Abbaye d’Ardenne, visiting Dieppe and participating included a stop at Buckingham palace, a tour of Winston in the 71st anniversary of the raid and of course touring Churchill’s underground bunkers, attending a musical and Paris. However, the most rewarding and most humbling going to Oxford University where we participated in experience was to create and present the biography of a exclusive one-on-one lectures with history professors in a Canadian soldier killed during the First World War and college that is not admitted to the public! We also visited give his story at his grave. It is proudly called the places where Canadian soldiers were known to visit “Bringing the Boys Home” initiative and I chose a during both World Wars and we paid our respects at the Corporal from Nova Scotia’s 85th Battalion as my soldier. various war monuments. His name was Frederick Abbott and his first military engagement was assaulting Vimy Ridge. He also fought We soon departed for “the Western Front” or, what once at Passchendaele where he was promoted to Corporal for was. We arrived in the French city of Calais and boarded his leadership and near Amiens where he won the a tour bus that would take us across North-West Europe Military Medal for bravery. He was killed when German and our destination was Belgium, in particular Flanders. planes dropped bombs on the train station he was in and The first stops we made in mainland Europe were not to he died almost a month before the war ended. cities or towns, but to cemeteries and that’s when we saw our first commonwealth graves and as we entered I was proud to have not only been selected for this Belgium, we saw our first Canadian war graves. It was a scholarship, but also to stand where they stood, walk shocking experience and took us all by surprise. We all where they once walked, see where they once fought and had different reactions to the immensity of loss and at to tell their stories and ensure that phrases like “Lest We some points during the tour, even the toughest of us had a Forget” and “We will remember them” do have meaning. hard time fighting back the tears. We spent the next few I know that I will never forget and, in the words of poet days touring the Ypres salient and visiting the major Laurence Binyon: Canadian battlefields of Belgium. We collected shrapnel “They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: from a farmer’s field and at the end of it; we counted Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. almost 60 ball bearings from British shells in one field At the going down of the sun and in the morning, alone. We attended the “Last post” ceremony at the We will remember them.” Menin Gate and of all the members of my group, they felt that the cadet (being myself) should lay the wreath on behalf of the Vimy Foundation but more importantly, on behalf of Canada, and that was one of the proudest moments of my life, I don’t think my heels came apart the whole time I held the giant wreath laden with fresh flowers, I stood at attention and I remember staring to my front I was going to show everyone including the Belgian people in the crowds that Canada and her younger generation have not forgotten. We moved through Belgium and we were sad to leave, and then we entered France. We toured along many of the battlefields including the Somme and the Artois, and to this day I will remember seeing the Vimy monument in the distance as we approached it, growing larger and more magnificent as we drew nearer. We toured the trenches and underground tunnels following in the footsteps of the Canadians I wrote about only months before and to think I stood where they stood, it was proud moment in my life and I Sgt Kaleb Perry, 2444 RCACC, was awarded the Beaverbrook Prize by can still picture it in full detail at this very moment. We the Vimy Foundation, at Encounters with Canada. Presenting the held a medal ceremony in which we were granted on award are Mr. Houghton, Mr. Alexandris and Stella from the Vimy behalf of the Vimy Foundation our “pilgrimage medals” Foundation. similar to those issued to Canadian veterans in the 1930s when they made their own pilgrimage trips back to Vimy. We continued through France and visited many great See more information in the next article about the awards places and saw many great things, some highlights of the The Vimy Foundation offers. Cadets are eligible and are invited to apply.

