Army cadets providing options for youth, display excellence at annual review
Jamie Tarrant
The Labradorian
28 May 2007
“It is about creating leaders in the community and
watching them reach they’re full potential,” says
Commanding Officer Joan Harvey of 5-Wing’s 2945 Royal
Canadian Army Cadet Corps.
At their 32nd Annual Ceremonial Review over the long
weekend, parents, guests and friends were treated to drill
formations, first aid and physical training demonstrations,
all aimed at displaying the determination, will power and
poise it takes to be a army cadet.
Mrs. Harvey has earned some of these attributes. She was
enrolled in the local cadets squadron as a youth, and for
the past six years served as Commanding Officer.
“I think this is a very good program. I moved back to this
area about ten years ago. I always said when I settled down
that I would get involved, and volunteer with the
program,” explains Mrs. Harvey.
The 2945 Royal Army Cadet Corps formed in 1975, and was
originally sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, but since
2004 the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary have taken
over the duties.
The goal of the corps has always focused on fulfilling a
growing need for youth programs by stressing leadership and
citizenship training. Many youth have benefited from this
program over the years.
One of these is 18-year-old Chief Warrant Officer Ryan
Pittman.
During a stellar performance leading the drill team last
Saturday, he takes great pride in the responsibility he
gains from teaching, and training new cadets.
He joined the cadets when he was only 12. The next steps for
Mr. Pittman is applying the education he learned in the
cadets to help further his career.
“I’m planning on going into the RCMP. I think the
training I received will help a lot,” says Mr. Pittman
There is no doubt that he will be successful.
A couple of years ago he won top cadet in Canada, which is
significant considering that he beat out 1,400 others to
earn the honor.
Physical training is a big part of the cadet program. Every
Wednesday night the gym in building 275 is booked where kids
run, practice sit ups and long jumps all aimed at developing
agility and endurance.
There are other skills training programs where kids compete
provincially. Some of these include orienteering, which
teach kids how to use a map and compass, as well as
shooting, drills, biathlon teams, and provincial speak offs.
They also get to enhance their skills during summer camps
held every year in New Brunswick.
Not all cadets get a chance to attend. When commanding
officers know which programs are offered during the summer
cadets are picked based on their grading of physical
performances they participate in during the year.
In actuality the cadets who stay behind are the ones who
benefit the most from these programs according to Mrs.
Harvey.
“When the senior cadets go away and get trained they bring
all these skills back to the core level. It pays off for
them, us and for the cadets coming in,” she contends.
Over the years, the biggest challenge for Mrs. Harvey is
keeping the interest up during the year.
“We were parading about 45 right up until two months ago.
The last month the numbers dropped right off. It happens
every year, but this is the lowest it has ever gotten
down,” explains Co Harvey
She rationalizes that parents don’t often force their kids
to stay with the program compared to when she attended.
Having to make time for schoolwork, cadets and other extra
curricular activities he was involved in was not always easy
for Mr.
“It can be stressful sometimes when you have a school project due on Thursday and you have cadets on a Wednesday night. Normally it is not too bad because there really isn't a whole lot of time that cadets take up,” he says.
The most important thing Mrs. Harvey wants people to realize is the leadership skills, and self esteem children can learn though cadets gives them options, not only for the Canadian Forces, but also prepares them for life in general.
When she has to say goodbye to a cadet who has matured though their program, the experience is bitter sweet for Mrs. Harvey.
“I feel good, but a little bit sad. I look at them and they’re going into the military, or university. I’m glad that they stayed with the program as long as they did. I know that their training will stay with the forever."