The Squadron |
| Our Heritage |
The Royal Canadian Air Cadets Formally established in 1941, the purpose of the first Air Cadet Squadrons was to train young men to become members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. After the end of the war, the focus of the program changed to our current aim to develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship and leadership; promote physical fitness; and stimulate the interest of youth in the air activities of the Canadian Armed Forces. The traditions and link to the RCAF remain part of the Air Cadet experience. The Original Squadron The original #182 (Kinsmen-Kelvin) Squadron was formed in Winnipeg on October 3, 1942. The squadron's formation was sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Winnipeg, while the unit paraded at the Kelvin Technical High School (hence the name Kinsmen-Kelvin). Unfortunately once the war was over, interest in the Air Cadet Program waned and 182 was one of many Squadrons from across Canada to close down and was disbanded on November 18, 1946.  The Current Squadron 182 (GM Stefnufastur) Squadron was formed on September 1, 1983 in response to the need for more teen activities in the area and a desire to maintain Gimli's ties with Canadian Armed Forces after the closing of Canadian Forces Base Gimli in 1975. The number 182 was adopted from the Gimli Branch #182 of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Squadron’s Sponsor who provides financial and administrative support to Squadron activities outside those provided for by the Canadian Armed Forces. The initials GM are from the Morse Code call-sign of the former radio beacon of the Royal Canadian Air Forces Station in Gimli and the current airport’s callsign of CYGM. Stefnufastur, the motto of the former station, is the Icelandic word for “Swift and Sure” in recognition of the area’s Icelandic heritage. The Squadron crest portrays three military jet aircraft flying in formation, representing both teamwork and the training that took place at the former base. |
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| Our People |
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The Air Cadet Program is
run through a partnership between the Department of National Defence and the
Air Cadet League of Canada, each with representatives at the
National, Regional and Local levels. Training at the Squadron
level is made possible
through the teamwork between our Cadets,
the Staff, the Sponsor and Sponsoring Committee and our Parents' Committee. |
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Our Cadets are the reason behind our program and are at the heart of everything we do. Cadets are a group of 12-18 year old's seeking experience, knowledge and adventure. Although the Air Cadet Program is standardized across Canada, each cadet comes in looking for something different. We hear all sorts of reasons from the Cadets joining our ranks: learning to fly, becoming a leader, taking on a challenge, trying new things, making new friends and many more reasons. Regardless of the reason, we look to help our cadets achieve their goals. While the program is designed to develop self-discipline in the cadets, the program is not a boot camp and there is no deliberate, planned or systematic intimidating or demoralizing of cadets nor any forms of physical punishment to enforce discipline. In addition, cadets are NOT members of the Canadian Armed Forces (Army, Air Force or Navy) and are NOT under any obligation to join the military. One of the main principles of the program is that as cadets progress in the program, they are trained to lead, manage and instruct more junior cadets. Cadets are first developed into leaders within their peer groups teaching them to be role models within the program, and the community. Older Cadets then help with the development and instruction of younger Cadets, all under the supervision and guidance of adult staff. One thing that Cadets does provide is a new group of peers and friends to work with throughout a cadets career.
The program is not run by cadets alone, the training is both coordinated, supervised and where needed, conducted by adult staff members including:
All staff members are vetted with a Criminal Records checks and Vulnerable Sector screening. Some key positions in the Squadron are held by Reserve Force - Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) Officers and if necessary, Civilian Instructors. These individuals administer and supervise the Squadron activities: |
Cadets
The Staff|
Commanding Officer (CO) |
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Responsible for all cadet matters pertaining to the Squadron and for the training and administration of Squadron staff and cadets |
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Administration Officer
(Admin O) |
→ | Responsible for all of the Squadron’s administrative functions including attendance, staff pay, cadet enrolments etc |
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Supply Officer
(Sup O) |
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Responsible for the security, care and distribution of all materiel supplied to or purchased for the Squadron including issuing uniforms to cadets |
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Training Officer
(Trg O) |
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Responsible in matters concerning the planning and implementation of the Squadron’s training and periods of instruction |
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Our
Sponsor: RCL Branch 182| Past Leadership |
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While a Cadet squadron is not a military unit, it is common practice for
cadet units to maintain the |
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Our Commanding Officers |
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Our Cadet Squadron Commanders |
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We are currently working on this list
and would like your assistance. |
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