Promotions & Awards

The Air Cadet League of Canada 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 (4) years of honourable service with no serious infractions, and be recommended by the Cadet Squadron Commanding Officer.  Furthermore, eligible service is portable between air cadet squadrons. Air Cadets are also eligible to receive a Bar for the Air Cadet Service Medal for each year of training completed beyond the four year qualifying period. A Rosette will also be provided for the undress ribbon 

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 Royal Canadian Legion sponsors the program.

Selection Criteria:

• Met all the requirements of the squadrons annual mandatory and optional training programs. 

• Participated in a minimum of three community service events in addition to those supported by the cadet unit through its local corps / squadron program. 

• Regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet.

• Enhanced the cadet squadron through:

1. Cooperation with peers and subordinates.

2. Comradeship, 

3. Promoting goodwill and morale within the squadron. 

4. Aiding in the development of group identity and cohesiveness.

5. Supporting and assisting fellow squadron members.

6. His/her involvement in the local community. 

The Lord Strathcona Trust Fund Medal, most commonly referred to as the Lord Strathcona Medal is the highest award, which can be bestowed upon a cadet in recognition of exemplary performance in physical and military training. The medal, the Certificate of Merit, and the lapel pin are awarded by the Lord Strathcona Trust. Lord Strathcona’s objectives in establishing his endowment were to:

• encourage the improvement of the physical and intellectual capabilities of cadets

• foster patriotism in cadets through the acquisition of a good knowledge of military matters.

Selection Criteria:

• Have a high level of physical fitness

• Have attended at least one summer training course of three weeks in duration.  

• Have qualified to training level not below level 3.

• Have met all the requirements of their squadron’s mandatory training program and attended at least 75% of the scheduled training parades in the year of nomination. 

• Have met all requirements of their squadrons optional/support training program and participated inn at least 50% of scheduled activities in the year of nomination. 

• Have completed three years as a cadet.

• Be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet.