Royal Canadian Air Cadets

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets (Cadets de l'Aviation royale du Canada) is a Canadian national youth program for young individuals aged 12 to 19. Under the authority of the National Defence Act, the program is administered by the Canadian Forces (CF) and funded through the Department of National Defence (DND). Additional support is provided by the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada (ACLC). Together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, it forms the "largest federally funded youth program in the country". Cadets are not members of the military and are not obliged to join the Canadian Forces.

The first squadrons were established in 1941 to train young men for duties during World War II. Today the focus is on general aviation within the aim: "To instill in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Forces."

The majority of cadet training takes place at the local squadron during the regular school year, with a percentage of cadets selected for summer training courses across Canada. Central to the air cadet program are the gliding and flying courses offered to air cadets who qualify. One in five private pilots in Canada is an ex-air cadet, and 67% of commercial and airline pilots began their careers as an air cadet. There are 454 squadrons located across the country with enrolment of over 26,000 Air Cadets.

Overview
The aim of the Cadet Program is to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land, and air activities of the Canadian Forces; however, each focuses on its own parent element. The Air Cadet motto is "To learn. To serve. To advance.", and was created by Robert Myles Colwell in 1966 when he was a cadet with 625 Squadron in Perth-Andover, New Brunswick. In keeping with Commonwealth custom, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets stand last in the order of precedence, after the Royal Canadian Sea and Army Cadets.

Those aged 12 to 18 (inclusive) may become an air cadet. The organization and rank structure of the Royal Canadian Air Force is used with the exceptions of Flight Corporal (in place of Master Corporal), Flight Sergeant (in place of Warrant Officer), Warrant Officer 2nd class (in place of Master Warrant Officer)and Warrant Officer 1st Class (in place of Chief Warrant Officer). Cadets are not members of the Canadian Forces, and there is no expectation for cadets to join the Canadian Forces upon graduation from the program, though cadets who do go on to join the Canadian Forces may be granted up to 180 days of incentive credit towards the Private IPC 2 pay category.

Adult leadership is provided by members of the Canadian Forces Reserve subcomponent Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, composed mostly of officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) and supplemented, if necessary, by contracted civilian instructors, authorized civilian volunteers, and, on occasion, officers and non-commissioned members of other CF branches. The CIC is specifically trained to deliver the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadet training program. Some are former cadets, and many have former regular or reserve force service.

The Canadian Cadet Organization is sponsored in partnership by the CF/DND and the civilian Air Cadet League, along with the Navy League and Army Cadet League. Each cadet unit is supported by a local squadron sponsoring committee responsible to the national League through each of the provincial committees. The basic Air Cadet program is provided at no cost, including uniforms and activities. Many Air Cadet squadrons are sponsored locally by a service organization or club such as a Royal Canadian Legion Branch, Royal Canadian Air Force Association Wing, Rotary Club, Lions Club, others are supported by a locally established committee often composed of parents of cadets. Civilian sponsors raise money for accommodations, utilities, liability insurance, local awards, and additional training resources or special activities, such as mess dinners, band instruments, or squadron excursions and trips that are not funded by the CF/DND. Cadets and their parents are encouraged to participate in fund-raising activities, such as selling paper tags or poppies.

History
The Air Cadet Organization originated in the early days of World War II when the war effort required young men to meet Canada's military obligations. By 1938 there existed a couple of groups that would help promote such an effort. In Winnipeg, Manitoba this was the Winnipeg Air Cadets launched by Albert Bennett. Other such groups existed in St. Catharines, ON and in Penhold, AB.

Prior to 1940, official Air Cadet squadrons did not exist. However, in 1939 Alan Duncan Bell-Irving and A.W. (Nick) Carter formed the 1601 Air Force Cadet Wing in Vancouver. This Squadron was operated directly by the Department of National Defence in association with the 111 Squadron of the RCAF, which was stationed in Vancouver at the time. A.W. (Nick) Carter became the first commanding officer of the 1601 Wing until he was called to Ottawa to assist in the formation of the new Air Cadet League of Canada. After the formation of the Air Cadet League of Canada the 1601 Wing was chartered to the League and became 111 Vancouver Squadron. The 111 Air Cadet Squadron still exists and parades at Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver under the name 111 Pegasus Squadron.

In 1940, Air Minister Power directed that a nationwide voluntary organization be formed to sponsor and develop a select group of young men who would be trained to meet the increasing need for operational pilots in the RCAF during World War II.

