85 Tornado Squadron - Grand Valley

About Us - Join Us

Cadet Enrolment

The Squadron is recruiting new Cadets NOW. Interested youth and their parents can come to Grand Valley Public School on Tuesday from 6:45pm - 9:00pm for more information.

Before new Cadets join, there may be a number of Frequently Asked Questions. 

Click here to show/hide Cadet enrolment FAQ

Question	Answer
How old do I have to be to join?	To join, you must have reached your 12th birthday. Cadets must 'retire' when they turn 19.
Can I join if I am over 12?	Yes, Cadets joining at 14 or over can complete the first two training levels in one compressed year - or they can participate at the regular rate of training.
Are Cadets members of the military?	In one word: NO. Cadets are not members of the military and there is no commitment to join the military.
What does it cost?	Joining the Squadron is free. Mandatory training is free. There are some optional activities that will have some costs that are discounted by our sponsors. In return, Cadets are required to participate in fundraising activities.
The marching and uniforms makes it look like the military. Am I going go get yelled at?	The aim of the Air Cadet program is to develop in youth the attributes of leadership and good citizenship. We are not going to do that by yelling. It is important to note that the delivery of commands on a parade can seem like yelling - but the leader must be heard over the band and other noise, so they will raise their voice. That is not yelling at people.
How much does the uniform cost?	The uniform is loaned to the Cadet without any fee. Cadets can exchange items of their uniform as they grow (which teenagers constantly do). Cadets are required to take care of their uniform and must return it when they leave Cadets.
Is it true that there are Summer Camps and that Cadets get paid to attend?	Yes. There are Summer Training Courses available and YES, Cadets get paid to attend them. There is even an International Exchange to countries around the world (and you get paid to do that too)! See the Training - Summer menu item for more details.
Can I become a pilot?	Yes! Air Cadets can earn the Transport Canada licenses as Glider Pilot and Private Pilot through the Summer Training courses. Also, Cadets can take to the air twice each year at the Squadron as we get familiarization flights in Gliders.
Is there anything in the Air Cadet program for people not interested in flying?	Absolutely! Cadets learn survival skills, marksmanship, learn a musical instrument, there are lots of sports, model rockets and lots more. Along with aviation and many other subjects, Cadets learn about leadership, instructional techniques and citizenship.
Who are the leaders/teachers of the Cadets?	Air Cadet instructors are often past cadets themselves. They are members of the community and have civilian occupations. Some are Civilian Volunteers and some are Members of the Canadian Forces. ALL adults are screened as shown below in the Adult Enrolment section of this page. As Cadets gain experience, they become instructors as well!
I am also in soccer, hockey, and other activities. Is that okay?	The only mandatory events on the Cadet schedule is the weekly training evening and a few other events over the year. Most activities are optional. Cadets can participate in as many or as few activities as they wish. NOTE: It is important to remember that school comes first - so if you have too much homework (or are sick), Cadets can call in to be excused from any activity (even the mandatory ones).
Okay, I am interested but still not sure. If I join, do I have to stay all year?	Cadets may leave the program at any time. We encourage all Cadets to stay for the entire year, because, if you don't like what we are doing right now, there may be something that you will find more fun in the coming weeks and months.
How do I join?	Visit the National Cadets website, on the Join the Cadet Program page, there is are many details along with an option to REGISTER NOW!. Come fly with us!

Still have questions? Come out to a Squadron Training evening and we'll be happy to answer them all.

 To become a Cadet, a great resource to find a Squadron, answer commonly asked questions and submit an application is the Join the Cadet Program site on the Government of Canada website.

NOTE: Visiting that website is not mandatory, information is also available at your local Squadron.

All parents should read the Parent Handbook.

All Cadets should read the Cadet Handbook.

Adult Enrolment

The Squadron is always looking for interested adults who have time to assist the Squadron. The commitment can vary from a few events per year to a few hours every week. Volunteers can assist with the Squadron Staff (instructors of the Cadets) or on the Squadron Sponsoring Committee (coordinators of local sponsorships and facilities).

To start, all adults come in as Civilian Volunteers (CV). In time, a CV can come on Squadron strength as a Civilian Instructor (CI) or may join the Canadian Forces as a Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officer.

For the safety of all concerned, ALL adults must be screened.

Before an adult applies to volunteer, there may be a number of Frequently Asked Questions. 

Click here to show/hide adult volunteer FAQ

Question	Answer
Is there an age restriction on volunteers?	Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old.
Do I have to commit to every weekly training night?	No. You need to be realistic about your other commitments and discuss your availability with the Commanding Officer. Cadet Squadrons often have some volunteers who help out on specific events each year and some who come out every week.
Is it necessary to have a child who is a Cadet to volunteer?	No. Many of our volunteers discover the Air Cadet program because they have a child who joins. But that is not a requirement.
My child is a Cadet and I don't want to be in their 'space'. How can I help without bothering them?	It is very common for parents of Cadets to volunteer with our Squadron Sponsoring Committee. This group coordinates local sponsorships and facilities for the Squadron. This work is extremely important and is usually not in immediate sight of the Cadets.
I have a specialist skill or qualification. Can I lead an activity in that area?	The Squadron Staff need specialist skills to help provide a well rounded and exciting program. We must first ensure that the activity is permitted under the regulations. Make sure that you tell the Commanding Officer about what you bring to the table!
What is in it for me?	It is important to remember that our service is for the Cadets. We, as adults with a youth program must work together to ensure a productive and healthy environment for the Cadets. Having said that, it is emmensely gratifying to see Cadets take their first flight in a glider, earn first aid qualification, learn to build a survival shelter, teach a class.....and the list goes on and on.

Still have questions? Come out to a Squadron Training evening and we'll be happy to answer them all.

The bottom line....if you are willing to give of your time to help the youth of your community - come fly with us!

To join, a prospective volunteer must submit the following documentation. The forms listed can be printed from this page - or copies are available at the Squadron.



1) Letter in support of the Vulnerable Sector Screening letter that can be taken to the local police, as it explains the requirement for both a Police Records Check (PRC) and Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).

2) Volunteer and Member Application package. This includes a letter of introduction to the prospective volunteer, the Volunteer and Member Application Form and the Volunteer Confidentiality, Code of Ethics and Non-Disclosure Agreement form.

3) Civilian Volunteer Agreement (CATO 23-07 Annex A) form, which is to be completed with the Squadron Commanding Officer.

4) Renewal Application and Volunteer Confidentiality, Code of Ethics and Non-Disclosure Agreement forms. NOTE: As its name suggests, these forms are used when the volunteer registration card expires.

NOTE: All of these forms should be filled out in consultation with the Squadron Sponsoring Committee Chairperson.