What does it mean to be promoted?

Rank promotion is a progression model directly linked to the Leadership Team Model wherein cadets may be recognized for proficiency in the training program and awarded suitable advancement opportunities.  Promotion is not automatic and a cadet may only be awarded one rank at a time. The specific criteria for all ranks is established to:
  1. ensure that all cadets who receive a rank promotion possess the same basic qualifications / similar experience;
  2. ensure that merit and the successful completion of corps/sqn training serve as the common standard on which all cadets are evaluated; and
  3. ensure that every cadet is given the same opportunity to advance.​

Promotion Criteria

Air Cadet
The rank of Air Cadet is granted upon enrollment – must be 12 years of age, but not 19 years of age to enroll

Leading Air Cadet
For promotion to Leading Air Cadet, a cadet must:
  • Actively participate in the proficiency level 1 of the LHQ training program for a minimum period of six months
  • Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)

Corporal
For promotion to Corporal, a cadet must:
  • Hold the rank of Leading Air Cadet
  • Have successfully completed the first year of the proficiency level training (Proficiency Level 1)
  • Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)

Flight Corporal
For promotion to Flight Corporal, a cadet must:
  • Complete at least six months service at the rank of Corporal
  • Have successfully completed the second year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 2)
  • Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)

Sergeant
For promotion to Sergeant, a cadet must:
  • Complete at least six months service at the rank of Flight Corporal
  • Have successfully completed the third year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 3)
  • Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO303 (Leadership)
  • Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)

Flight Sergeant
For promotion to Flight Sergeant, a cadet must:
  • Complete at least six months service at the rank of Sergeant
  • Have successfully completed the fourth year of the proficiency level training program (Proficiency Level 4)
  • Participate in the Cadet Fitness Assessment
  • Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO403 (Leadership)
  • Be recommended by the appropriate flight commander (officer)

Warrant Officer Second Class
For promotion to Warrant Officer Second Class, a cadet must:
  • Completed at least six months service at the substantive rank of Flight Sergeant
  • Attain a minimum of "completed without difficulty" in PO503 (Leadership)
  • Be identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process

Warrant Officer First Class
For promotion to Warrant Officer First Class, a cadet must:
  • Completed at least six months service at the substantive rank of Warrant Officer 2nd Class
  • Be identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process
**NB: Squadrons are limited to one Warrant Officer First Class. The Warrant Officer First Class position must be vacant for a cadet to be promoted. An existing Warrant Officer First Class may keep their rank if they transfer to another squadron.