Promotions and Awards
As cadets progress through the regular training program, they will complete special objectives and challenges that qualify them to progress upwards in the rank structure.
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Each year, cadets may compete and earn medals and awards, which are presented at the end of the year in June at a graduation parade known as the Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR). The ACR is attended by parents, other family members, past Commanding Officers, and dignitaries such as local Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, Municipal Councillors, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, members of the Army Cadet League of Canada, and members of our sponsoring organizations.
League awards, grants & bursaries
Royal Canadian Legion bursaries & scholarships
Cadet Medals
Corps awards
Merit Based Cadet Promotions
References:
Cato 13-02
Cato 13-02, Annex A (leadership progression model)
Cato 13-02, Annex B, MRB
How do I get promoted?
The cadet program's promotion policy (CATO 13-02) details the different requirements in order to be promoted. You will find here a comprehensive table that clearly outlines each of these requirements for your specific rank.
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While this list outlines the requirements for promotion to each rank, it's important to understand that promotion to any given rank is not automatic. This list simply provides a minimum standard to meet, while a large portion of the decision is based on the recommendation of the Level Officers and final approval from the Commanding Officer.
How am I evaluated for promotion?
With this promotion policy comes requirements for each rank. As part of the promotion process, the staff will review each cadet'S training and admin files against CATO 13-02 in order to determine their eligibility.
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What is a Merit Review Board (MRB)?
For some of the senior ranks a merit review board process is conducted in order to establish an equitable and transparent process, able to withstand scrutiny, by which CO can establish the most suitable cadet(s) for promotion to the ranks of MWO and CWO. The MRB process includes three parts (CATO 13-02 Annex B):
1. File Review
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Reviews attendance;
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historical academic review of squadron training;
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a review of all Cadet Summer Training Centre (CSTC) course reports and/or Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs);
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pertinent positive and/or disciplinary notes kept on file;
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a list of all sqn awards granted; and
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a listing of all other awards received by the individual including national honours and awards
2. Narrative
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In order to be eligible for the MRB process each interested individual must submit a narrative to the responsible officer. An example can be found here (this should be used as an example and shall not be copied)
3. Interview
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The interview will be conducted with a minimum of three of the following members present:
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Board Chairperson;
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League or local sponsor representative;
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a minimum of one and a maximum of three additional members from the following:
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Representative(s) of the RCSU/DET
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CIC Officer(s) (from within own or members of neighboring corps/sqns),
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member(s) of the community
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The interview will follow the same format for each candidate and will include questions that allow for the candidate to:
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Recount their achievements through cadet training (e.g., sqn program, CSTC program);
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explain what previous positions of leadership they have held (at cadets, school, etc.) and how they performed in related situations;
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outline personal goals and/or their goals for the sqn;
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respond to scenario-based questions that relate to typical sqn situations where the candidate shares how they might approach/deal with the situation; and
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candidate achievements outside of the sqn setting (eg, school, community, sports teams).
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What is expected of me once I am promoted?
An important part of the promotion process is understanding what is expected of you leading up to, and after receiving a promotion. You can see the leadership progression model in CATO 13.02 - Annex A (in the reference list above).
It's important for each cadet to review this document regularly to see if they are on track with where they would like to be. It's also important to use this document to look ahead to determine a career path. Some cadets may not want to take on the top leadership role of the Chief Warrant Officer and this document will help them decide what they want to get out of the program.