On November 11, 1940, an Order-in-Council was passed to establish the Air Cadet League of Canada to work in partnership with the RCAF. The first squadrons were organized in 1941 and by 1942 there were 135 squadrons and 10,000 cadets, mostly recruited from the Army Cadets. By 1943, there were 315 squadrons with a membership of 23,000. In 1944, the program reached its peak membership with 29,000 cadets in 374 squadrons.

The first uniform the Air Cadets used were hand me down uniforms from the Pre War era RCAF. It consisted of a blue/gray wool uniform; cap (wedge), pants and a full collar tunic. This was phased out in 1943 with an open collar variation similar to the war time RCAF enlisted man's tunic. After the war the air cadet organization received more hand me down uniforms from the RCAF before adopting the battle dress style uniform.

After the war, membership dropped to a low of 11,000 in 155 squadrons and the Air Cadet program underwent a transformation to reflect the changing needs of Canada and the cadets. The Air Cadet League introduced awards for proficiency and loyalty to the squadrons, summer courses were offered at RCAF stations, and a flying scholarship course was developed. To date, more than 15,000 cadets have received their private pilot licence through the scholarship course. Training shifted to be focused on the development of citizenship and an interest in aviation. Interest was renewed; by 1961, 332 squadrons were in existence and in 1972, authority was given for membership of up to 28,000 cadets.

In 1953, Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, was appointed the organization's Air Commodore-in-Chief, a position he held until his death in 2021.

In areas where there was a high interest in air cadets, additional squadrons were established with different parade nights to accommodate the numbers. These squadrons were often placed into air cadet wings (a formation of two or more squadrons) with a separate wing HQ staff of both officers and senior cadets overseeing the operation. The system was discontinued in the late 1960s and all squadrons became independent once again.

From the early days senior air cadets were given opportunities to work in staff positions beside officers, certain contracted civilians and RCAF/CF members at summer camps across Canada. A system was developed where senior cadets aged 16 or older were temporarily enrolled in the RCAF/CF on short-term contracts and given the rank of Acting Corporal. They were referred to as Call-out Corporals. The Senior Leaders Course at Cold Lake later even used the CF rank of Acting Master Corporal among its staff of Call-out Corporals. Later the system was abolished and the "staff cadet" program selected senior cadets for advanced training who were appointed as staff cadets to assist the adult leadership.

With the unification of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1968, the Canadian Forces became the Air Cadet League's military partner in the delivery of air cadet training. In 1975, legislation was changed to officially allow the enrolment of female cadets into the Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadets. The "battle dress" style woollen air force blue uniform was changed to a CF rifle green safari style uniform. The style and weight were more suited to the indoor and summer training reality of the program. The first of these was issued to cadet squadrons commencing in 1978. A new embellished brass cap badge was issued and air cadet wings were worn on the left breast rather than the right. When the CF went back to separate uniform colours in the mid-1980s, cadets followed again with a new air force blue cadet uniform being issued but following the same style as the outgoing green uniform. Squadrons received these new uniforms commencing in the fall of 1992.

Today, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets has a membership of approximately 23,000 in 456 squadrons; and together with the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets and Royal Canadian Army Cadets, forms the "largest federally funded youth program in the country". The membership has also diversified, becoming gender balanced and attracting and retaining visible minorities.

Local training
Each squadron trains one night per week—a "parade night"—to undertake the local training program. The course of instruction is prescribed by the Director of Cadets and outlined in course training plans distributed to each squadron. The six-year program provides cadets instruction in citizenship, leadership, survival training, instructional techniques, drill and ceremonial and the basics of aviation and aeronautics. In the fifth and subsequent years, cadets may be assigned to instruct these classes to the younger cadets. The local training begins in September and continues until June.

In addition to the mandatory weekly training syllabus, there are additional regularly scheduled activities that cadets can participate in optional training that includes band, firearms safety and marksmanship using the 10 metre air rifle for both training and competition, biathlon, military drill practice, first aid training, and competitions, and ground school instruction in preparation for glider pilot and private pilot training courses. Many of these activities also involve regional, provincial, or national competitions between teams and individual cadets. Throughout the year there are weekend exercises organized by the local squadrons. Survival exercises, participation in Remembrance Day ceremonies, and familiarization flights, are all activities in which cadets may participate at various points throughout the training year. Some cadet squadrons participate in community events such as parades and band concerts.

