2026 SUMMER TRAINING

Please read below for information on summer training opportunities (both in-person and virtual) and staff cadet employment.

General questions about summer training can be directed to the Assistant Training Officer, Capt Cortez at Irwin.Cortez@cadets.gc.ca.

Questions about specialized opportunites for senior cadets (staff cadet employment, parachute training, etc.) should contact the Training Officer, Capt Lee, at Timothy.Lee@cadets.gc.ca.

In-Person training

For many cadets, participating in summer training is the highlight of their year. For the summer of 2026, cadets will have opportunities to attend in-person training at Cadet Training Centres (CTC) across the country. These courses, mostly ranging from 2-4 weeks in duration, will be offered only for cadets enrolled or fast-tracked into Red Star (Training Year 2) or above.

Note that “training year” refers to the star level a cadet is currently completing, and not the number of years the cadet has been enrolled. For army cadets, the training years are:

  • Green Star – Training Year 1

  • Red Star – Training Year 2

  • Silver Star – Training Year 3

  • Gold Star – Training Year 4

The summer training period gives cadets the opportunity to travel, make new friends, and master skills in specialized areas such as:

  • Marksmanship

  • Expedition

  • Drill & Ceremonial

  • Music

  • …and more!

Army cadets completing Red Star or above are eligible to take two-week introductory courses in a chosen discipline, whereas cadets completing Silver Star or above are able to take a four-week instructor-level course. Note that in most cases, an introduction course is not a prerequisite for the corresponding instructor course.

CAF Basic Parachutist course

Senior army cadets enrolled in Gold Star or above with a high level of physical fitness may be considered for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Basic Parachutist Course, which is conducted at CFB Trenton. Cadets who complete this course are qualified to wear parachutist wings and would enroll as qualified military parachutists if they choose to pursue a career in the CAF.

This is a highly competitive course, with positions offered to cadets across the country. Further information and prerequisites can be found at the document linked here.

Cadets interested in applying for this course must contact Capt Lee directly at Timothy.Lee@cadets.gc.ca no later than 16 Jan 2026, to allow enough time for staff to arrange the fitness test.

Virtual Training

Virtual training is also offered through the Technology and Digital Learning Centre (TDLC) for cadets completing Red Star or above. These courses are offered remotely, through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities.

HOW TO APPLY

Selection for summer training is not guaranteed. Positions are available to cadets across the country, but only a limited number of offers will sent to each unit. The cadet corps staff will review applications and prioritize cadets for loading based on their potential to succeed at the CTC.

CTC (in-person) courses:

Cadets can apply at the link here. Cadets are asked to indicate their top three choices no later than 13 Feb.

Note that the introductory course is not necessarily a prerequisite for the corresponding instructor-level course.

TDLC (virtual) courses:

Cadets can apply at the link here. Cadets are asked to indicate their top three choices no later than 13 Feb.

STAFF CADET EMPLOYMENT

Senior cadets may be employed as staff cadets to further develop their leadership abilities while supporting the delivery of cadet summer training.

Information on staff cadet opportunities can be found here.

In order to be selected as a staff cadet, a cadet must have:

  • a minimum rank of Sergeant;

  • completed Silver Star; and

  • previously attended summer training.

To apply for staff cadet employment, please follow the instructions listed here. Our internal deadline for staff cadet applications is 11 Jan 2026 (some positions will also require you to submit additional documentation to Region by 16 Jan 2026).

Questions about staffing can be directed to Capt Lee.