About the Air Cadet Program at 754 Squadron

The Cadet Program is open to all youth age 12-18 who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, in good physical condition, and of good moral character. The aims of the cadet program are to:

  1. Develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership;
  2. Promote physical fitness; and
  3. Stimulate an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Cadet program offers challenges, friendships, and adventure as well as the opportunity to expand your horizons. Activities are designed to promote self-confidence, develop leadership skills, and improve physical fitness and communication skills. Many successful citizens of your community were involved in cadets. Some well-known individuals who were in cadets include actor Jim Carrey, Olympic biathlon gold medalist Myriam Bedard and astronaut Chris Hadfield.

We also have many activities and teams throughout the week, which can be found on our Extracurricular Teams and Training Activities page.

Brief Squadron History

The Squadron was incorporated on January 4th, 1965 and is one of fifty-seven Squadrons in British Columbia and 453 Squadrons in Canada. The Squadron is located in Port Moody and covered the Tri-Cities area which includes the municipalities of Port Moody, Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. In 2003, the Squadron was divided and the new 777 Neptune Squadron was created, centered in the Port Coquitlam area. In 2016, the Squadron was divided again to form the new 808 Coquitlam Squadron in Coquitlam. To find the location of our Squadron visit the Contact Us page.

Training at 754

The Cadet Training calendar aligns with the schedule of School District 43. While requirements differ between each Proficiency Level, training can be broken into 4 categories:

1. Mandatory training – cadets learn about leadership, aircraft identification, navigation, drill, physical fitness, citizenship, drill instruction, general knowledge about Air Cadets, instructional techniques, effective speaking, aeronautical facilities, meteorology, principles of flight, airframe structures, aero-engines, radios, and aircrew survival. Regular attendance at Wednesday night training throughout the year is required to progress to the next training level (5 in total).

2. Mandatory support training – consists of training activities outside Wednesday night training, usually on weekends, such as Field Training Exercises, gliding, flying, workshops, etc. Regular attendance at these events is also a requirement for advancing to the next level.

3. Optional training – includes all extra-curricular teams like band, first aid, marksmanship, biathlon, as well as other activities outside Wednesday training, such as ski and snowboard, kayaking, and rock climbing, which are not required to pass to the next level but are fun!

4. Summer training – cadets can apply for summer training opportunities that are offered free of charge at cadet training centres across Canada. Selection is based on the cadet’s performance and attendance throughout the training year.

Regular Training Nights on Wednesdays, 6:20 pm – 9:30 pm at Moody Elementary School in Port Moody, BC.

Uniforms and Promotions

Cadets are issued uniforms. As they are representing the Canadian Cadet Organization when they wear them, they are expected to care for the uniforms by keeping them clean, ironed and the boots polished. Cadets wear their uniforms to all cadet functions unless they are directed otherwise (e.g. sports nights, weekend activities). Field Training Uniforms (FTUs) are worn on Field Training Exercises (FTXs) and when otherwise authorized for other training.

Cadet promotion through the ranks is based on factors including (but not limited to) participation at both mandatory training and other squadron events. Cadets are assigned to a flight which is led by senior cadets who help and guide the junior cadets.