Cadet Program Update – Squadron program
Beginning with the 2008/2009 training year, a new training system was introduced replacing the program that was in use since 1992. The Cadet Program Update (CPU) brings new teaching materials and incorporates more contemporary educational and youth development methods. Similar updates to the Sea and Army Cadet programs rationalize the connectivity between the three programs and more efficiently provides the training that is common to all three elements.

The cornerstone of the CPU is the recognition that people between the ages of 12-18 pass through three basic "Developmental Periods" (DPs). These DPs mark the development of their cognitive abilities from a purely experienced-based (i.e. "hands-on") method of learning to abstract problem-solving and competency. The training methods used at each training level reflect the target age group of the cadets in that training level.

The delivery of the various performance objectives (POs) will be through a mixture of mandatory and complementary enabling objectives (EOs). The mandatory EOs will be the same for all air cadet squadrons. Individual squadrons may choose from a number of complementary EOs to support the mandatory training. The selection of complementary training activities at a local squadron is based on the local resources and the interests of the cadets involved.

The program will be phased in one year at a time with the new proficiency level 5 being introduced for the 2012/2013 training year. Cadets already undergoing training in the current system will complete their training under the outgoing system.

This program is soon to be updated by the Cadet Program Rescope.

Squadron training levels
Air cadets are challenged to qualify to five training levels. Each level is normally completed in the ten-month training period from September to June. With the approval of the commanding officer, cadets 14 years of age and older may complete levels 1 and 2 in a single training year. Success in meeting the required standard is rewarded with the appropriate level qualification badge. As cadets advance in the program, lessons are designed to prepare them to take on responsibilities within the squadron, such as teaching other cadets. The chart below displays the training level structure of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. As of the 2022-2023 training year, PHASE (Promoting Healthy And Safe Experiences) training has replaced PSRY (Positive Social Relations with Youth) training.

Complimentary training groups
Squadrons, depending on a number of factors, may have some of the following teams/groups to compliment mandatory training. This is not an exhaustive list.
 * Drill team: The vast majority of squadrons have some sort of drill team. On drill team, cadets will refine their drill learned during mandatory parade nights and learn more complex drill manoeuvres. Cadets on drill team may have the opportunity to join a drill team at arms, join a flag party, or compete in regional competitions. Cadets interested in drill may elect to take the Drill and Ceremonial Instructor summer training course.
 * Marksmanship team: Some squadrons may have a marksmanship team. Cadets on marksmanship team learn to fire lead pellets at paper targets using the Daisy Air Rifle, which is not legally classified as a firearm. Cadets may compete in regional or national marksmanship competitions. Cadets interested in marksmanship may elect to take the Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor summer training course.
 * Military band: Some squadrons may elect to offer musical training. Cadets in military band have the opportunity to learn a brass, woodwind, or percussion instrument. Cadets will learn their instrument as well as various specialized drill manoeuvres. Military bands in cadets are led by adult staff and a cadet Drum Major. Cadets may have the opportunity to compete in musical competitions at various levels. Cadets interested in music may elect to take the Military Band Musician summer training course.
 * Pipe band: Some squadrons may offer pipes and drums training. Cadets in a pipe band have the opportunity to learn the bagpipes, snare drum, tenor drum, or bass drum. Cadets will learn their instrument as well as various specialized drill manoeuvres. Pipe bands in the cadets are led by adult staff, a cadet Pipe Major, and a cadet Drum Major. Pipe Band Musician was not offered as summer training course in 2022.
 * Biathlon team: Some squadrons may have a biathlon team. Cadets will learn how to run or ski cross-country and learn how to shoot a target. Cadets may have the opportunity to compete in regional or national competitions.
 * Ground school: Some squadrons may have a ground school group, where cadets learn the fundamentals of aviation (per Transport Canada guidelines). Less squadrons have offered this in recent years due to the introduction of the national online ground school, which is the only recognized ground school program for applications for the cadet PPTC and GPTC.

Summer training
Air cadets have the opportunity to participate in training outside of their squadron during the summer. Cadets can participate in summer training courses at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC) or national summer training courses.

Cadet Activity Program (CAP)
The Cadet Activity Program (CAP) was a community-based day camp created in 2022 to replace summer training courses for junior cadets. Cadets in their first year of cadets participated in a 5-day CAP, which consisted a variety of miscellaneous cadet-oriented activities. Cadets in their second year of cadets participated in a 12-day CAP with a focus on team-building and leadership skills. Citing challenges to resources that came with a day-camp model, the Cadet Activity Program was discontinued in 2024.