THE VIMY FOUNDATION – AN OPORTUNITY FOR CADETS By Nicholas Alexandris, Executive Director of The Vimy Foundation

In 2006, The Vimy scholarship to youth 15 – 17 years of age to study the Foundation was formed with interwoven history of Canada, France, and Great Britain the mandate to preserve and during the Great Wars. During the two week scholarship promote Canada’s First World program, prize winners will visit key historical sites in War legacy as symbolized by Britain, Belgium, and France where they will be the victory at Vimy Ridge in introduced to ideas and viewpoints not typically taught in April 1917. Since then the classrooms. Highlights include visits to major museums, Foundation has produced high battle and grave sites, lectures, as well as meeting quality education resources for veterans and members of the French Resistance. thousands of teachers and schools across Canada and been involved in more than 10,000 student ‘pilgrimages’ to Vimy and designed and distributed more than 100,000 unique Vimy pins. Here are a few of our education programmes that have appealed to army cadets in the past: The Vimy Pilgrimage Award In recognition of young people who demonstrate outstanding service, positive contributions, notable deeds, bravery or leadership, the Vimy Foundation has created the Vimy Pilgrimage Award. Exceptional Canadian Photo courtesy of The Vimy Foundation youth who have served their peers, schools, communities, province or country are eligible. The Award consists of a Submission criterion and application forms can be fully funded, week-long educational program in Europe to accessed on the Vimy Foundation website from study Canada’s tremendous First World War effort. November 11 to February 1. Students are asked to submit Scheduled in early April during Vimy week, the program a 1,500 word essay or project on a selected topic. The will include classroom education and daily field trips to submission deadline for the Beaverbrook Vimy Prize is significant WWI sites midnight, February 1st. Applications must be submitted from September 10 to Vimy-Real November 11. The submission deadline for the Vimy Vimy REAL is a fun interactive multimedia experience Pilgrimage Award is midnight, November 11th. that immerses students in the Battle of Vimy Ridge and The Beaverbrook Vimy Prize allows them to navigate through the battle field while learning interesting details about the war and the men who The Vimy Foundation’s premiere program, the fought there. Beaverbrook Vimy Prize, offers a prestigious summer Students can access Vimy REAL anywhere and explore the Battle of Vimy Ridge through four different lenses: Photo courtesy of The Vimy Foundation the People, Tactics, Technology, and the Canadian Legacy left by the triumphant battle. With a few simple clicks teachers can illustrate how the Canadian military successfully took the ridge through intelligence and ingenuity, and pivotal role they played in the allied victory during World War One. For more information about any of our programs go to www. Vimyfoundation.ca or write to us at [email protected].

A CADET’S EXPERIENCE AT CAMP ARGONAUT By Cpl Archibald, Mackenzie, 2928 Truro Royal Canadian Army Cadets

I joined cadets last year over, those Newfoundlanders have quite the way with after wanting to join for words. Sometimes it was quite challenging to get up on quite a few years but only the cold 6 am mornings but the awesome breakfasts got around to it after (bacon) and morning parades always got me up and at it. moving to Bible Hill. After The Sundays off and the dances were great but the best a lot of bugging by my part about them was the chance to spend time with friends parents, I joined the 2928 like on my free time I would go to the canteen and hang Truro Royal Canadian out with my friends from my platoon and some others Army Cadets. I like how from my home Corps cadets have so much Canadian history involved At Camp this year I learned many new skills, like how to and still is modern, also for me cadets has more create a work out routine and the positions needed for interesting skills and discipline to learn than most other sports from the players to linesmen, I also learned lots of groups. new drill movements. It was my first time marching with so many other cadets and the band was amazing! At Camp Argonaut I had many great experiences and I have many new stories. I enjoyed learning new fitness I can’t wait to return to camp next summer for my 6 week techniques and the daily sports games and activities. My Sports and fitness Instructor’s Course, hopefully someday platoon Warrants and Sergeants built in lots of fun I will be staff and help someone else have as good activities and games. a time as I did plus learn how to someday be a leader, after all was done the pay was a great bonus The meals were great and I made some friends from all to it all! :-)

Found our more about the Army Cadet Summer training opportunities at www.cadets.ca

A BC CADET AT RMC By Greg Chan, Commanding Officer, 2893 Seaforth RCACC , Port Coquitlam BC

