After four years of parading as a "satellite corps" of the Brandon Army Cadets, the 2502 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps will claim its own identity, once again, as CFB Shilo's Army Cadet Corps.

Commanding Officer of 2502, Captain Rob Lussier, says the plan to resurrect the cadet unit at CFB Shilo came as a result of Base Commander, Colonel Goodyear, recognizing the lack of activities for the youth on base 4 years ago. Lussier says after 4 years they're ready to branch off from 2520 and move on to its own cadet corps to become 2502 RCACC, sponsored by the Shilo Service Club, and affiliated with 1 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, the most senior Regular Forces unit in Canada, dating its roots back to 1871 in Ontario and Quebec.

The 2502 RCACC unit has a unique history, having originally formed in 1954 as the Princess Elizabeth School Cadet Corps, and sponsored by the Princess Elizabeth Public School; affiliated with the Royal Canadian School of Artillery. In February of 1972, the corps was redesignated 2502 3 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps. Numbers in both staffing and cadets struggled throughout the 1970’s and on June 18, 1982, the unit was disbanded.

Captain Lussier is excited to see what the future holds for the new corps. He, himself, has been involved in the Armed Forces for close to 40 years, having joined as a cadet with 2422 RCACC at the age of 12 in Nanaimo, BC in 1978. He spent 5 years in the Cadet Program and then joined the infantry for 5 years and continued his career in the Regular Forces as a Weapons Technician for over 20 years. Joining the Cadet Program as a Reservist under the Cadets Instructor Cadre 5 years ago has enabled him to instruct and mentor the youth of today, as a way of "giving back" to the program.

The Cadet program is known to produce leaders. Colonel Chris Hadfield, the former Commander of the International Space Station, and the first Canadian to walk in space is a former Cadet. Lieutenant-General Wynnyk had his military start as an army cadet. He was appointed Commander of the Canadian Army on 14 July 2016. "The list goes on," says Lussier. "There are many, many sea, army and air cadets out there in industry, military and in government, who have senior roles. They are CEO's and they're leaders. And our aim in this program is to develop good citizens and good leaders in our country."

There are many opportunities for youth in the Cadet program to challenge their own abilities and to get out and experience their surroundings. Canada represents the best playground for teenagers interested in the outdoors. In the program they can develop abilities in the use of map and compass, GPS technology, orienteering, first-aid, camping and survival skills, canoeing, abseiling, trekking, mountain biking, etc. As they get more experienced, some will be selected for more challenging expeditions that could include parachuting, white-water rafting, and glacier climbing. They will also learn to become outdoor leaders.

Lussier says having the cadet corps in Shilo has numerous advantages, that being the use of the base itself, as well as the outdoor training areas in the surrounding woods. The Shilo cadets will be focusing on 3 key elements this training year, that being Expedition Training, Marksmanship/Biathlon and Fieldcraft Training.

Every Cadet corps is always looking for more staff members who are interested in mentoring our youth. Captain Lussier invites those who are interested in joining 2502 as staff this year can contact him. "One does not need to have previous cadet or military training. It's exciting to be part of the Cadet program, and there are lots of amazing opportunities available, in training and in staffing at Cadet Summer Training Centres across Canada. The Cadet program is not just for youth, he says. "Anyone who just loves the outdoors and would like to be part of a dynamic youth program in Canada can join."

Cadets Canada is a youth program funded by the Department of National Defense. For any youth, between the ages of 12-18, who are interested in joining 2502 RCACC, or adult who is interested in a staff position, contact Captain Rob Lussier at 204-720-1494. Visit their website at www.2502armycadets.ca.

2502 will be parading each Wednesday evening from 1830hrs to 2100hrs (630pm-9pm) at the MPTF and is open to all youth residing in CFB Shilo and surrounding communities. Registration night for joining 2502 RCACC will be the second week of September. Visit their website for further details.