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).

• be a Canadian citizen
• be of good character and in good standing in the community
• be between 18 and 64
• meet the CAF’s medical standards
• have a high school diploma or equivalent

If an applicant does not have a high school diploma, but possesses a combination of unique qualifications and work history relevant to the position, they may still be eligible to join.

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 www.forces.gc.ca.

After receiving the application, the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) 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 CFRC will run a Reliability Screening to obtain a Reliability Status which is the minimum level needed to work with the Department of National Defence.

The training program for the CIC is specifically designed to train officers to implement the Cadet Program at the local unit level and at Cadet Training Centres (CTC), in addition to being upstanding members of the CAF.

In all courses, there is a strong emphasis on how to administer, train and supervise cadets. The first courses will teach basic officer skills, military writing, drill, dress and behaviour, laws and regulations as they apply to CIC officers and military ethics and ethos. Candidates will also receive training on youth development and creating a positive learning environment for cadets.

Future courses will focus on more advanced training which will provide them with the required skills to assume senior positions at the cadet corps / squadron. Members may take courses which allow you to conduct specialty training with cadets. Courses can be taken either consecutively or over several weekends, depending upon availability. Some courses are also available through distributed learning, thereby allowing study from home.

During the summer months, full-time summer employment opportunities also exist for CIC officers who may wish to work at any of the over 20 Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) located throughout Canada.

CIC and COATs 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.

Membership 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).