177 RCACS 2020 2021 NEW CADETS PARENT ORIENTATION

177 RCACS 2020 – 2021 NEW CADETS & PARENT ORIENTATION

177 RCACS HISTORY 177 “Air Canada” Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron is one of the oldest units in the Air Cadet League of Canada youth program and is celebrating it’s 78 th Anniversary this year. The Squadron was formed on 19 October 1942 under the name 177 (Seven Oaks) Squadron and was later changed to #177 (Trans Canada Airlines) Squadron and then #177 (Air Canada) Squadron. Young Canadians aged 12 to 18 can participate in a variety of fun, challenging and rewarding activities while learning valuable skills such as teamwork, leadership and citizenship while creating friendships that will last a lifetime. The Squadron, along with the Air Cadet League, is working to help advance the education of the Air Cadets and to promote interest the air element of aviation through the assistance of the Canadian Armed Forces.

WELCOME TO 177 RCACS COMMANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN ROBIN DUCHARME

GENERAL INFORMATION • Parade Night – Friday evenings; 1830 – 2100 hrs • Parade night consists of 3 classes with a break between Period 2 & 3 • Due to COVID-19 restrictions all training is virtual until further notice • Level One’s may only have 1 or 2 classes per Friday • COVID-19 is having an impact on all of us and this training year will be different. • We are aiming to ensure that the Cadets have a great experience during this time.

177 RCACS STAFF Commanding Officer – Captain R. Ducharme Deputy Commanding Officer / Level 3 Officer – Captain T. Bambrick Standards Officer – Mr. D. Mills Administration Officer – Mrs. N. Flook Supply Officer – Captain A. Ocran Training Officer – Lieutenant R. Chennells Training Administration Officer / Level 1 Officer – Lieutenant G. Chennells Operations Officer / Level 4 Officer – Mr. A. Woodland Training Assistant - Level 2 Officer – Miss S. San Diego

177 RCACS STAFF • For all staff, the Cadet Program is a part-time and volunteering job • Many have full-time employment or are in post-secondary school • Not at Minto Armoury full-time

TRAINING • 3 DIFFERENT TYPES • MANDATORY, OPTIONAL & SUMMER • MANDATORY TRAINING: TAKES PLACE ON REGULAR CADET EVENINGS AND SOME WEEKENDS THROUGH OUT THE YEAR AND CONSISTS OF LESSONS IN:

TRAINING OPTIONAL TRAINING: USUALLY TAKES PLACE ON OTHER WEEKNIGHTS OR ON WEEKENDS • Can include the following: • Marksmanship (Air Rifle) • Pipe Band • Air Ground School • Drill Team • Effective Speaking • Duke of Edinburgh Award Program

TRAINING SUMMER TRAINING: CADETS CAN APPLY FOR SUMMER TRAINING (CTC) Training is anywhere from 3 – 6 weeks depending on Level and course • Acceptance is based on: • Squadron/Corps yearly allocation • Cadets attendance record (min 60% is required) • Review of Cadet extracurricular activities/ behaviour • Recommendation by the CO • Number of allocations per course across the region • Not all cadets that apply are selected to attend camp Summer 2020 – camps were cancelled however, Virtual CTC trainings were available for Cadets to register for.

PARENT SPONSORING COMMITTEE THOUGH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DND) COVERS MUCH OF THE CADET PROGRAM, THERE ARE ITEMS THAT ARE NOT COVERED, THEREFORE REQUIRING PARENTS/CADETS TO TAKE PART IN FUNDRAISING. PROVIDED BY DND Uniforms Equipment for Field Training Exercises Staff Transportation for FTX/Gliding Days NOT PROVIDED BY DND Rent Office supplies above our yearly allotment Familiarization Flights (power) Meals (specific training types) Insurance (Cadets & Squadron contents) Phone, internet, website, etc Transportation for other Cadet training (Museum tours, etc) Annual Ceremonial Review Dinner/Event Training Materials Band Equipment & Uniform parts Trophies/Awards/Gifts

PARENT SPONSORING COMMITTEE • CONSIST OF: AN EXECUTIVE PARENT COMMITTEE • Chairperson • Vice-Chairperson • Treasurer • Secretary • Canteen Chair • Fundraising Chairperson • Awards Chairperson MEMBERS AT LARGE • Executive Meetings take place every month • All Parent Meeting take place the last Fri of every month

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION • Weekly Announcements: emailed every week • Squadron Webpage: www. 177 rcacs. ca – Demo • Facebook: 177 RCACS (Official Page) – closed group; must answer 3 questions for entry • Instagram: 177 rcacs

ADMINSTRATION • ATTENDANCE: Cadets are expected to attend all mandatory trainings • If you cannot attend, please use the Squadron Webpage, “Absent Request Form” • Requests should be submitted no later than Thursday evening • Cadets will be marked as ‘Excused’ for that lesson • It will count towards their Overall Attendance is used for: • Determining awards • Determining CTC recommendations • Promotion & Level progression

UNIFORMS Capt Ocran – Supply Officer • Currently collecting uniform measurements and ordering uniforms • These will be distributed once we are approved for in-person activities • Link will be emailed out and instructions on how to measure will be posted on the website.

Important Links • Squadron Email: 177 Air@cadets. gc. ca • Squadron Phone: 204 -612 -4697 • Squadron Webpage: www. 177 rcacs. ca • Facebook: 177 RCACS (Official Page) • Instagram: 177 rcacs

Wrap-Up