Cadets

The history of the Cadet movement in Saskatchewan begins with the creation of the Prince Albert Cadet Corps under the authority of a militia order in February 1903. Although that particular Army Cadet Corps was disbanded two years later, the Cadet movement has thrived in the province, with sixty-four corps and squadrons and more than 2,300 Sea, Army and Air Cadets at the end of 2003. Cadets are taught citizenship and personal discipline, as well as general military knowledge. National Defence Canada co-sponsors the Cadet movement, along with the civilian sponsoring bodies, the Navy League, the Army Cadet League, and the Air Cadet League. Officers with the Cadet movement are members of the Cadet Instructors Cadre, the largest component of Canada's Reserve forces. Logistical support and oversight for Saskatchewan Cadet units are provided through Regional Cadet Support Unit (Prairie) Detachment in Regina. The Cadet program accepts young people between the ages of 12 and 19.

There are currently seven Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Saskatchewan, the oldest being RCSCC Impregnable in Regina, founded in 1922. Sea Cadets learn about naval tradition, as well as sailing and seamanship. Although some Sea Cadet Corps had accepted female members of the Navy League beginning in 1972, female Cadets were first enrolled in Cadet corps in 1975.

There are currently twenty Army Cadet Corps in Saskatchewan, including the oldest cadet unit in the province, No. 155, Royal Regina Rifles Cadet Corps in Regina. Army Cadets learn about army tradition, as well as basic orienteering and field camping skills.

There are thirty-seven Air Cadet Squadrons in Saskatchewan, the oldest being RCACS #17 in Yorkton. Air Cadets learn the traditions of the Air Force as well as basic air navigation, and can take training leading to a civilian pilot qualification.

The Navy League of Canada also offers a modified Cadet program for young people ages 10 to 12. There are six Navy League Cadet Corps in Saskatchewan, the oldest being NLCC W.K. Reed in Prince Albert. The programming is similar to the Sea Cadets.

Malcolm French