Former RSM and Cadet Chief in a Cadet exchange to Scotland, Warrant Officer Jasper Kim, of and successfully completed his 2893 Seaforth RCACC Basic Parachutists in Port Coquitlam BC is course. Jasper. Former now pursuing studies at Cadet Kim is a fine the Royal Military example of how far you College of Canada. He can go in Cadets and is training to be an how well the program Infantry Officer and is sets up the youth of set to graduate in 2017. Canada for future success. During his time as an Army Cadet he completed the Basic Marksmanship course, Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor course, was employed as a staff cadet in Vernon, participated

CREEMORE CADETS WIN CHALLENGE AGAINST ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE By Capt. William Banks, Commanding Officer 1944 EME RCACC

The 1944 EME Army Cadet Corps hosted the first annual young Cadet Community Challenge involving the Huronia West people OPP (Ontario Provincial Police), Clearview Fire interacting Department and the Canadian Army - CFSEME (The with Cadet Shooting Competition cadets challenged the Canadian Forces School of Electrical Mechanical fabulous OPP to an air rifle competition and won. Engineers). community The cadets challenged the OPP to an air rifle competition partners. The cadets truly showed pride in themselves and and won. By winning this event the cadets won a tour of their corps which allowed the people that support them OPP Headquarters in Orillia. A tug of war competition witness what great citizens they are all becoming. was also launched in which the cadets ended up victorious Everyone enjoyed the glorious weather, community spirit again over a mixed team of police, fire and army and all went home tired, happy and soaked to the skin. volunteers. The Clearview Fire Department added the The cadet corps wishes to thank the Huronia West OPP, final touch of the day by competing in numerous water the Clearview Fire Department, the Canadian Army, the ball challenges. The cadets were also invited to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 397 Creemore, the Stayner Fire hall for a tour and a class in the proper use of Creemore and District Recreational Centre and the public fire extinguishers. for supporting the 1944 EME Army Cadet Corp. The day was a complete success with these amazing

The cadets win the tug-of-war against a team of police, The cadets enjoy a waterfight firefighters and military volunteers.

THE WORLD WIDE WEB – A TOOL TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATION By Capt. Nathan James, Public Affairs - Web Content Officer (DCdts)

The world has changed dramatically since the days when I to restrict us from doing what we do best, but have been put wore a cadet uniform. Now, having spent 13 years as a in place in order to make our Web content more accessible, member of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, I find that even I organized,easy to use and consume for everyone. have trouble at times in keeping up with the trends that not At the centre of these policies are the Web Standards for the only help us connect with our peers, partners and Government of Canada, located at http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ headquarters, but also with the Cadets themselves. ws-nw/. These standards cover a number of both technical To many, the Web is simple: go out and register a domain and content related policies and guidelines. Two in particular name or URL, hire a web developer and have them put that have had a dramatic effect on the way we present together a world class Website! This certainly is the case content online: when putting together a Website for a private organization. Standard on Web Accessibility – based on internationally However, Cadets as a federally funded youth program must accepted guidelines set out by the World Wide Web adhere to a number of policies and standards for Web Consortium (W3C), these guidelines define how content communications set out by the Government of Canada. must be presented in order to be accessible not only to These polices and standards are not meant to be a burden or modern Web browsers, but also to assistive technologies 34

