604 Moose Squadron: Optional Training

 FLAG PARTY

The Flag Party is a core element of the squadron as it parades the unit's flags.  The flags represent our identity as distinct from other units and are both an embodiment of, and focal point form, pride, dedication, esprit de corp and the honour Squadron members have for 604 'Moose'. As such, there are important protocols that must be followed closely and respectfully. 

Since a solid understanding of basic drill movements, dress and deportment are required, the Flag Party try outs are open to cadets in Level 2 and above.  Special consideration may be given to Level 1 cadets who can demonstrate these pre-requisite skills.

BAND

Welcome to the 604 “Moose” Band and what is going to prove to be a strong musical year. The cadet music program offers many opportunities that should not be missed. This band is made up of beginner (first time) and experienced musicians. The cadet music program gives cadets a chance to advance in their level of playing abilities as they progress in skill. This advancement is done through formal testing (levels one through five). Band members have the opportunity to participate in ceremonies, parades, music concentration weekends and if selected , the Regional Honour Band.

Our focus this year is on musicianship with an emphasis on music theory, music instruction and instrument care/cleaning. The program consists of drill/marching, sectional instruction/workshops/clinics and ensemble practices.

Our practices are on Monday evenings. Our goal, as the 604 “Moose” Band, will be to act as the squadron ambassadors. As a band, we not only give the first impression of the squadron but also the last. It is a serious position to be in, however, through hard work and commitment, we will accomplish our goals and have fun at the same time!

DRILL TEAM

The Drill Team of 604 “Moose” Squadron has a long tradition of excellence. Ever since the squadron began, a team of cadets gathers weekly to practice marching and drill movements. In annual competitions the drill team's dedication to perfection has earned many awards. In the past the 604 “Moose” Drill Team has won first and second place in competitions.

This year the tradition will continue. Each week, on Sunday evenings, Drill Team members gather to work on their skills with the hope that they will have the privilege of representing the squadron in future competitions and displays.

Any member of the squadron may apply for membership on the Team, but only those who display dedication and competence will remain.  If you have what it takes to learn the movements and perform the drills, you will have a year to remember. Are you ready to be part of the squadron's tradition this year?

EFFECTIVE SPEAKING

The Effective Speaking program promotes attributes of leadership, teamwork, self discipline, self confidence and good citizenship.  The skills they learn here will help them immeasurably in the cadet program, such as creating and delivering lessons, making announcements on parade, or preparing for Scholarship Selection Boards.  These are skills they will use in other areas of their life as well, whether they are making presentations at school, interviewing for jobs or admission to university, or offering toasts at social functions.

The 2025 Effective Speaking Topics are:

•     How has what you learned in the Air Cadet Program affected your plans for the future?
•     Name 3 things that have been invented by Canadians and describe their impact on Canada and the world.
•     Who is your favorite Canadian (famous or not), and why?
•     What impact do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on the way we live and work?
•     Discuss Canada’s role in the Space Program. Past, Present and Future.
•     Which person has had the most significant impact on your life?
•     How do you imagine aircraft engineering in the future?
•     Explain the evolution of aviation around the world.

MARKSMANSHIP TEAM

Marksmanship is one of the most popular cadet training activities. Cadet marksmanship had its roots in familiarization training with the Canadian Forces. Its current focus, however, is on teaching cadets the proper use and safe handling of firearms for recreational purposes only. The marksmanship program has been specifically designed for youth and is based on Olympic-style competition using the Dailse 853C air rifle that fires a .177 caliber pellet.

Self-confidence, acceptance of responsibility and sports etiquette are just some of the life skills acquired from the training. A healthy respect for firearms, the development of proficient use of rifles for sport and recreational purposes, and an improvement in self-discipline are additional benefits.

Cadets have the opportunity to earn Marksmanship Qualifications:

Markmanship

2 groupings of 5 pellets within 3 cm

First Class Markman

2 groupings of 5 pellets within 2.5 cm

Expert Markman

2 groupings of 5 pellets within 2 cm

Distinguishd Markman

2 groupings of 5 pellets within 1.5 cm

Throughout the year, cadets participate in a series of competitions at the local level that culminate in zone and territorial/provincial competitions and the annual National Cadet Marksmanship Championship. Three additional Cadet Marksmanship Championships Series Pins are awarded when a member competes in the various levels of competition.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH'S AWARD

Conceived by his Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the program aims to help young persons develop strength of character, leadership and personal discipline through four sectors of activity: community service, physical fitness, skills, and expedition. The awards purpose is similar to the aims of the Air Cadet Program. The Award Program is voluntary and each individual is assessed on effort, improvement and challenge, making the Award attainable by all.

