Blackadder1916 said:
From the use of silver (white) insignia on the epaulets of the blue flying suits, I would surmise that all in the upper photo are Air Cadets.
Yes, they are all air cadets in the hero picture beside the CF-18. They are taking power pilot training.
Blackadder1996]The two young men in the bottom photo are both in the Canadian Forces
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Yes said:
I agree that it would be difficult for the public, and many members of the CF, to differentiate in this case for the two pictures. However,I'd say that most of the time as a whole, it is quite apparent at the cadet LHQ level due to the clear age/generational difference of having largely 12 to 15 year olds (and fewer 16-18 yr old cadet NCMs) compared to the average older age of CF members.
The demographics of the cadet program reveal that 30% of cadets are 16 to 18. Add the 15 year olds and you have 50% of the 55,000 cadets are 15+ years of age.
So to come full circle. Many civilians can't tell the cadet program from the CF ... because they can't.
Get over it.
Cadets get annoyed when they are asked by civilians if they enjoy being in the forces.
And because it begs the question.
The Cadet Program is not a recruiting device for the Canadian Forces. There are no statistics as to how many former cadets join the CF. The single aim of the program is to "Develop in youth the attributes of good citizenship, and leadership, promote physical fitness and stimulate the interest of youth in the sea, land and air
activities of the CF." That is something that every Canadian should aspire to. It doesn't mean you are going to enrol.
Anecdotally, there is a notion based on no solid statistics that 10% of cadets join the uniformed professions - police, fire, ambulance, coast guard ... what every number join the CF is tiny. What does having been a former cadet mean - 7 weeks or 7 years? It's irrelevant.