Making a difference as a cadet

By Antoinette Okai-Koi

okai0001@algonquincollege.com

As a cadence of black polished boots march down a tiled floor, 20 faces turn their heads and salute the Canadian flags for a quick pause, then continue to march to the commands of the drill sergeant’s shrill voice.

Police foundations student, Megan Halliwushka wanted to learn about Canadian military history and to be part of that world.

“I was curious about the structure and the army in general,” said Halliwushka. “It was something I wanted to pursue into the reserves but stop without being deployed in Iraq.” Prior to confederation, mandatory military training for young men to prepare them for the defense of the nation was taught through the school system.

“I loved drill and marksmanship. These were my two favourite activities,” said Halliwushka, who moved up three ranks to a bombardier before quitting.

The Drill Association was established in 1862 and was renamed to the cadet corps in 1896. To be good, patriotic citizens, while keeping your body fit and your mind reasonable are all advantages taught by the cadet corps.

“It is a good lesson for teenagers to see what’s out there and understand themselves and learn about the Canadian military,” said Halliwushka.

The cadet branches are the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets, Royal Canadian Army Cadets and the Royal Canadian Air Cadet is for youth from age 12 to18. The majority of those youth in cadets who graduated either moved on to the National Reserves or put their training to use by joining the army full-time as soldiers and officers.

“It gives kids something to participate in without making it a full career. You get to do fun things and meet new people,” said Halliwushka.

On Remembrance Day, Canadians alike will purchase poppies from cadets and veterans to commemorate the sacrifices of our armed forces in wars past and present-day soldiers serving to protect the Canadian dream.