such as screen readers. They also set standards for the use of Extranet. colours, contrast and decorative text and imagery in Web content in order to ensure that users with disabilities are able The Extranet is a username and password controlled site to easily view and use our Websites. located at https://portal.cadets.gc.ca. It is accessible from any internet connected computer using either CCO Net Standard on Web Usability – Part technical, part content, credentials, or a user created username and password. The these policies define the look, feel and presentation of Extranet contains the CCO File Repository, which is a content in order to present a more standard and consistent library of files with both a national and regional perspective. feel to all content delivered by the Government of Canada. It also contains a new feature, the CANCDTGEN’s. At its centre are “user centred design” principles, which call Modeled after Canadian Forces General Orders for designers to base design and architecture decisions on (CANFORGENs) this collection of orders are directed their audiences and the tasks that they undertake when policy from either the Director Cadets and Junior Canadian visiting our Websites. In particular it calls for external Rangers, Director General Reserves and Cadets or Chief Websites to cater exclusively to “external audiences.” Reserves and Cadets. Also included is a mini-site on Cadet These standards, combined with more familiar standards and Junior Canadian Rangers Renewal initiatives and such as the application of the Official Languages Act, helped activities. to shape our current set of Web communications tools. The Fully Controlled and Secure Solution – The Intranet Introducing our new Web tools! The Intranet is located on the Canadian Cadet Having outlined the different policies that affect the Web Organizations’ own network, the CCO Net, alongside the world; we found that the old “one Website fits all audiences” Fortress application. The CCO Net is only available to mentality is neither usable, manageable or sustainable. In members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations who hold an fact, prior to 2011, the Canadian Cadet Organizations “enhanced reliability” security clearance or higher, and is counted over 25 000 individual online assets. This count reserved mainly for members of the Cadet Organizations included files, Web pages, images and multimedia. Administration and Training Service (COATS) to store information that may have a security status of “protected A” Today, we have three different tools in order to meet the or below. It can be accessed either by a CCO Net computer needs of audiences that are interested or already participating (either directly connected or by use of a virtual private in the Canadian Cadet Organizations. network, or VPN connection) or by a home computer Our Public Web Site, www.cadets.ca! running Windows using the Internet Explorer browser. Previously, this site was the single point of entry for The Intranet is currently in development, but does host some everything to do with the Canadian Cadet Organizations. important content such as the IM/IT Service Desk pages and Today, Cadets.ca has been refined and reorganized in order the FORTRESS resource site. In addition, some Regional to meet the needs of Canadians who are not yet involved in Cadet Support Units also have a limited presence here to the Cadet Program, but may be interested in joining or post information to assist Cadet Corps and Squadron staff in recommending it to someone they know. In essence, we’re the execution of their duties. talking about users who are considered our “external The Future audience”. It concentrates on outlining what the program is, its components and activities, as well as, how to join! You’ll Now that the location and purpose for each of these content notice there is an absence of regional pages, or pages to do locations has been defined, they will continue to develop, with individual elements within our organization. This is mature and grow. Each year, content within them will be because Cadets.ca is a collaborative effort, combining the reviewed to ensure the information is in the correct location, great stories about Cadets from across the country, and up to date and is proven useful. In addition we intend to add across all three programs to paint a picture of what Cadets more content, such as converting Cadet Administrative and do and the opportunities available to them nationally and Training Orders (CATOs) from portable document format internationally. (PDF) into easily readable Web pages. We also plan to improve the usability of each system, such as adding The Controlled Access Solution – The Extranet breadcrumb navigation to the File Repository and making For many organizations, the term “internal” and “external” the Extranet easier to navigate and use. audience is often defined as “employees” and “the general But, we do need your help. If you see something you believe public”. However, this is not the case for the Canadian Cadet should be improved, please send us an email at Organizations. Many users who we would consider internal [email protected] . are in fact not employees. They are adult volunteers, members of the Air Cadet, Army Cadet and Navy Leagues Last but not least, we encourage you to tell us your and most importantly, Cadets themselves. In order to ensure stories! Help us to break that mould by taking pictures these valuable members are able to access and use and writing articles and sharing them with our league information, we needed a solution that separates public partners or with your regional Public Affairs Officers. content from internal content. And that solution is the We want to hear from you!

35 We hope you have enjoyed this issue of On-Target.

The Army Cadet League of Canada, is very thankful for your contributions to this newsletter. We hope that you will enjoy reading the stories written by cadets, CIC officers League members, volunteers and parents from all over the country.

The intent of this publication is to share the experiences, the ideas and opportunity the Army Cadet League of Canada and the Army Cadet program can offer. We welcome you to write us your story to share in future issues of this publication. Please send them to : [email protected].

This publication is also available on line at www.armycadetleague.ca. and offered in both official languages. If you wish to receive a French copy contact the National Office of the Army Cadet League of Canada at [email protected].

The next issue is scheduled to be published in the Spring. We hope to hear from you.

Thank you,

The Editor