8002-0 Cadet Program Structure

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Order (CJCR Gp O)

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2021-03-15

Date of Verification: 2023-05-16

Application: This is an order that applies to members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and a directive that applies to Civilian Instructors and employees of the Department of National Defence (DND) employed within the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group (CJCR Gp), who provide support to the Cadet Program.

Supersession:

• CATO 11-04, Cadet Program Outline
• CATO 31-03, Sea Cadet Program Outline
• CATO 40-01, Army Cadet Program Outline
• CATO 51-01, Air Cadet Program Outline

Approval Authority: This order is issued under the authority of the Comd CJCR Gp.

Office of Primary Interest (OPI): DCOS Trg

Enquiries: CJCR Gp J7 Youth

2. Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Complete Word or Phrase
ADA	Area Directed Activity
CAP	Cadet Activity Program
CAF	Canadian Armed Forces
CCO	Canadian Cadet Organizations
CJCR Gp	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group
CJCR Gp Instr	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Instruction
CJCR Gp O	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Order
CTC	Cadet Training Centre
DND	Department of National Defence
HQ	Headquarters
LDA	Locally Directed Activity
QR (Cadets)	Queen’s Regulations and Orders for Canadian Cadet Organizations
NDA	Nationally Directed Activity
QSP	Qualification Standard and Plan
RCSU	Regional Cadet Support Unit
RDA	Regionally Directed Activity

3. Definitions

Area Directed Activity.

An ADA is an area or zone-level, multi-corps/squadron training activity, designed to provide cadets with enriched opportunities to deliver and supplement the corps/squadron QSPs. ADAs are conducted by the Area, with assistance from corps/squadron staff, as required, and funded by the CJCR Gp

Cadet Activity Program.

The CAP is a supported summer program conducted by the Area or the CTC, which augments the corps/squadron program for first- and second-year cadets. Experiential citizenship, fitness, and CAF/CCO engagement activities are offered to capitalize on CAF and community facilities, providing an elevated experience linked to the Cadet Program aims and objectives.

E-Learning.

E-learning is learning that is facilitated and supported using technology. E-learning can include any type of electronic means, such as the Internet, CDs or downloaded software. E-learning may be blended with traditional learning or delivered entirely online.

Locally Directed Activity.

An LDA is a community-level training opportunity designed to deliver and supplement the corps/squadron QSPs. LDAs are conducted by the corps/squadron and funded by the CJCR Gp. These may also include some Cadet League Local Committee support.

Nationally Directed Activity.

A NDA is a national-level training opportunity designed to provide cadets with enriched opportunities not available at local or regional levels. NDAs are conducted by the CJCR Gp Headquarters or an appointed RCSU and funded by the CJCR Gp.

Regionally Directed Activity.

A RDA is a region-level training opportunity designed to enhance the corps/squadron program and provide cadets with enriched opportunities not available at the local level. RDAs are conducted by the RCSU and funded by the CJCR Gp.

Session.

A session is the routine corps/squadron training, usually two and a half to three hours in duration, scheduled during a weekday evening or during a portion of a weekend, between 1 Sep and 30 Jun each year. Sessions include 90 minutes of training (three, 30-minute periods of instruction or an approved optional activity) and one hour for opening/closing routines and breaks.

Supported Day.

A supported day is a day training opportunity that is supported and funded by the CJCR Gp. A supported day consists of nine 30-minute periods of instruction, an optional activity, or a combination thereof. Supported days may include mandatory and discretionary training opportunities. Optional activities conducted on a supported day must have a training nexus.

Supported Weekend.

A supported weekend is an overnight training opportunity that is supported and funded by the CJCR Gp. A supported weekend includes two training days consisting of nine, 30-minute periods of instruction each day (for a total of 18 periods of instruction), an optional activity, or a combination thereof. Supported weekends may include mandatory and discretionary training opportunities. Optional activities conducted on a supported weekend must have a training nexus.

Training Nexus.

A training nexus is a link to one or more of the Cadet Program aims, participant outcomes, cadet competencies; and program curriculum control documents such as performance objectives, enabling objectives.

4. Policy

Context

• 4.1 The aims of the Cadet Program 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 CAF.
• 4.2 The contemporary Cadet Program has been designed to provide a program that is:
  1. agile: By ensuring that the Cadet Program remains relevant for current and future participants, to ensure that CJCR Gp effectively adapts to internal and external change in order to continue to provide a program of choice to young Canadians. An agile program provides flexibility in:
     1. attendance;
     2. options for training;
     3. customizable scheduling; and
     4. a flexible cadet experience. 
  2. accessible: By ensuring the Cadet Program is delivered in a dynamic and diverse Canadian Society. The accessibility of individual experiences will allow participants to choose their own path within the Cadet Program. An accessible program provides equitable access to:
     1. resources;
     2. opportunities for cadets;
     3. adult training; and
     4. local programming. 
  3. affordable: By ensuring the Cadet Program is offered at no cost to the participants and their families. At the institutional level, all training and activities will be planned and delivered within allocated resources. An affordable program is sustainable in:
     1. human resources;
     2. facilities;
     3. equipment; and
     4. the local program.
• 4.3 The Cadet Program is developed and delivered under the philosophy of cadets leading cadets, where youth engagement and empowerment aims to provide cadets with authentic and meaningful leadership experiences. Youth leaders contribute to the overall success of the program and to the individual success of their cadets.

