Interesting thread. Let me just say, that i can defiantely see both sides of the fence here but i think Mr. McKay had a good point. i think when you get down to the dollars and cents, the CF would probably still be the winner. Verbally hammer me Army.ca style if i am wrong, but isn't the point of the IPC increase because a fromer Cadet would be less of a burden on the training system, however miniscule? be it, already acustomed to a taste of military life, the 3 D's or by helping other recruits ? I mean yes, absolutley it has to do with what Squadron or Corps you come from, their are some usless ones simply said.
The Cadet program does teach a lot of Leadership, the orders process, map and compass, PT blah blah. Consequently, one of the aims of the Cadet movement is to "instill an interest in the [insert element] of the Canadian Forces, you have to think that Dcadets and the recruiting people have obviously talked about this to set this policy ?
Really, IMHO, i don't see the big deal about Cadets getting an increased IPC, i think a recruit with cadet experience is a better asset to his platoon and the CF. Yes, everybody get's taught the same, maybe it's outside of the classroom that counts, when the intructors are not there, that little shred of help, hint or advice.
Lastly, comparing Cadets to boy scouts is rediculous and are only similiar because both conduct training outdoors and that's speaking from direct experience.
My take on it, not gospel until we figure the exact reason as to why cadets get an IPC increase, i guess we can agree to disagree ?
cheers
PV