Of course it was intended to prepare youth for military service, that is the origin of the movement, some of the early Cadet units actually fought in combat.
Now we can argue whether that is the modern goal, however if it isn’t I see no reason for it to be CAF administered. At that point it is a slightly more militaristic scout movement and can be managed by civilians completely separate from the CAF.
If the goal is still to prepare youth for the military then I would reform it to making that more a reality. When a conflict exists between military service and Cadets, military service wins.
My stance isn’t a all or nothing stance, rather questioning why we have a youth movement funded and maintained under the CAF which in some cases undermines the CAF. Either the program exists to benefit the CAF, or it shouldn’t be run under it.
That doesn’t mean I think the program should seize to exist, rather that the CAF has more important things to spend it’s time and money on and this would be better served as a completely separate organization.
They may have fought in combat but the programme was intended to foster maturity through military-style skills training and discipline. Originally they split off from the local drill association which operated in almost every village and trained for the local militia. It was decided way back in the 1870s that the youth shouldn't be subject to compulsory service as a result of their involvement in that drill association and a separate youth programme was developed. (From good ol' wilki) In 1879, the government authorized the creation of 74 "Association for Drill in Educational Institutions", drill associations that were open to male youth over the age of 14 and
which did not entail active service in the military. The
Riel Rebellion of 1885 motivated increased support to these youth drill associations. By 1887, they were called the cadet corps and were open to boys over the age of 12.<a href="
Canadian Cadet Organizations - Wikipedia"><span><span>[</span>3<span>]</span></span></a>
Here is what the government web pages say: The Cadet Program provides opportunities for youth to gain valuable knowledge and skills that build confidence and help pave the way in a transition to adulthood. Cadets engage in varied and unique experiences, while developing competencies in leadership, citizenship, and physical and mental fitness. Offering positive youth development programs, sea, land and air cadet corps and squadrons are in communities across Canada.
Instill Canadian Military Values – Cadet Program training, direction, decision making, and behaviour are guided by ethics and values of the Canadian military. Values include loyalty, integrity, courage, inclusion, excellence and accountability. Cadets embrace and embody these values.
Develop Citizenship, Leadership, and Fitness – The Cadet Program offers cadets opportunities to develop skills and knowledge that: enable them to positively contribute as leaders in Canadian society, instill a lifelong appreciation of health and fitness, and support successful transitions to adulthood.
While it is hoped that the programme will lead to enlistment, as you can see, that isn't its primary goal. In fact, it isn't mentioned at all under goals.
Perhaps it is just hoped that the people in or who have worn, the uniform are the best people to provide leadership training.
