Members of the General Training course at the Trenton Cadet Training Centre got a rousing sendoff at a graduation parade Friday morning.
 
300 of 700 summer course cadets from across Ontario finished the second serial of the two-week GT course, which is an introduction course for first year cadets to see all of what the cadet program has to offer.

The parade gave cadets aged 12 to 14 the chance to showcase their hard work and show off the skills they've learned to family members, friends, fellow cadets and military members.

Brigadier-General Mario Leblanc, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Forces 2 Air Division, was the Reviewing Officer for the parade and said the life skills that cadets have developed and memories made "will last you a lifetime."

“You as a cadet are a role model leading by example,” Brigadier-General Leblanc said. "When you put on your uniform, you are in the public eye and you are an ambassador of the cadet organization within your community."
 
Specific summer courses cadets participated in through the two weeks include; Drill and Ceremonial (parades), Music, Aviation, and Marksmanship/Survival Skills.

Cadet Training Centre Warrant Officer First Class Ross Stewart said aviation in particular, is an obviously popular choice due to the Cadet Training Centre being in such close proximity to the CFB Trenton Air Base.

"(Cadets) learn a lot in terms of how they can progress to achieve their goal of becoming a pilot in the future, and learn the basis for what they need to go back to their home unit and develop that information," Stewart explained.

"They also learn the different pathways they can take in aviation. If they are more hands-on, they can go into a technology-driven course, if they're more about the technical skills, they can take a classroom-centered academic course."
 
Warrant Officer Stewart, who looks after 115 staff cadets at the Cadet Training Centre, said cadets have learned valuable life skills that will benefit them as they part from Trenton and the Quinte area, including working under pressure and adapting to different situations.

"Organization, communication, basic leadership skills, are things that you can take from your time (in cadet training) and apply it to your life,” he said.

“You learn about time management and communication, things like presentation and working in groups, working collaboratively. That’s a core aspect of the cadet program. Even if a cadet doesn’t want to pursue a career in the military, they’re still gaining all of these excellent skills that they can apply later in life in their jobs.”

Stewart noted that the biggest thing that young cadets who graduate from the program take away, is the people they meet. 

"When you're in the program, you have the opportunity to meet such a diverse and unique group of individuals that are so motivated. Those are people you can meet either at your home squadron or at a summer training centre and your going to know them for the rest of your life."

In addition, youngsters are encouraged to take the cadet training program to be able to have that experience and gain the requisite skills that help them when they apply for jobs in the future.

"A lot of kids in the area will be interested in getting summer jobs and part-time jobs. Cadets is an excellent resume-builder, because employers know the skills and the benefits that an individual gains from the program."
 
An awards ceremony was also a part of the morning, with Cadets Aaryaki Madkaikar Milton, Ont. and Quynh Anh Nghiem from Mississauga, Ont. winning the Lieutenant Colonel S.L. Beaton Trophy. They were chosen for maintaining the highest possible standard of Drill, Dress, and Deportment, while also focusing on building team moral, esprit de corps, encouraging team work skills, and leading by example.

Meanwhile, Cadet Stella Ideias from Toronto, Ont. received the Top Drill Team Commander Award, presented to the cadet who led their team through a rigorous competition held amongst the General Training Wing. The Cadet Training Centre said Ideias demonstrated strong command presence, drill, dress, and deportment and used a clear and loud drill voice.

Stewart said the summer training period is six weeks with three groups that are welcomed to the Cadet Training Centre. They will receive their third and final intake of cadets on Sunday and a grand finale parade will be held for all graduates on Aug. 16.

The cadet program is open to all youth between the ages of 12-18 years old with a focus on leadership, citizenship and healthy living.

If you are interested in entering the cadet program, visit the Cadets website and click "find us". You can also check out the Trenton Cadet Training Centre Facebook page and learn more about the Training Centre here.