I have read through this entire thread, and it prompted me to register on this site. There are interesting and thoughtful posts here. As someone who has spent 11 years involved with the cadet program, I have much to say, but I will limit myself to what I think are the big 3 problems with the Cadet program. Overall, I think that the program is excellent, and that it is more important to the CF and to the nation than many people realize. That said, I think there is definite room for improvement. So without further ado:
#3 - PR - Most people, both in the public at large, and in the CF, have no idea what cadets do. When I ask the uninitiated about their conception of Army Cadets, responses range from glorified boy scouts to the Hitler youth. The idea that the CCM is Canada‘s best kept secret is painfully accurate. We need to recruit and retain more youth, but that will only come by better informing everyone of what it is that we actually do.
I have begun an attempt, with some success, to re-engage with our affiliated unit and with our local community. I think that the CCM as a whole needs to take the same approach.
#2 - CIC Selection/Training - High school teachers spend a minimum of 4 years in university to teach young people. CIC officers receive an 8 day course, further courses taken on their own initiative, and OJT. It is very difficult to understand the rationale behind allowing CIC officers, who are required to do much the same work as teachers training-wise (in addition to managing a military unit and in addition to running youth through moderate and high risk training situations) to enrol without meeting at least the RESO prerequisites.
This is a touchy subject for CIC officers; many officers do not hold any post-secondary education, let alone a degree. But requiring CIC officers to hold or at least to be completing university degrees would set a solid minimum standard for the Branch.
Creating CIC NCMs to fill Supply, Admin, and Assistant Training roles within Corps would ensure that units would not close due to a change that would bring CIC standards into line with the rest of the CF. In the Regular and Primary Reserve, those specialist positions (Coy Clk, Log Tech) are held by NCMs. How a cadet Administration Officer or Logistics Officer differs in function is beyond me. Creating CIC NCMs would take away the only valid excuse for not requiring CIC officers to hold degrees.
As such, as much as it offends or irritates people to hear that CIC officers should hold degrees, that standard would improve the program for our youth and bring the Branch the respect that it is due. If the cost is hurt feelings, so be it.
#1 - Mush Mentality - The biggest problem with the CCM today is a mentality that has crept into many units and establishments. This mentality basically holds that a youth organization should not adhere to any sort of military philosophy or tradition beyond the wearing of uniforms and the acceptance of military funding. I think we all realize that the CCM is trading on 12 to 18 year olds. That realization, however, does not justify or excuse the dumbing down of standards, the necessity for solid discipline, or the very successful military-based program that has seen us through the past 125 years. Many in the program see those changes as positive, as inclusive, and as a way to make things easier for everyone. And while lowering standards and decreasing discipline will definitely make things easier on people, what we lose is the spirit and raison d‘etre of the program, borne in that idscipline and those standards. Leaders are not developed by singing campfire songs and discussing feelings; leaders are developed through command on the parade square and in the field. That is reality.
We already have a Scout program in this country; the CCM is different and its success is a testament to that difference. Changing what is broken with the cadet program is fine; changing what works is a dangerous and foolish course.
Apologies for the novel. CEDE NULLIS.