& Introduction  The purpose of this presentation is to provide a better understanding to Corps Officers, Sponsoring Committee’s and Parents of what it is to be involved in the Canadian Cadet Program, in particular, what their responsibilities are to the corps they are involved with.  This does not replace CATO or QR/O Cadets. It is simply a condensed version of the definitions and explanations in those policy manuals that requires us, as responsible adults, to ensure we function within policy. For more detailed information, refer to CATO & QR/O Cadets.  This presentation is meant to be an introduction to new members on what it means, in simple terms, to be a Sponsor, Sponsoring Committee and CO of a corps. It can also be used to refresh the knowledge of experienced staff too.

& Responsibility of the Canadian Forces The CF shall provide –  Supervision and administration of cadet corps,  Material (CF Scale),  Training & pay,  Annual grants,  Transportation as authorized,  Summer training facilities,  Training aids,  Liaison,  Reviewing Officers,  Enrollment policy or staff, CI’s and cadets. (QR/O Cadets 2.30)

& Affiliated Unit  An Affiliated Unit is a Reserve or Regular Force unit that allows an army cadet corps to wear it’s Regimental hat badge and other accouterments.  If accessible, an Affiliated Unit can provide logistical and staffing support when requested.  An Affiliated Unit is not responsible for financial support of an army cadet corps.  If a corps is located in a facility of their affiliated unit, they are there at the authority of the Chief of Defence Staff.  Support of Affiliated Units is an important part of the Canadian Cadet Movement.

& What Is a Commanding Officer?  A Commanding Officer (CO) is a member of the Canadian Forces, Cadet Instructors Cadre.  They are Commissioned Officers in the CF with the responsibility to train cadets and administer the army cadet training plan according to the policy of the Department of National Defence.  They are members of the community with a desire to work with the youth of Canada and designated as the CO by the Commander of the Region.  Their role is to work in a cooperating manner with their Sponsor, Sponsoring Committee, Affiliated Unit and the Army Cadet League of Canada.  The CO answers directly to the Commanding Officer of the Regional Cadet Support Unit.  In essence, the CO and Officer’s are on loan to the community & Sponsor, to run the cadet corps.

& What Is a Sponsor?  A Sponsor is an organization, group or individual that takes on the responsibility of ‘ownership’ for an army cadet corps in their community.  The Sponsor is responsible for the formation, and financial support of the corps. (QR/O Cadets 1.02).  The Sponsor can be a branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, Elks, Eagles or other community groups. It can be a business or group of individuals or one person as long as an agreement is signed to be the responsible entity for the organization.  The corps belongs to the Sponsor on behalf of the community. The main responsibility for the Sponsor is to ensure the corps has appropriate accommodations.  Sponsors should not be Reserve or Regular Force units.

& Sponsor Agreement  The Sponsor Agreement states: To provide adequate housing and training accommodations, with an agreed upon financial commitment; Support of optional activities; Maintain and develop positive community relationships with business, municipal government and local service clubs; Establish and maintain a Sponsoring Committee reporting to the Provincial branch of the Army Cadet League of Canada; Collaborate in a spirit of partnership with the CO of the corps without interfering in the duties of the CO; Provide input regarding employment of instructors; Maintain communications with local rep of League; Be a supporter of the Royal Canadian army Cadets.

& What Is a Sponsoring Committee?  A Sponsoring Committee (SC) is a group of individuals who have a vested interest in assisting an army cadet corps. They are not a Sponsor!  They can be parents of cadets or simply interested persons from the community.  They are not members of the Canadian Forces.  The SC reports to and directly answers to the Army Cadet League of Canada representative, who is the Zone Chairman.  The SC does not fall under the chain of command of a corps CO.  The SC should give full support to the CO.  The SC must be organized into a committee format with at least a President (Chairman), Secretary and Treasurer. They should also have a Constitution and By-Laws.  Funds received by the corps should be administered by the SC and not the CO. (Example –Band & Contingency Grants)

& Sponsoring Committee (con’t)  The SC is to assist the corps CO in fund raising, and recruiting of both cadets and staff.  The SC also assists the CO in the Annual Cadet Review.  The SC President should meet with the CO at least once a month to discuss mutual projects and plans for the corps.  The SC does not interfere in the decisions made by the CO regarding his duty and responsibilities to DND and the running of the corps.  It is advisable that small disputes be settled by meeting with the corps CO, SC President and Zone Chairman.  The SC should be considered the back-bone of the corps when it comes to providing support for those things that the CO & DND can not provide.

& The Army Cadet League of Canada  The League is considered the Supervisory Sponsors of army cadets in Canada.  Each Province has a Branch of the League. The Branch will Liaise directly with the CO RCSU or his designate.  The League is a civilian organization which is in partnership with DND.  The League is also there to assist corps in recruiting and supporting corps in areas not provided by the CF. This could involve financial, administrative and logistical support.

& Problems & Issues!  Problems will often exist between corps CO, Sponsors, Sponsoring Committees and the League.  Issues must be resolved with the best interest of the cadets in mind. Attempts must be made to resolve issues informally.  Only after all avenues have been exhausted should issues be taken to a higher level.  SC President/Chair must only deal with their League Zone Chairman when issues arise.  Corps CO’s must observe the Chain of Command and only answer to the Commander RCSU.

& Problems & Issues (con’t)  Parents and members of the Sponsoring Committee must not interfere with the CO’s responsibility of running the corps.  CO’s must work cooperatively with his/her Sponsoring Committee.  CO’s must ensure the corps they are commanding has a Sponsoring Committee. This is the policy of the CDS.

& References  CATO – Formation of a Cadet Corps  CATO – Change of Affiliation  CATO – Change of Sponsor  CATO – Affiliated Unit Support  QR/O Cadets – Chapter 1 – Definitions  QR/O Cadets – Chapter 2 – All Sections