Meet the 188 Cobra Squadron Staff !
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The squadron staff is a team of Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers, Civilian Instructors (CI) and Civilian Volunteers (CV). As members of the CIC, they belong to the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service (COATS), which is a sub-component of the Canadian Forces Reserves. The staff at 188 Cobra are specifically tasked with the supervision, administration and training of cadets. Staff have full time day jobs while they dedicate their evenings, weekends and vacation days to the development of the youth under their care. All our adult staff are trained and screened to work with youth.
Meet the 188 Cobra Squadron Staff !
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The squadron staff is a team of Cadet Instructor Cadre (CIC) officers, Civilian Instructors (CI) and Civilian Volunteers (CV). As members of the CIC, they belong to the Cadet Organization Administration and Training Service (COATS), which is a sub-component of the Canadian Forces Reserves. The staff at 188 Cobra are specifically tasked with the supervision, administration and training of cadets. Staff have full time day jobs while they dedicate their evenings, weekends and vacation days to the development of the youth under their care. All our adult staff are trained and screened to work with youth.
188 Cobra Squadron
Welcome to the 188 Cobra Squadron Family
The next opportunity to join will be on Wednesday, September 17, 2025; we will hold our Information and Enrolment Night at 7:00 pm at Denison Armoury. There will be a full presentation about the Royal Canadian Air Cadets and our Squadron. We highly recommend you register today to ensure a spot; CLICK HERE to register with 188 Cobra, and CLICK HERE to join the cadet program (please do BOTH).
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** At Least ONE Parent or Legal Guardian Must Accompany The New Recruit (Cadet) on Our Information & Enrolment Night **
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Required Forms will be provided on the Information and Enrolment night OR can be downloaded HERE.
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Other Documents:
Applicants must bring these documents before they are permitted to participate in any activity:
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The original and a PHOTO COPY of a valid Ontario Provincial Health Card (or equivalent Ontario Health Insurance)
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Proof of identity (Canadian Passport, Canadian Birth Certificate, work or study visa issued by the Canadian Government, valid Canadian or Ontario identification card) and a PHOTO COPY of it.
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When applicable, a copy of the relevant section of any court decree or judgment regarding legal guardian status.
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When applicable, a copy of the relevant section of a court decree or judgment imposing restrictions or obligations.
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If you're 12-19 years old, want to meet friends and try something new, we have just the thing for you!
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Not 12 years old yet? Consider joining the Navy League until you are old enough to be an Air Cadet!
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO PARTICIPATE?
188 Squadron is funded at the national level by the Department of National Defence in partnership with the civilian Air Cadet League of Canada. The civilian sponsor requires local community support to meet its obligations that include accommodations, training aids and equipment and program enhancements not otherwise provided. Parents and Cadets are expected to participate in and contribute to fund raising as required by the Squadron Sponsoring Committee in whatever form or manner the Squadron Sponsoring Committee decides that fund raising may take. The annual requirements will be discussed at the Recruit Information and Enrollment Night. No cadet shall ever be turned away for financial need, as we encourage all youth to participate in the program.
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WHY 'AIR' CADETS?
Air Cadets learn about the traditions of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and participate in flight-related activities. Air Cadets have a chance to earn their civilian pilot licenses through the Air Cadet program. Gliding is one of the more popular aspects of the Air Cadets and it provides a solid base for learning how to pilot more complicated aircraft.
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Many Air Cadets go on to enjoy civilian flying careers, while others choose to pursue flying as an enjoyable life-long hobby. Tons of 188 Alumni find themselves in Aviation-related careers -- be it aerospace engineering, aircraft mechanics, pilots, and more!
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The one and only Rick Mercer tells it like it is!
LOCAL TRAINING
Air Cadet Training is divided into five proficiency levels, including on-the-job training for senior cadets. Some of the courses offered to Air Cadets at the local level are:
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aeronautical facilities
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aircraft identification
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aircrew survival
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airframe structure
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citizenship
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drill
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effective speaking
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general cadet knowledge
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physical fitness
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sensible living
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marksmanship
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principles of flight
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propulsion
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radio communication
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instructional techniques
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leadership
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navigation
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meteorology
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SUMMER TRAINING
The thrill of gliding and flying provides the backbone of the Air Cadet program. Each year nearly 600 deserving Air Cadets receive flying and gliding scholarships. The remainder learn valuable life skills and important values like mutual respect, integrity and professionalism through lessons in navigation, theories of flight and aircrew survival.
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Over 9000 Air Cadets take part in summer training for FREE. Some of the courses offered:
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athletic instructor
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aerospace
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aircrew survival
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air studies
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air traffic control
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instructional techniques
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leadership
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music
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physical fitness
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rifle coach
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technical training
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How old must I be to join the Air Cadets?
You are eligible to join a squadron if you have reached your 12th birthday but not your 19th.
What are the requirements of membership?
All potential cadets must be of good character, interested in the program and prepared to attend parades regularly. You must be Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant and in good health. Permission of your parent or guardian is also required.
How often do Air Cadets train?
You will parade with your Air Cadet squadron every week. Air Cadets also participate in occasional day trips and overnight weekend training.
Are there any extra curricular activities?
We have many optional teams and clubs. We have a Drill team, Band, Marksmanship Team, Flying Scholarship Program, Effective Speaking Team, Sports and much more!
How often do Air Cadets get to fly?
Generally our squadron goes gliding twice a year – fall and spring.
If I join cadets, will I be joining the Canadian Forces?
Not at all. Cadets is a civilian youth organization with ties to the Canadian military, but it is not part of the Canadian military.
Must I buy my own uniform?
No. Complete uniforms are loaned to cadets by the Canadian Forces. You are expected to keep the uniform looking clean and neat.
Who instructs Air Cadets?
Air Cadets are instructed by officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre ("CIC", a component of the Canadian Forces who are specially trained to instruct and supervise youth) and Senior Cadets who have completed the Cadet Level Program. Civilian Volunteers such as former Service members, former Air Cadets and other persons willing to devote time to this activity are also active in the Air Cadet program. Meet our Staff!
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Looking for more information? Click HERE for answers.
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