Summer training courses
Summer training courses are overnight summer camps that take place at Cadet Training Centres (CTCs), lasting two, four, or six-to-seven weeks. Cadets receive instruction in a specific area of cadet training, such as drill, music, or marksmanship. Instruction is delivered by officers of the CIC, civilian adult staff, and staff cadets. Upon successful completion of a course, cadets are issued a badge to be worn on their tunic.

International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE)
The International Air Cadet Exchange is a three-week exchange that allow cadets to visit air bases, industry centres, world landmarks, universities, cultural centres and museums, and experience private hospitality with families in their homes. It is intended for outstanding senior cadets who will represent Canada with distinction. Outside of Canada, destinations include Australia, Belgium, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Pilot Training Courses
The air cadet program offers two pilot training courses; one for glider pilots and one for private pilots. These courses are six-to-seven weeks in duration that give cadets the opportunity to each a Transport Canada pilot licence without charge to the cadet. The selection process includes a 40-hour self-guided ground school course (culminating with a 50-question exam), a review of a cadet's file, and an interview. These course satisfy all components of the Transport Canada requirements for pilot training. Cadets who have been successful within the program have gone on to work with commercial airlines, the Canadian Forces, various courier and charter companies, and have also gone on to become instructors at various flight schools. The opportunity to obtain a private pilots' licence is one of the most prestigious and attractive opportunities available to air cadets.

Cadets are presented with fabric and metal pilot wings to display on their Distinctive Elemental Uniform upon successful completion of a pilot training course.

Cadet Training Centres (CTCs)
The Cadet Training Centres (CTC) of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets are distributed across Canada, often co-located with a Canadian Forces base. The following are CTCs used for air cadets as of 2024. In 2021–2022, as part of the Cadet Program Rescope, the total number of CTCs were reduced to 12. CTCs closed were either handed over to civilian firms, returned to their military establishments, or used for other aspects of summer training such as CAP.

Summer training courses
The following is a list of all summer training courses as of March 2024. Courses at the introductory level (Level 2) consist of two weeks of in-person training, and courses at the instructor/advanced level (Level 3+) last four weeks, with the exception of the pilot training courses. Cadets in Level 1 do not participate in summer training activities.

Flying


Throughout the spring and fall approximately 22,000 air cadets participate in familiarization gliding at regional gliding centres located across the country. Each summer, 320 cadets earn a Transport Canada Glider Pilot Licence through the Air Cadet Glider Pilot Training Course and 250 more earn a Private Pilot licence. The Air Cadet Gliding Program conducts approximately 60,000 glider flights annually in Schweizer SGS 2-33 gliders. The aircraft fleet used in the gliding program is owned by the Air Cadet League of Canada. The fleet, consisting of more than 100 gliders and tow planes is maintained by the Canadian Forces under a memorandum of understanding. Canadian Forces pilots and Civilian Instructors operate the fleet to train cadets. The aircraft that are used during the Private Pilot Training Course are various, and they depend on the flight school the cadet is posted at during their course. The Private Pilot Training Course is operated by private flight schools, and the instructors are not affiliated with the cadet program. The aircraft can be a Cessna 152, Cessna 150, Cessna 172, or DA20 Katana.

Uniform
All air cadets are issued uniform items for ceremonial and routine training occurrences. Uniforms are provided at no cost to the cadet. Cadets are responsible for care, cleaning and custody of the issued kit and must return it once they are no longer a cadet.

Distinctive Elemental Uniform (DEU)
Used on ceremonial and formal occasions. All air cadets are issued a blue wedge, blue jacket (tunic) with a belt, short-sleeved sky blue collared shirt, black necktie, blue trousers, black web belt with a silver-brass buckle, grey wool socks, and polishable black leather boots. Cadets are also issued a plastic name tag with their last name on it, slip-on ranks, and stand-alone rank insignia which are sewn onto the tunic.

There are a number of authorized accoutrements with the DEU, including white cotton gloves, a white lanyard, and a white nylon belt. These are issued to those cadets in notable positions during parade nights (called "parade positions"). The white lanyard is worn around the left shoulder, and the white nylon belt is worn in place of the standard-issue fabric tunic belt. The white nylon belt comes with a gold-brass buckle stamped with the insignia of the Canadian Armed Forces. Cadets who have been given medals or other awards through the cadet program wear these decorations with the DEU.

Cadets with religious beliefs that require modifications to the uniform, such as those of the Sikh faith, may wear a turban in place of the standard-issue wedge cap.

