Additional programs and activities

The effective speaking program is an experience in individual development. The speaker’s own growth, measured against his or her own previous experience and accomplishments, is the most important feature of the competition. Air Cadets are aiming to be more valuable members of society. They are learning to organize and present ideas, opinions, and information in a logical, persuasive manner. They are building confidence in self-expression. They are taking responsibility for the most important skill of adult life – communication.

The Cadet Biathlon Program – what you should know The cadet biathlon program consists of 4 stages of training and competition:

1 – Local (Corps),

2 – Zone,

3 – Provincial and

4 – National.

Stages 1 & 2 consist of a run and shoot format where cadets run and shoot air rifles at targets placed 10 meters away. Stages 3 & 4 consist of a cross- country ski and shoot format where cadets ski and shoot 22-gauge biathlon rifles at a distance of 50 meters. Stage 1 is essentially team selection by the corps – at 878 we base this on the fitness, skills and commitment that we observe in the cadets during biathlon practices. The fastest runners and best marksmen get selected for the team. Each Corps can send 8 athletes to the Stage 2 competition – 4 females, 4 males. At least one member of each gender must be a “junior”. A “junior” is someone who does not turn 15 before the last day of the National Competition each year (March).

The Stage 2 competition takes place in early November, and the team names must be submitted in early October.  The Cadet Program supplies skis and 22-gauge rifles – but only to cadets who qualify at the Stage 2 competition to advance to the Stage 3 (Provincial level).

This means that we are looking for cadets who are committed to putting the time in to learn the sport and who recognize that making the competitive team may not happen in their first year, and that having been on the team in the past is not a guarantee they will make the team this year. Continuing to train with the competitors throughout the year will help hone their skills and improve their chances for selection to the team in future seasons. We may not always be fortunate to have 4 or more cadets advance to Stage 3 and be able to draw ski equipment and rifles from DND supply.

We want cadets and parents to understand that it takes hard work and dedication to make the team, and making the team may not happen in their first year.

The aims of the Marksmanship Program are:

1. to allow all cadets an opportunity to participate in a progressive marksmanship program;
2. to promote the safe and proficient use of firearms for sport and recreational purposes;
3. to produce proficient coaches and officials; and
4. to stimulate and maintain an interest in the CCO and act as a recruiting tool.

The Marksmanship Program has both participatory and competitive aspects:

1. Participatory Aspect: introduction to air rifle firing includes familiarization, classification and recreational marksmanship:
   (1) Familiarization marksmanship is part of the mandatory activities at the corps/squadron level and is described in the elemental cadet training manuals,
   (2) Classification marksmanship is part of the complementary activities at the corps/squadron level and is described in Annex A, and
   (3) Recreational marksmanship is part of the complementary activities at the corps/squadron level and is described in the elemental cadet training manuals; and
2. Competitive Aspect: various levels (corps/squadron, zone, provincial, national) that allow cadets to participate in progressively challenging activities.  Details on the CCM Marksmanship Championship Series (CCMMCS) can be found in Annex B.  The CCMMCS is fully described in the Cadet Marksmanship Program – Reference Manual (A-CR-CCP-177/PT-001).

Currently, the 878 Music program is suspended. However, if you are interested please contact Capt. Petty.