45-03 - Military Rappel Training​​

Cadet Administrative and Training Orders (CATOs)


Introduction

1. This CATO establishes the policy for military rappel training in support of the Army Cadet Program. This order exists to ensure Canadian Forces (CF) safety standards are adhered to by the Canadian Cadet Organizations (CCO) while conducting authorized rappel training. 

2. This order shall be read in conjunction with the following references:

  1. CATO 40-01 Army Cadet Program Outline; superseded by CJCR Gp O 8002-0, Cadet Program Structure
  2. Land Force Command Orders (LFCO) 24-01, Rappelling;
  3. A-GG-040-001/AG-001, General Safety Program; and
  4. B-GL-381-001/TS-000, Operational Training, Training Safety.

Authority

3. The Senior Staff Officer (SSO) Army Cadets is responsible for establishing military rappel training policy for Army Cadets. The Regional Cadet Support Unit (RCSU) Commanding Officer (CO) is responsible for approving all Army Cadet rappel activities.

Definition

4. Rappel is defined as descend by means of a rope passed around the body in such a way as to allow a rapid but controlled descent.

Aims and objectives

5. The aim of rappel training is to provide Army Cadets with the opportunity to participate in CF familiarization training.

6. The objectives of military rappel training are to:

  1. provide mental and physical challenge by exposure to an element of risk;
  2. develop self-confidence;
  3. stimulate an interest in the land activities of the CF; and
  4. assist in retention by providing senior cadets with a new and challenging activity.

Procedures

7. Cadet rappelling shall be limited to cadets who have attained the age of 15 years. Rappelling shall be limited to approved towers and rock faces to a maximum height of 120 ft from top of the descent (the anchor) to the bottom of the descent. Suitable cadets who demonstrate confidence and ability on the tower high wall may be selected to progress to the free-rappel site (skid). Cadets shall not rappel from helicopters or rappel equipment or load.

8. When a cadet corps CO organizes a military rappel activity, he must ensure that:

  1. the activity will be supervised by a qualified CF rappel master;
  2. all necessary permissions are obtained from the applicable RCSU; and
  3. the activity will comply to the standard established in this CATO.

Safety standards

9. The training standards are contained in B-GL-392-003/FP-002 Rappelling techniques and procedures.

10. Safety standards are contained in B-GL-381-001/TS-000, Operational Training - Training Safety.

Instructor Qualifications

11. As outlined in LFCO 24-01, recognized Rappel Master qualifications are:

  1. Rappel Masters may only dispatch rappellers from rappel towers; and
  2. Mountain Operation Instructors (MOI) may dispatch rappellers from mountainous terrain on all types of slopes (rock faces) and from manmade ground structures such as building, bridges and rappel towers.

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OPI: SSO Army Cadets

Date: Sep 08

Amendment: Ch 4/08

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