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# 3004 Cadet Corps

2011

CamBay cadet off to Royal Military College

“If you want a military career it’s too good to be true”

JANE GEORGE  

 

Sergeant Major Colin Crockatt of the 3004 Nanook Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps of Cambridge Bay, shown here in his cadet uniform, is off to the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario next year for its Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year. (PHOTO BY JANE GEORGE)

CAMBRIDGE BAY —  Look at Cadet Major Colin Crockatt of Cambridge Bay stand at attention or how he leads the cadets through a drill with his pace stick in hand, and you’ll feel like you’re watching soldier with his troops.

And soon, Crockatt will head off to realize his lifelong dream, to join the Canadian Armed Forces. Next week, he heads to Yellowknife for processing into the military, which includes a complete physical and medical check-up. Then, after 17-year-old Crockatt graduates from Cambridge Bay’s Kiilinik High School, he’ll head to Kingston, Ont. for Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year at the Royal Military College.

“If you want a military career it’s too good to be true [to be going to the Royal Military College]. As long as I can remember, a military career is what I wanted,” Crockatt told Nunatsiaq News.

The program at the college is a solid stepping-stone to a future career as a soldier, something Crockatt said he’s dreamt about since a young child — and a dream that’s he’s already honoured with a large, coloured tattoo displaying the Canadian Military Coat of Arms. When he was only 11, and still short of the usual enrolment age of 12, Crockatt joined the 3004 Nanook Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps of Cambridge Bay. Soon he was leading the cadets in their parade drills.

To perfect the drills and those of the cadet group, he plowed through books of drills and ceremonies, earning his National Star Certification with the top mark in the North, an achievement now shown by a star-like emblem on his sleeve, one of six he’s worked for while a cadet. Crockatt is also a top sharpshooter, having competed at national and regional competitions, winning the 2009 regional marksmanship competition. And he’s an athlete who played bantam hockey for Nunavut’s team at the 2008 Arctic Winter Games.

Today, as a Regimental Sgt.-Major, Crockatt is the cadet group’s top officer and has picked up a number of other awards, including his recent five-year service medal. Crockatt has also been a teacher for cadets at the annual summer camp for northern cadets in Whitehorse.

And, while a career in the military isn’t for everyone, Crockatt embraces the discipline demanded by the military and tries to transmit this to his fellow cadets. 

“I’m the guy who makes sure there’s discipline,” he said.

Cadets perform well because they respect you, he said. That’s a skill officers in the military perfect, but which Crockatt already seems to understand and succeed at as he directs cadets in drills.

Next August, Crockatt heads off to the Royal Military College for what is a recruit camp, which will be followed by the Aboriginal Leadership Opportunity Year Program. That program will be an” intense period of academic studies and training designed to prepare you for your acceptance into a recognized post secondary institution at years end,” it’s website says.

While at the Royal Military College, Crockatt will be enrolled in the Canadian Forces for one year, be paid as an officer cadet, receive free tuition and text books, and he may be given the opportunity to apply to continue at the Royal Military College in a degree program for future officers.

In addition to his studies, Crockatt will also learn traditions, history, rules and regulations of the college. He’ll also become involved in fitness activities to increase his level of physical fitness and to develop his teamwork.

Many in Cambridge Bay will be rooting for Crockatt’s success in Kingston: his adoptive parents Kim and Dave Crockatt of Cambridge Bay, as well as many other relatives in Cambridge Bay and in the South.

the corps (photo Jane George)

(Nunatsiaq Online)