Cadet Instructors Cadre - CIC Training Programme

CIC Training Programme

Nearly half of all CIC Branch members have previous service in the Regular or Primary Reserve. Others have enrolled in the Canadian Forces for the first time and represent all segments of society and occupations. Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who were until August 4, 1998, prohibited by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Act from enrolling in the Canadian Forces Reserve, are an important source of personnel as are ex-cadets who enrol to work with the cadet program immediately upon leaving the cadet program before their 19th birthday. While a university degree is not a requirement for enrolment in the CIC Branch, many of the younger members are university students and most of the older officers are well established in their own civilian careers. All candidates must submit to reliability and vulnerable sector screening. Transferring to the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service is attractive to former serving members as it allows them to continue to serve in a non-operational environment that is not mandated by the age and universality of fitness standards required in the Regular Force or Primary Reserve. That is particularly important for members who have been injured or wounded but are otherwise able to function in their trade and serve with dignity until aged 65 should they choose.

Those without previous military service are required to take the Basic Officer Training Course and CIC Occupational Training Course that together involve seven weeks of distance learning and 16 days of in house training at Regional Cadet Instructor Schools (or Écoles régionale des instructeurs de cadets). A CIC officer will start at the rank of naval cadet or officer cadet and upon successfully completing the Basic Officer Training and Occupational Training Courses may be commissioned after a year's service and on the job training or immediately if the candidate holds a university undergraduate degree.

Former serving officers of the Canadian Forces may be component transferred to the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service (COATS) and be required to take specific instruction to familiarize them with the cadet organizations. Former serving non-commissioned members may component transfer to COATS and retain their rank or be commissioned in the CIC Branch. Those of Sgt. and above will be commissioned on enrolment and be required to take CIC specific courses.