Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC)

There are many ways adults can serve the Cadet Program whether it is as a member of the Cadet Instructor Cadre, an officer or non-commissioned member of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), or as a volunteer.

Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers are members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force, who lead the delivery of the Cadet Program in communities across Canada, providing safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences that help youth reach their full potential.

As commissioned officers of the Canadian Armed Forces, and members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers are entrusted with the leadership, supervision, development, and well-being of over 70,000 youth participating in the Cadet Program and Junior Canadian Rangers Program. They combine military leadership with expertise in youth development, mentorship, training, program delivery, and community engagement to create meaningful opportunities for young Canadians from every region of the country.

The primary duties of Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers are to:

• Lead, mentor, coach, and develop young Canadians through progressive leadership, citizenship, and experiential learning opportunities
• Plan, organize and deliver safe, engaging cadet training and activities
• Support the administration, logistics, safety, governance, and operations of a cadet corps or squadron
• Coordinate with other Canadian Armed Forces members, civilian employees, volunteers, families, Canadian Rangers and community partners
• Help shape the next generation of Canadian leaders by developing leadership, citizenship, teamwork, and community engagement while fostering positive, respectful, and inclusive environments

Most Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers serve with local cadet corps or squadrons, where they exercise leadership and responsibility for the planning, supervision, administration, safety, and delivery of youth programs within their communities. Service typically includes weekly training, weekend activities, and time dedicated to planning, administration, mentorship, and leadership development. Work is conducted in a variety of settings, including community facilities, schools, military establishments, and outdoor training environments. Depending on their qualifications and interests, officers may also support ceremonial events, adventure training, sailing, aviation, and other specialized program activities.

In addition to part-time service with local corps and squadrons, Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers have access to a wide range of full-time employment opportunities across Canada. These fixed-term positions are available at Cadet Training Centres, Regional Cadet Support Units, national headquarters, and other training and support organizations.

These full-time opportunities provide valuable professional experience, expanded leadership responsibilities, and the ability to contribute to youth development on a broader regional or national scale. Whether serving directly with cadets in local communities or in full-time positions supporting national program delivery, Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers play a vital role in developing engaged, capable, and confident young Canadians.

History

The CIC has been through a few name changes over the past century, but it has consistently been the base of instructors for the cadets.

The first authority for adult instructors of cadets to hold military rank was promulgated in a special order on 21 December 1903. While employed in service to the cadet organization, instructors of army cadets held the rank of second lieutenant in the Militia.

On 1 May 1909, these officers were organized into the Corps of School Cadet Instructors (Militia), recognized as the forerunner of the Cadet Instructor Cadre of today. Formed primarily of school teachers, this officer cadre was disbanded in 1921 during a period of reorganization. It reappeared on 1 June 1924 as the Cadet Services of Canada; and was a component of the Canadian Army. This arrangement between the Federal Government and local school boards contributed significantly to the development of physical education programs in Canadian schools.

After World War II, the Cadet Services of Canada (Non-Permanent) and a Civilian Instructional Cadre were established as the fifth sub-component of the Canadian Army. On 10 May 1956, the name was changed once again to the Cadet Services of Canada.

Upon unification, the three distinct officer cadres were amalgamated to form the Cadet Instructors List (CIL), a sub-component of the Reserve Force (circa 1968-71). On 20 July 1994, the CIL was redesignated the Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC).

Recruitment

To become a CIC Officer, an applicant must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• be a Canadian citizen
• be between 18 and 64
• meet the CAF’s medical, reliability and suitability standards
• have a high school diploma or equivalent

Individuals interested in joining, must have the recommendation of the Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps or Squadron they wish to join. Once they have a recommendation, they can apply online at https://forces.ca/en.

After receiving the application, a CIC Recruiting Officer will contact the applicant for more information.

During the enrolment process they undergo a medical examination and a suitability interview, and will be asked to provide a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening. The Recruiting Center will run a Reliability Screening to obtain a Reliability Status which is the minimum level needed to work with the Department of National Defence.

Training

Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers receive military and occupation-specific training designed for their role in the Cadet Program. Training is progressive and combines distance learning, on-the-job learning and instructor-led courses. Course delivery may be online, at a regional training location or at another Canadian Armed Forces training establishment across Canada. In all courses, there is a strong emphasis on how to administer, train and supervise cadets. The first course is occupation-specific and provides a foundation of professional knowledge and practical skills required to serve as a Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer within the Canadian Armed Forces. Topics include Canadian Armed Forces values and ethics, leadership, military conduct and customs, communication, administration, safety, activity planning, personal health and fitness, and the responsibilities of an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The course is tailored to the unique environment in which Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers serve and their primary responsibility for the supervision, development, and well-being of cadets.

Future courses cover youth development, positive learning environments, instruction, supervision, communication with program partners, and the policies and responsibilities that apply when working with cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. They also provide the knowledge needed to support the different elements of the cadet program and may include seamanship and on-water activities, field and expedition skills, aviation subjects, navigation, communications, ceremonial activities and program-specific safety requirements.

As their time in uniform progresses, Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers may be selected for advanced leadership, instructional, staff and command training.

Courses can be taken either consecutively or over several weekends, depending upon availability. Some courses are also available through on-line learning, thereby allowing study from home.

Today

Cadet Instructors Cadre Officers are members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service, a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Force, who lead the delivery of the Cadet Program in over 800 communities across Canada, providing safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences that help over 70,000 youth reach their full potential.

During the summer months, full-time summer employment opportunities also exist for CIC officers who may wish to work at any of the Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) located throughout Canada.

CIC and COATS members fill a variety of roles in the local corps and squadrons in order to operate Canada’s best youth program:

• Commanding Officer
• Training Officer
• Administration Officer
• Supply Officer
• Instructor

Each of these roles come with specific training that enables you to deliver the best program possible in your community.

Enrolment in the CIC allows dynamic, capable adults to receive training by the CAF and to learn about this institution’s traditions, while nurturing their connection with youth. Training the youth of today to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow is a valuable and rewarding job for all CIC. Every day they live the motto - Illuminate Viam (Illuminate the Way).