The program allows you to work at your own pace, to accumulate certain number of hours per week in different categories. Many of the hours required in the program are already being done by most of you just by being in Air Cadets. For example, if you are on the Drill Team, you can use Drill Team practices as a physical activity. If you take music lessons, horseback riding lessons, or whatever your interest may be outside of cadets, it can all be used toward the requirements of this program.

The squadron facilitates but does not finance the program. There is a $50.00 initial registration fee and a $50.00 fee for every level after. To apply to the program and for a registration form or for more information, please contact Lt Dunnill Jones: dunnilljones@604moose.ca

BIATHLON

The 604 “Moose” Squadron Biathlon program is a combination of cross-country running or skiing and marksmanship. It requires tremendous endurance and strength as well as skill and precision. The program promotes physical fitness, sportsmanship, marksmanship skills, personal challenges and achievement opportunities. All training is offered and supervised by qualified biathlon coaches, with training materials (skis, boots, poles, waxes, rifles and ski passes) supplied at no cost.

Cadet biathletes participate in a series of competitions at the local level that culminate in provincial competitions and a national Cadet Biathlon Championship. For cadets progressing to Provincial and National Level, parents will provide transport so their cadet can train at the Canmore Nordic Centre weekly once that facility opens to the public (usually early December).

Team selection is based on a combination of attendance, age category and ability, and is open to both male and female cadets. There are also opportunities for cadets to participate as cadet coaches and officials at Local, Provincial and National levels.

Bronze – Local	Silver – Provincial	Gold – National	National Champion

GROUND SCHOOL

The gift of flight is an incredible privilege and you have the opportunity to achieve it through the Air Cadet Flying Scholarship program. Cadets 16 to 18 years old have the chance to earn their wings for either gliding or private pilot qualifications. The flying scholarship program is a very challenging and demanding course requiring and extra amount of dedication, effort and self-motivation. The ultimate reward is the opportunity to pursue a flying or gliding scholarship with the possibility of beginning a career path in aviation.
Ground School is Monday evenings, every week, starting in early September and finishing in mid-December, with a qualifying exam written in early January. This is done separate from the regular
Tuesday evening training because of the depth of material to be covered and the time needed to cover all subjects properly

This allows these cadets to begin learning the required subjects and better prepares them for the scholarship program. Subjects that are covered are as follows, but not limited to: meteorology, navigation, theory of flight, air regulations, airmanship and aircraft structures. The course material is presented in a enjoyable, yet serious manner, making use of as many different training aids as possible: movies, audio and guest instructors.Selected candidates will proceed through Mock Boards training in preparation for Selection Board panel interviews in mid-February, which will hopefully lead to the beginning of their aviation dream.

GLIDING FAMILIARIZATION FLYING

Throughout the training year, cadets will be offered the opportunity to participate in Gliding at the Cadet Flying Sites in Netook and Familiarization Flying in the Squadron’s Cessna. Participating in Gliding and Fam Flying is a necessary part of completing certain training levels so cadets are encouraged to participate as often as possible.
Gliding takes place by Level in the fall and spring. This involves a day trip to Netook. Cadets take turns flying the gliders with a certified glider pilot and assisting with moving the gliders around the airfield. See the calendar for dates and listen for announcements on Tuesday evenings to sign up.
Familiarization flights in the Cessna will take place on weekends as often as the weather permits and qualified pilots are available. Cadets will be assigned a specific time and place to meet at the Springbank Airport. Sign up will be in Teams under FAM Flying.

SUMMER TRAININGS

Cadets can go to camp for two to seven weeks on a variety of courses. Each camp offers a unique mixture of outdoor activities and valuable instruction.

Attendance at cadet summer camps is free.

National Summer Training Courses:

• International Air Cadet Exchange
• Power Pilot Scholarship
• Glider Pilot Scholarship
• Advanced Aerospace
• Advanced Aviation Technology - Aircraft Maintenance
• Advanced Aviation Technology - Airport Operations

Regional Summer Training Courses:

Level One Cadets (else Ages 12-13) (Two Weeks)
General Training Course

Minimum Level Two (else Ages 13-14) (Three Weeks)

• Basic Drill and Ceremonial Course
• Basic Survival Course
• Basic Fitness and Sports Course
• Basic Aviation Course
• Basic Aviation Technology and Aerospace Course
• Military Band - Basic Musician Course
• Pipe Band - Basic Musician Course

Minimum Level Three (else Ages 14-16) (Six Weeks)

• Drill and Ceremonial Instructor Course
• Survival Instructor Course
• Fitness and Sports Instructor Course
• Air Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course
• Military Band - Intermediate Musician Course
• Pipe Band - Intermediate Musician Course
• Advanced Aviation Course (Three Weeks)

Minimum Level Four (Six Weeks)

• Military Band – Advanced Musician Course
• Pipe Band – Advanced Musician Course
• Advanced Training – Staff Cadet (Seven Weeks)