Policy

• 4.4 The Cadet Program consists of three elemental programs, the:
  1. Sea Cadet Program;
  2. Army Cadet Program; and
  3. Air Cadet Program.
• 4.5 The Cadet Program is designed to achieve the program aims through a combination of activities specific to each element, which are focused as follows:
  1. the Sea Cadet Program focuses on maritime activities derived from the Royal Canadian Navy and civilian maritime community;
  2. the Army Cadet Program focuses on outdoor activities derived from the Canadian Army and civilian outdoor community; and
  3. the Air Cadet Program focuses on aviation and aerospace activities derived from the Royal Canadian Air Force and civilian aviation and aerospace communities.
• 4.6 The Cadet Program offers the following training opportunities to achieve the program aims and intended participant outcomes
  1. the Corps/Squadron Program which includes sessions and supported days and weekends, conducted as LDAs and ADAs;
  2. RDAs;
  3. NDAs;
  4. CAPs; and
  5. CTCs.

5. Participant Outcomes and Expected Competencies

• 5.1 Intended participant outcomes and expected competencies have been developed to guide the design and delivery of the Cadet Program, with a goal to ensure that all cadets who participate in the Cadet Program have the opportunity to work towards achieving these outcomes and competencies.

Participant Outcomes

• 5.2 The five intended participant outcomes of the Cadet Program are:
  1. Emotional and Physical Well-Being: Emotional and physical well-being is optimizing the functioning of the body through attitudes and behaviours. Physical wellness is a life-long process of healthy mind and body development. This includes the ability to display positive self-esteem and personal qualities, and meet physical challenges by living a healthy and active lifestyle;
  2. Social Competence: Social competence is the manner in which a person consistently responds to others, expects others to respond to oneself and interaction with others. This includes the ability to contribute as an effective team member, accept personal accountability for actions and choices, exercise sound judgement, and demonstrate effective interpersonal communication skills;
  3. Cognitive Competence: Cognitive competence is the intellectual development and the integration of information into thought and decision-making. This includes the ability to solve problems, think creatively and critically, and display a positive attitude toward learning;
  4. Proactive Citizenship: Proactive citizenship is positively impacting on and building stronger communities. Inherent in this are exemplifying positive values, participating actively as a valued member of a community, and a commitment to community; and
  5. Understanding the CAF: Understanding the CAF is gaining an understanding of the CAF through an introduction and exposure to the Sea, Land and Air elements of the CAF. These opportunities are essential in developing a unique identity in each of the Cadet Organizations through knowledge of the history and contributions of the CAF as a national institution.

Expected Competencies

• 5.3 There are 12 expected competencies, which are detailed in the Cadet Competency Dictionary, that align with the five intended participant outcomes. The expected competencies are as follows:
  1. Emotional Wellness and Resilience: Emotional wellness and resilience indicates that cadets recognize and are realistic about their own emotional wellness;
  2. Communication: Communication indicates that cadets are able to communicate clearly and effectively and in a timely manner;
  3. Interpersonal Relationships: Interpersonal relationships are intended to allow cadets to develop functional relationships that are based on trust and respect and show genuine concern for others;
  4. Teamwork: Teamwork indicates that cadets effectively contribute to group efforts and maintain collaborative working relationships with others. They ensure that their team’s efforts are congruent with the aims of the Cadet Program;
  5. Credibility and influence: Credibility and influence indicates that cadets show confidence and are dependable, reliable, and competent;
  6. Planning and organization: Planning and organization indicates that cadets are able to plan, organize, prioritize, and align tasks with overall goals. They engage in planning at various levels as needed. This includes the activities required to plan, coordinate, organize and conclude an activity;
  7. Action and Initiative: Action and initiative indicates that cadets are periodically required to take initiative to achieve results. Through their actions, they are often required to make timely and sound decisions;
  8. Developing Self: Developing self indicates that cadets understand the importance of self-development and the value of continued learning;
  9. Adaptability: Adaptability indicates that cadets readily and effectively adjust behaviours, attitudes, and approaches to suit the situation and achieve results. They initiate, manage, and lead change, and recognize when change is not required. They enable subordinates to deal with change, anticipate resistance to change, and implement appropriate measures to address it;
  10. Developing Others: Developing others indicates that cadets understand the value of learning through meaningful performance feedback, coaching, and personnel management;
  11. Proactive Citizenship: Proactive citizenship indicates that cadets develop an understanding of and appreciation for community membership and involvement within cadet, local, regional, provincial, national, and global communities. Inherent in this membership is an acceptance of, and respect for, multiculturalism within Canada and the world. Through their active involvement, cadets will have a positive impact on local communities, contributing to community strength and vibrancy; and
  12. Organizational Awareness: Organizational awareness indicates that cadets understand the organization structures and stakeholders at the local corps/squadron. They make effective use of this knowledge to advance objectives and take steps to improve and maintain their knowledge of the Cadet Program.