Highland Dress
Highland dress is a special order of dress reserved exclusively for those cadets who are pipe band musicians at their squadron. Pipe band musicians are issued a Glengarry headdress, a kilt woven with the air cadet tartan, two sporrans (one hair, one leather), hosetops, and white spats. Various accoutrements to the highland dress include a drum major's sash, a leopard skin worn on the front of the uniform like an apron, and a sgian-dubh. Only bass and tenor drummers are authorized to wear the leopard skin, and only Pipe Majors are authorized to carry the sgian-dubh.

Field Training Uniform (FTU)
For their day-to-day training dress (Field Training Uniform (FTU)), cadets are issued an air force blue beret with the badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets sewn on it, blue elemental t-shirt, olive green tunic, olive green pants, and black multi-purpose boots. The black web belt from the DEU is worn with the FTU pants. Cadets may also be issued an olive green name tape with their last name in dark blue lettering, similar in style to those of the Canadian Armed Forces, which is sewn on the FTU tunic.

Cold weather uniform items
Cadets will be issued a number of uniform items to be worn in instances of cold weather, including an all-season coat, black winter gloves, and a blue toque. Cadets may wear these items "when weather conditions dictate". The all-season coat comes with a liner and an exterior coat.

Numbered orders of dress
All cadet uniform items are worn in accordance with the numbered orders of dress. All orders of dress may be worn with cold weather uniform items.

Ranks
Upon enrolment, a new cadet in the Air Cadet Program is known as an "Air Cadet" (AC). Promotion to higher ranks occurs after the cadet has met certain nationally prescribed standards. The specific criteria for all ranks are established to ensure that all cadets who receive a rank promotion possess the same basic qualifications or similar experience, the successful completion of squadron training serves as the common standard on which all cadets are evaluated, and that every cadet is given the same opportunity to advance.

Cadets start receiving responsibilities within their flights upon reaching the rank of Flight Corporal. Flight Corporals may act as section commanders within their flights, giving guidance to sections of junior cadets on topics such as uniforms and drill. Sergeants are responsible for the day-to-day activities of the squadron, with their responsibilities including instructing EOs, performing various administrative tasks (i.e.: attendance), and assisting flight NCOs as seconds-in-command. Flight Sergeants command flights and have responsibilities similar to those of Sergeants. Warrant Officers 2nd Class work closely with adult leadership to ensure smooth operations and the completion of all necessary tasks. They usually assist officers in support roles in administration, training, supply, and public relations. Warrant Officers 1st Class report directly to the Commanding Officer of their squadron and oversee all squadron activities.

The official name of each rank uses the word cadet as a preface (e.g.: cadet corporal). However, custom omits cadet in casual reference, thus, corporal is the usual wording. Where there is a need to distinguish between cadets and Canadian Forces members, ranks will be written or spoken as cadet corporal and abbreviated as C/Cpl.

Merit Review Board (MRB) process
All promotions to the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) and Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) require the cadet to be recommended by a Merit Review Board (MRB). The MRB is composed of a minimum of three to a maximum of five members. As appointed by the squadron commanding officer, members include the Commanding officer (or delegate) acting as the board's chairperson, a representative of the Air Cadet League or local sponsor, and 1-3 additional members.

The MRB has two parts: a review of the cadet's file and an interview. Criteria for the file review are the same for all candidates and are set by the board chairperson, but generally includes rates of attendance, a review of the cadet's performance in squadron training, a review of summer training course reports or performance evaluations, relevant positive or disciplinary notes on file, and a list of awards the cadet has received at the squadron and national level. Once the file review is completed, cadets will be invited to complete the interview. All participating cadets will be asked the same questions, which are sent to them up to 72 hours in advance of the interview. Cadets may be asked questions about their participation and goals in the program, their leadership experiences, and how they would respond to various scenarios. Once both portions of the MRB process have been completed, the board will decide whether the cadet merits promotion to the next rank. As of October 10, 2023, there is no longer a requirement for cadets to participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment to be promoted. In addition, promotions to ranks below Warrant Officer Second Class no longer require a minimum standard of completion in the level-appropriate leadership performance objective.

Music appointments
When a squadron wishes to create a cadet band, the decision to do so must be made in consultation with the sponsoring committee responsible for provision and maintenance of musical instruments. The cadet music program recognizes two types of bands: military bands and pipe bands. Military bands' instrumentation includes woodwinds, brass, and/or percussion, while pipe bands' instrumentation includes pipes and drums. The Regional Support Cadet Unit should provide instruments on loan to their squadrons to maximize the use of the instruments held by the region and CSTCs and to better support squadron training. The music proficiency levels are recognized on the cadet uniform using a system of badges based on the music training programs; the military band badge represents a lyre, while the pipe band badge represents either a pipe or a drum, depending on the instrument played.

