13-01 – Cadet Membership
Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)
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Purpose
1. This order describes the policy regarding attracting and becoming members of the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO).
General
2. According to QR (Cadets) Art. 2.03 the aims of the CCO are 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 (CF). The CCO are open to youth who meet the basic membership standards.
Basic Membership Standards
3. All membership drives undertaken by cadet organizations must clearly identify the following basic membership standards. To be eligible for membership as a cadet one must:
- be a legal resident of Canada;
NOTE: A legal resident of Canada is a Canadian citizen, a landed immigrant, or, the dependant of a person who is lawfully resident in Canada on a temporary basis for the purpose of education or employment. - provide proof of provincial health insurance coverage or equivalent;
- be at least 12 years of age;
- not have attained 19 years of age;
- normally be in good physical condition;
- not belong to another corps or squadron; and
- be acceptable to the Commanding Officer (CO) of the cadet corps or squadron.
Membership Documentation
4. Each applicant must have completed an Application for Membership (form CF 1158) and have it certified by the corps or squadron CO prior to taking the cadet pledge. A photocopy of the cadet's proof of age document shall be attached to the CF 1158. These documents shall be the basis for a personal record to be created and retained in accordance with CATO 12-18. The CO may confirm residence in Canada by any appropriate means to include a notation in the parental declaration section of the CF 1158.
Medical, Physical and Mental Conditions
5. In that a minimum standard of medical fitness has not been established for membership of a cadet in a corps or squadron, a person with a medical condition or who is mentally or physically challenged may become a member at the CO’s discretion.
6. The CO shall ensure that:
- the parent or guardian describes the medical, physical or mental condition at part 2 of form CF 1158;
- the corps or squadron has the physical facilities and the staff required to provide cadet training in light of the medical condition or the mental or medical challenge;
- the ability of the corps or squadron to provide effective training to other members will not be reduced; and
- the parent or guardian and the prospective cadet are aware that minimum medical fitness standards do exist for attendance at Cadet Summer Training Centres (CSTC) and for the Exchange Programmes. The parents or guardians shall be informed that cadets with a medical condition may not be permitted to attend summer training. This fact must be clearly understood by all parties prior to accepting a person with a medical condition, or who is mentally or physically challenged as a member of a cadet corps or squadron.
Special Consideration
7. The CO of the cadet corps or squadron shall review and approve all membership applications; however, he/she shall consult with the Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) when there is uncertainty as to whether an application meets the basic membership standards or an application requires special consideration such as:
- application from a youth who is not yet a legal resident of Canada; and
- application from a youth who has a medical, physical or mental condition specified in Part 2 of the CF 1158 that cannot be accommodated in paragraph 6 above.
8. The CO of the cadet corps or squadron shall review the application, interview the applicant, obtain a special written request from the parent/guardian if required and submit his/her recommendation to the CO RCSU. The CO RCSU may acquiesce to the membership based on the assessment of individual circumstances provided by the CO of the applicable corps/squadron.
OPI: D Cdts 5
Date: Nov 02
Amendment: Ch 5/02
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