About the Army Cadet Program

The Army Cadet Program is the oldest of the three cadet programs. It’s main focus is on Adventure training. Through challenging outdoor activities such as abseiling, trekking, canoeing, and survival training, it helps Army cadets gain valuable life skills that they will carry for the rest of their lives. It’s the experience of a lifetime! The Royal Canadian Army Cadet training program is divided into five portions: Green Star, Red Star, Silver Star, Gold Star, and Master Cadet. Another overarching program that cadets can participate in starting in Gold Star is called the NSE (National Star Exam).

Army Cadet Star Level Training Program

This is the main mandatory training program used by all Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps during the regular training year, from September 1st to June 30th of the following year. It teaches and practices the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the training objectives of Army Cadets for each of the four Star levels signified by Green, Red, Silver and Gold stars, and Master Cadet, the 5th level. Each star signifies a level completed and a Cadet only attempts one star level in any given training year under normal circumstances.

If a new recruit is older than the normal age for his/her Star Level, consideration is made to place him/her in a higher level. Cadets who enroll in the Corps who are older than 14-years at time of entry may be placed in the red or silver star program based on their age and maturity. They still have to meet all the requirements for the green and/or red star programs. At no time is a Cadet entered directly into Gold Star. Training elements include: leadership, citizenship, first aid, marksmanship, bushcraft, fundamental military knowledge, navigation, survival, public speaking and drill and ceremony.

Green Star Training is designed to teach a new recruit the basics of cadet life and is typically for 12- or 13-year olds. The Green Star course has a greater emphasis on drill than any other star level. All of the most common drill movements are taught in this course.

Red Star Training will complement the knowledge gained during Green Star Training and typically for 13- or 14-year olds. The Red Star course still has a great emphasis on drill, but it also adds on to the other aspects of the Star Training Program and introduces the cadets to the principles of leadership.

Silver Star Training will complement the knowledge gained during Green and Red Star Training but the emphasis will move from drill to leadership and teaching. This is is typically for 14- or 15-year olds. Because those taking the Silver star course will be senior cadets, it is important that they know how to lead and teach.

Gold Star Training complements the knowledge gained during Green, Red and Silver Star Training and is typically for 15- or 16-year olds. Gold Star Training provides senior cadets with additional opportunities to lead and teach cadets.

Master Cadet training is the fifth and final level of the Army Cadet training program and is geared towards 16-year olds and older Cadets. This is a mostly self-directed and provides senior cadets with additional tools to further enhance their leadership and teaching skills. They also will be given the opportunity to plan, lead, and execute training on parade nights as well as field training exercises.