The appointment of a Drum Major or Pipe Major is at the discretion of the corps/squadron CO. Requirements considered include: demonstration of skills and knowledge in band drill, commands and formations, qualification of Music Proficiency Level 2, and holds the minimum rank of Flight Corporal. Only one cadet may be appointed as the squadron Drum Major or Pipe Major at any time.

Honours and awards
The Canadian Cadet Movement maintains its own Honours and Awards system. Cadets may be awarded these based on criteria including bravery, citizenship, service, outstanding performance on a summer training course, and more. In addition, cadets may also wear, on their uniform, any orders, decorations, and medals of Canada they have been awarded.

Within the system, there are several honours and awards common to all three cadet elements and some that are unique to each. A cadet who transfers from one element to another may continue to wear any medals awarded from their previous service, but in general, air cadets may be eligible for the following nine honours and awards (shown in the order of precedence):

Flags
In some squadrons, the ensign and squadron banner are carried by a flag party with the Flag of Canada (see image in the Local training section above), despite CF custom being for one- or two-flag parties only. Subject to regional regulations, flag party escorts may carry deactivated drill purpose rifles.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Banner is flown only on important ceremonial occasions to indicate the presence of a formed body of cadets, and, at the end of useful life, is deposited, after the manner of colours, in some suitable location. The banner was presented in 1991 at the Senior Leaders Course at CFB Cold Lake, and was paraded at the Senior Leaders Course graduation parades each summer until the course was replaced with the Leadership and Ceremonial Instructor Course. Though not consecrated, the flag parallels Air Force Command Colours and is carried in the same manner. Cadets pay compliments to the banner in a similar manner to a consecrated colour. Members of the CF are not required to pay compliments to the banner but may do so as a courtesy. This banner was carried on parade at subsequent graduation parades at CFB Cold Lake, until the summer of 2022. Originally approved in 1941, the Royal Canadian Air Cadets Ensign was modified in 1971 to incorporate the National Flag in the canton. The flag parallels a Canadian Forces command flag (as distinct from a Command Colour). The ensign is normally flown at the squadron and often carried as part of a flag party. It is always flown from a mast or pole at air cadet summer training centres.

The squadron banner parallels an Air Force Squadron Standard and is carried by squadrons as their specific unit identifier. Unlike a squadron standard, however, an air cadet squadron banner may not be consecrated nor can they emblazoned with battle honours. Though squadron banners may not be consecrated, they may be dedicated and may be laid up in a manner paralleling similar ceremonies for squadron standards. Compliments are paid to the squadron banner in the same manner as the Air Cadet Banner. The squadron's name and number are embroidered on the banner. The Air Cadet League did for a brief period allow the acquisition of squadron banners featuring the individual squadron's badge in place of standard design. It is unclear, should any of these banners require replacement, if anything other than the standard design will be authorized.

Badge
The badge of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets consists of a circlet surrounded by a wreath of maple leaves, superimposed with a flying falcon, the head to the sinister (left). The whole is crowned by the Royal crown — fashioned as a St Edward's Crown — to symbolize the monarchy of Canada as the Cadets' source of authority. This all rests on a scroll displaying the words "Royal Canadian Air Cadets/Cadets de l'aviation royale du Canada".

This badge is worn as an embroidered badge on the left side of the wedge cap and other formal headdress, and as an embroidered patch on the all-weather jacket. The badge is also embroidered on the air cadet beret. The original hat badge featured an eagle surmounted by a single maple leaf, with two underlying scrolls reading "Air Cadets Canada".

Cadet Fitness Assessment and Incentive Program
The Cadet Fitness Assessment and Incentive Program replaced the old fitness testing program in the 2010-2011 training year. It is based on the FITNESSGRAM testing protocol produced by the Cooper Institute. The standards are currently being redeveloped to better align with policies on gender inclusion.

Incentive program
As of June 28, 2023, the incentive program has been paused for at least one calendar year to allow for redevelopment.

There are four incentive levels cadets can achieve based on their results in the fitness assessment: bronze, silver, gold, and excellence. How cadets score each event is based on their age and gender.

Once all events have been scored, after discarding their lowest score, cadets receive an overall incentive level in line with their lowest score. The results from the 20m shuttle run are never discarded. Cadets receive a badge worn on their DEU tunic that corresponds with their overall incentive level.