Squadron Awards
Each year the cadets are recognized through various awards for their efforts during the training year. This page outlines the currently presented squadron awards and their criteria. Note that not all awards are given out every year.
Top Level Awards
Top level awards are presented to cadets based on: participation in squadron training and/or academic results, uniform marks, attendance at mandatory training and activities, leadership potential, and viewed as an example to others.
Top level 1 cadet
Criteria |
Weight |
Attendance in mandatory training |
50% |
Participation in squadron teams |
10% |
Deportment |
5% |
Inspection Results |
25% |
Squadron community service activities |
10% |
Top level 2 cadet
Criteria |
Weight |
Attendance in mandatory training |
50% |
Participation in squadron teams |
10% |
Deportment |
5% |
Inspection Results |
25% |
Squadron community service activities |
10% |
top level 3 cadet
Criteria |
Weight |
Attendance in mandatory training |
30% |
Participation in squadron teams |
10% |
Deportment |
10% |
Academic results (leadership, IT, aviation) |
20% |
Inspection Results |
20% |
Squadron community service activities |
10% |
Top level 4 cadet
Criteria |
Weight |
Attendance in mandatory training |
30% |
Participation in squadron teams |
10% |
Deportment |
10% |
Academic results (leadership, IT, aviation) |
20% |
Inspection Results |
20% |
Squadron community service activities |
10% |
Awards - Excellence
top overall cadet
Awarded to a Level 2 cadet or higher, (the Squadron Cadet Commander is not eligible) who has outstanding participation in squadron training and/or academics, participation, uniform, attitude, and is voted by their peers to be an example to others.
Top Overall Cadet |
Weight (2021) |
Attendance in mandatory training |
50% |
Participation in squadron teams |
5% |
Cadet vote |
25% |
Staff vote |
15% |
Notes on file (CHITS) |
5% |
top instructor
Awarded to a cadet instructor with high uniform and deportment standards and who is voted for by the cadets who learned from them.
Criteria |
Weight (2021) |
Attendance in mandatory training |
26% |
Deportment (dress, behaviour, etc) |
11% |
Cadet Vote |
31% |
Staff Vote |
21% |
Preparedness |
11% |
athletic and sportsmanship award
Awarded to a cadet who demonstrates ability, enthusiasm and sportsmanship in Squadron sports and physical fitness events. The top biathlete is excluded from this award.
Criteria |
Weight (2021) |
Cadet fitness assessment results |
50% |
Participation in fitness & healthy living activities (cooking class, Zumba, 5k challenge, etc.) |
50% |
community service award
Awarded to a cadet of any rank for active participation in squadron citizenship-based activities. The recipient of the Legion Medal of Excellence is excluded from this award
Criteria |
Weight (no change in 2021) |
Participation in community service activities (since 2019) |
60% |
Deportment (dress, behaviour, etc.) |
40% |
true spirit of air cadets
Awarded to an outstanding individual who exemplifies the core values of the Air Cadet Movement: Loyalty, Professionalism, Mutual Respect and Integrity.
Criteria |
Weight (no change in 2021) |
Overall attendance |
50% |
Deportment (dress, behaviour, etc.) |
50% |
LIne gagnon memorial volunteer award
Awarded to a volunteer who through their efforts and dedication has lead to the overall improvement of the cadets and the squadron as a whole.
Awards - Teams
biathlon award
Awarded to the cadet who demonstrates exceptional technical skill, fitness and dedication toward training and participating in squadron biathlon events.
Criteria |
Weight (2021) |
Attendance in biathlon training |
75% |
Leadership during biathlon training |
25% |
top musician
Awarded to the cadet who consistently demonstrates the technical skill, dedication and enthusiasm required of a being leading band member.
Criteria |
Weight (unchanged in 2021) |
Band attendance |
50% |
Musical ability |
20% |
Band leadership |
20% |
Effort (improvement) |
10% |
marksmanship award
Awarded to the cadet who showed a high level of attendance and active participation on the 2021 virtual marksmanship training program.
Criteria |
Weight (2021) |
Attendance in marksmanship workshops |
75% |
Active participation in marksmanship workshops |
25% |
Medals
service medal
The Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL) has created an Award to recognize continuous meritorious Cadet Service of at least four years by deserving Air Cadets.
To qualify for this Award, a serving Cadet must have successfully completed four years of honourable service with no serious infractions. All currently serving Air Cadets shall be eligible for this Award. |
legion medal of excellence
The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition for individual endeavours in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement.
The main objective in awarding the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the cadet program. To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must meet the following conditions: a. met all requirements of the corps/sqn annual mandatory and optional training programs; b. participated in a minimum of three community service events, in addition to those supported by the cadet corps/sqn; c. regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet; and d. enhanced the cadet corps/sqn through: (1) co-operation with peers and subordinates, (2) comradeship, (3) promoting goodwill and morale within the corps/sqn, (4) aiding in the development of group identity and cohesiveness, (5) supporting and assisting fellow unit members, and (6) his/her involvement in the local community. |
lord strathcona medal
The lord Strathcona medal is one of the highest awards which can be bestowed upon a cadet. It is awarded annually to cadets to recognize exemplary performance in physical training as well as their service, performance, example and excellence as a cadet.
The recipient must have a comprehensive knowledge of the activities of the Cadet Program and must meet the following requirements: a. display a high level of physical fitness; b. have completed three years as a cadet/JCR; c. have completed all requirements of their corps/sqn/patrol training program in the year of nomination; and d. be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet/JCR. |
**2021 Award Exceptions