6. Structure

Corps/Squadron Program

• 6.1 The Corps/Squadron Program is central to the overall Cadet Program. It is delivered at the community level through in-person or e-learning activities. It focuses on providing all cadets with training opportunities to develop knowledge and skills in a variety of subject areas while introducing specialized opportunities.
• 6.2 The Corps/Squadron Program is further detailed within CJCR Gp Order 8030-0, Corps/Squadron Program.

LDAs

• 6.3 LDAs are a community-level day/weekend training activity designed to supplement the corps/squadron QSPs. LDAs are conducted by the corps/squadron and primarily funded by CJCR Gp but may include some Cadet League Local Committee support.
• 6.4 Instructions on the conduct of LDAs is provided in CJCR Gp Instr 80-01, Locally Directed Activities.

ADAs

• 6.5 ADAs are area or zone-level, multi-corps/squadron training activities, designed to provide cadets with enriched opportunities to deliver and supplement the corps/squadron QSPs. ADAs are conducted by the Area, with assistance from corps/squadron staff, as required, and funded by CJCR Gp. These activities allow Areas to provide training opportunities to multiple corps/squadrons at one time, that may not be available within their local community, and to capitalize on area opportunities and resources.
• 6.6 Instructions on the conduct of ADAs is provided in CJCR Gp Instr 80-02, Area Directed Activities.

RDAs

• 6.7 RDAs are region-level training activities, designed to provide cadets with enriched opportunities that supplement the corps/squadron programs. RDAs are conducted by the RCSU and funded by CJCR Gp. These activities allow RCSU COs to tailor the overall Cadet Program to match regional interests and capitalize on regional opportunities and resources.
• 6.8 RDAs are further detailed within CJCR Gp Order 8040-0, Regionally Directed Activities.

NDAs

• 6.9 NDAs are national-level training activities, designed to provide cadets with enriched opportunities, not available at the local or regional levels. NDAs are conducted by the CJCR Gp Headquarters or an appointed RCSU, and funded by CJCR Gp.
• 6.10 NDAs are further detailed within CJCR Gp Order 8050-0, Nationally Directed Activities.

CAP

• 6.11 CAPs are training activities designed to provide first- and second-year cadets with opportunities to augment the corps/squadron programs. CAPs are conducted by the Area or the CTC, and are funded by CJCR Gp. These activities are intended to enhance the Cadet Program aims and objectives.

CTC Program

• 6.12 The CTC Program focuses on providing a set portion of the cadet population instruction and opportunities to develop advanced knowledge and skills in specialized activities, and to develop instructors and leaders for these specialized activities. Additionally, the CTC Program provides cadets opportunities to apply the general knowledge and skills obtained through the Corps/Squadron Program.
• 6.13 The CTC Program is further detailed in CJCR Gp Order 8060-0, Cadet Training Centre Program.

Domestic and International Activities

• 6.14 Domestic and international activities provide highly specialized and unique training opportunities to a select population of cadets. These experiences allow cadets to participate in activities beyond the boundaries of their local community, their region and Canada. Domestic and international activities allow cadets to join national or global communities of like-minded youth.
• 6.15 Domestic and international activities will be communicated through the RCSU as they become available.

7. Training Establishments

• 7.1 Training establishments are designated to organize and conduct cadet activities. These training establishments include:
  1. corps/squadrons;
  2. Cadet Training Sites, including:
     1. Cadet Nautical Sites;
     2. Cadet Expedition Sites; and
     3. Cadet Flying Sites.
  3. CTCs.

8. Publication

Frequency of Publication

• 8.1 A periodic review of CJCR Gp O will be initiated every three years, or more frequently if necessary.

Errors/Omissions or Suggestions

• 8.2 Users of CJCR Gp O are encouraged to identify any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCR Gp HQ J1 Policy.

9. References

Source References

• Cadet Competency Dictionary (link accessible only on the Cadet365 SharePoint)
• QR (Cadets) 2.03, Aims of the Cadet Organizations
• QR (Cadets) 5.01, Cadet Training Year
• QR (Cadets) 5.02, Cadet Corps Training

Related References

• CJCR Gp O 8030-0, Corps/Squadron Training Program
• CJCR Gp O 8040-0, Regionally Directed Activities
• CJCR Gp O 8050-0, Nationally Directed Activities
• CJCR Gp O 8060-0, Cadet Training Centre Program
• CJCR Gp Instr 80-01, Locally Directed Activities
• CJCR Gp Instr 80-02, Area Directed Activities

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