CADET RANKS
All promotions are granted at the discretion of the Commanding Officer (CO).
In addition, participation in annual cadet fitness assessments is required for promotion eligibility above the rank of LAC.
Attributes considered when recommending cadets for promotion:
a. dress and deportment;
b. conduct, discipline, and attitude;
c. participation;
d. response to direction;
e. ability to interact positively and comfortably with others;
f. ability to make sound judgements regarding their own actions;
g. willingness to accept responsibility;
h. ability to solve problems effectively;
i. ability to communicate effectively;
j. ability to set a positive example for others; and
k. initiative.
Junior Cadet Ranks
AIR CADET (AC) Rank upon enrolment.
Pre-requisite:
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Must meet the requirements for enrolment in the Cadet Program.
No Insignia
LEADING AIR CADET (LAC)
Pre-requisites:
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Have engaged in Level 1 training for a minimum of five months.
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
CORPORAL (CPL)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Leading Air Cadet (LAC).
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Successful completion of the Level 1 training program.
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
FLIGHT CORPORAL (F/CPL)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Corporal (Cpl) for no less than six months.
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Successful completion of the Level 2 training program.
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
Senior Cadet Ranks
SERGEANT (SGT)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Flight Corporal (F/Cpl) for no less than six months.
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Successful completion of the Level 3 training program.
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Minimum of "Completed Without Difficulty" in Leadership (Level 3).
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
FLIGHT SERGEANT (F/SGT)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Sergeant (Sgt) for no less than six months.
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Successful completion of the Level 4 training program.
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Minimum of "Completed Without Difficulty" in Leadership (Level 4).
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
WARRANT OFFICER SECOND CLASS (WO2)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Flight Sergeant (F/Sgt) for no less than six months.
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Successful completion of the Level 4 training program.
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Minimum of "Completed Without Difficulty" in Leadership (Level 5).
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
Special Pre-Requisites:
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Be identified to the Commanding Officer as a successful candidate for promotion by a Merit Review Board (MRB).
WARRANT OFFICER FIRST CLASS (WO1)
Pre-requisites:
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Hold the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) for no less than six months.
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Successful completion of the Level 4 training program.
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Minimum of "Completed Without Difficulty" in all Leadership.
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Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander.
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Special Pre-Requisites:
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Be identified to the Commanding Officer as the sole successful candidate for promotion by a Merit Review Board (MRB).
Any cadet promoted to the rank of WO1 customarily inherits the appointment of Squadron Commander (Sqn Comd). As such, multiple cadets may not hold this rank concurrently, except in the case of WO1s who transfer from other squadrons. Notwithstanding the above, only one cadet shall act as Squadron Commander at any given time.
This is the most senior rank a cadet may achieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are cadets automatically promoted once they meet the pre-requisites for a rank?
Promotions are not actioned automatically. Once a cadet meets the pre-requisites for promotion, this fact is brought to the Commanding Officer (CO), who then decides if and when a cadet is to be promoted.
Once promoted or qualified, where do I place my new uniform badges?
All things to do with the cadet uniform are described within the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Dress Instructions (click here).
For what reasons could a cadet be withheld a promotion?
Cadets are generally withheld promotion for having not yet met the established pre-requisites. This, however, does not disqualify them from future promotion.
Moreover, in the case of senior ranks, some promotions also depend on the vacancy of limited senior positions. That is, if no such vacancy exists, then no candidates will be considered for promotion. In the case that there is a vacancy, candidates will be evaluated to determine the new appointee(s).
What happens when a cadet is not recommended for promotion?
When it is decided that a cadet does not yet merit rank promotion, there are procedures in place to identify where that specific cadet needs to improve in order achieve future promotion. From there, this feedback will be provided to the cadet and an individual training plan will be constructed by the training staff in order to facilitate this improvement.
What is a Merit Review Board?
Whenever a senior position at the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class or Warrant Officer First class becomes vacant, a Merit Review Board (MRB) is assembled to evaluate those cadets who put forth their candidacy. The board, generally comprised of officials from outside the squadron, is tasked with conducting a personnel file review and interview of all candidates in order to submit a recommendation to the Commanding Officer (CO) as to who should be promoted.