Canada’s Cadet Program is a national youth development initiative supported by the Canadian Armed Forces and civilian partners. It comprises three distinct elements: Royal Canadian Army Cadets, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. Young people aged 12 to 18 are eligible to join. Participation is voluntary and free of charge, emphasizing leadership, citizenship, physical fitness, and interest in the Canadian Forces—without any obligation to enlist.
Each element has its own traditions and training focus. Army Cadets often learn outdoor survival, navigation, and expedition skills. Air Cadets receive instruction in aviation, including gliding and aerospace education. Sea Cadets train in seamanship, sailing, and naval customs. All cadets wear uniforms reflecting their respective branch and participate in ceremonial parades, marksmanship, and community service.
The 48th Highlanders of Canada have a long tradition of supporting youth development through cadet sponsorship. The regiment sponsors the 48th Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, headquartered in Toronto. This corps instills Highland traditions, including drill to pipe music and wearing elements of Highland dress. The 48th also maintain an affiliation with the St. Andrew’s College Cadet Corps, a prominent cadet unit established in 1905. St. Andrew’s College, an independent boys’ school in Aurora, Ontario, is unique among Canadian schools in maintaining a continuous cadet program, reinforcing leadership and responsibility within the student body.
Cadet training objectives include fostering self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, and respect for Canadian values and history. Many cadets participate in summer training camps where they develop advanced skills and earn qualifications. While cadet programs are not recruiting pipelines, they do expose young people to the traditions of Canada’s military, and many alumni later pursue careers in the Canadian Armed Forces or other forms of public service.