Welcome to 604 Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron (RCACS)

This website provides a general outline of the huge opportunities that lie within the Air Cadet program and the 604 Squadron. We strongly encourage you to come to Mewata Armoury and see the program for yourself, or if you have any questions, please contact us. Tours can be arranged for those wishing to more fully experience the nature of the Air Cadet program.  Visit our Events page to see some of the activities that 604 cadets, staff and parents are currently involved in.

If you require information about joining our Squadron, please see our recruiting page.

The 604 RCACS, also known as 604 Moose Squadron,  is proud to provide cadets with dynamic leadership and a learning conducive environment. 604 Moose was the second Air Cadet Squadron to be formed in Calgary and has a proud history of success that has produced many of today's leaders in the Calgary community and beyond.

Air Cadets learn about the traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and participate in flight-related activities. Air Cadets have a chance to earn their civilian pilot licences through the program. Gliding, and the opportunity to pilot a glider is also a popular aspect of the program and it provides a solid base for learning how to pilot more complicated aircraft. Many Air Cadets go on to enjoy civilian flying careers, while others choose to pursue flying as an enjoyable life-long hobby. According to the Air Cadet League of Alberta, records show that since 1946, one out of every four private pilots trained in Canada has been an Air Cadet.

Through training such as flying, survival and leadership instruction, cadets are prepared to take on the challenges of life. The lessons each cadet learns during their stay at 604 are valuable life skills. Cadets also receive experience working as a team in order to accomplish objectives. For example, on Squadron level exercises, cadets are actively engaged in the operation and maintenance of a survival oriented camp environment. Each cadet will also receive the opportunity to develop personal experience and will have a fun time doing it.

Cadets is not all hard work, though. Social events such as an annual Christmas party, mess dinner and Tri-Service dance provide ample opportunity for cadets to have an active social life, not only within their own Squadron, but also with members of the other two Cadet Elements. Summer training creates friendships that will be cherished for the rest of each cadet's life. As well, during the training year, cadets travel and get the cadet experience by attending events such as Honour Band and Drill Competitions.

604 Moose Parades at Mewata Armory on Tuesday evenings. and has a prominent role in the community. The Squadron was proud to celebrate it's 50th year in March of 2005.

Many cadets have developed into excellent leaders in the community. We have thrived under many great leaders and our present CO is Captain Kris Van Apeldoorn. In sports, our teams have swept the zone and the province. Just last year, our Biathlon team obtained a second place in the provincial patrol race. The best thing about all these teams is that every cadet is encouraged to come out and participate! 604 has always prided itself on its cadets, and things are no different now. Having sent more than a third of our cadets to summer training centre's last year, our cadets are trained and ready for any adventure.

Mewata Armory, pictured here, was built in downtown Calgary from 1915-1918.