CANCDTGEN 015/23 - Frequently Asked Questions

A1. In the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), the sword is one of the traditional badges of rank for those who hold His Majesty’s commission or warrant. It is worn as a ceremonial weapon by officers and chief warrant officers. It may also be worn by non-commissioned members of units which by custom have armed personnel with swords, such as horse-mounted cavalry and horse artillery. Since cadets are not CAF officers or chief warrant officers, it is inappropriate for cadets to use swords.

Bayonets are only used when personnel are under the command of an individual using a sword. Therefore, as swords will no longer be used, by default, bayonets will not be used either.

A2. Portions of lessons that include the use of bayonets or swords will not be taught and this content will be removed from training resources and manuals when next updated. Training with drill purpose rifles remains part of the training program. Aside from locations where its use is precluded by government regulations, cadets can still train with drill purpose rifles.

The Ceremony of the Flags or Sea Cadets Ceremonial of Divisions, as outlined in the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Manual of Drill and Ceremonial, may continue to be conducted. However, all sequences which require bayonets will be modified to remove the use of bayonets.

A3. All issued bayonets and swords are to be returned to the Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) no later than 30 September 2023. The RCSU J4 staff will coordinate the return within their regions.

Q4. Most bayonets and swords held by corps and squadrons are CAF assets and need to be returned as outlined in this CANCDTGEN. In some cases, Local Committee may have purchased bayonets or swords. These remain the property of the Local Committee, however cadets will not be authorized to use the bayonet or sword.

This policy precludes the use of bayonets or swords by cadets, however, it allows for their use by officers when appropriate, in accordance with the A-DH-201-000/PT-000 Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial. However, given the focus of youth leading youth within the Cadet Program, officers should rarely fill a ceremonial position where they would use a sword.

Q5. The officer’s sword is long and straight with two cutting edges. Whereas the naval cutlass has a short, curved, single-edged blade. In the CAF, the use of swords is reserved for officers while cutlasses are used by non-commissioned members.

Sea Cadets remain authorized to use the naval cutlass as this aligns with its use by non-commissioned members. Cutlass drill, as is the case with naval sword drill, is slightly different from CAF sword drill described in the Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial. Sea Cadets shall execute cutlass drill.

A6. Local Committee or Cadet League representative should seek guidance from their Provincial or National offices.