Canadian, American and United Kingdom Cadets Complete Summer Training Courses at CFB Borden
July 20, 2023 – Defence Stories
By: Captain Paul Ardan, Public Affairs Representative, Blackdown Cadet Training Centre
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Cadets Katie Parker and Ruby Maxwell of the Army Cadets UK, and Staff Cadets Grant Wang, Chloe Hodge, Sabrina Muscat and Olivia MacNamara from the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre meet for the first time and discuss uniform differences during an international exchange at CFB Borden, Ont. July 9, 2023.
By: Capt Paul Ardan
This summer marks the first time Blackdown Cadet Training Centre (CTC) is integrating cadets from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada into combined summer training courses to improve international cadet cooperation at CFB Borden, Ont.
Each cadet, no matter their country of origin, arrived on July 9 to complete training in one of four disciplines Advanced Aviation, Survival Instructor, Drill and Ceremonial, or Expedition Team Leader. These courses are built to provide safe, fun, and engaging activities for youth, and build skills that will help lead them into adulthood.
“Blackdown Cadet Training Centre is excited to welcome back our cadets” says Lieutenant-Colonel David Forster Commanding Officer of Blackdown CTC. “We are also excited to welcome international guests from the United Kingdom, and the United States to take part in our summer training courses, for the first time in our 30-year history. The opportunity that this exchange provides for these cadets is amazing, and a fantastic occasion to interact with our cadets in a cultural exchange through training and socialization.”
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Two cadets of the US Civil Air Patrol form up with their Canadian counterparts before attending aviation classes at CFB Borden, Ont. July 11, 2023.
By: Capt Paul Ardan
This summer the Expedition Team Leader leverages the skills and knowledge of Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers, Civilian Instructors and Staff Cadets to lead cadets through a 12-day expedition, featuring canoeing, hiking, and biking.
“The cadets are really thrilled to be here.” says Captain Gary Miniss Supervising Officer from the Army Cadet UK. “They have made lots of new friends with their Canadian partners, and they are looking forward to going on their expedition.”
The Advanced Aviation Course leverages the skills and knowledge of Cadet Instructor Cadre Officers, Civilian Instructors and Staff Cadets to lead cadets through topics such as aviation techniques, aviation communication and meteorology.
“We are really immersing ourselves in the Advanced Aviation program” says Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Shaw of the US Civil Air Patrol. “Being here at the Training Centre we see there are so many other opportunities for exchanges, that we as senior officers are going explore.”
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Cadet Theo Reynolds of the Army Cadets UK, and Staff Cadets Amy Begg, Keith Shupka and Treyson Garner from the Blackdown Cadet Training Centre meet for the first time and discuss differences in training during an international exchange at CFB Borden, Ont. July 9, 2023.
By: Capt Paul Ardan
“I’m looking forward to visiting Niagara Falls” says Cadet Sarah Brigham from Georgia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. “When it comes to training, I’d like to learn the difference between US and Canadian aviation laws.”
All courses are three weeks in duration and take place at Blackdown CTC and the surrounding area extending out to Algonquin Park. The international cadets will graduate with their Canadian peers on July 28.
Cadets attending Blackdown Cadet Training Centre courses will develop self-confidence, self-discipline and leadership skills through activities designed to provide advanced knowledge and skillsets required to be the driving force behind the goal of youth leading youth at all levels of the Cadet Program.