February Commanding Officer’s parade was held on February 7th. The commanding officers parade is formal parade night held every two months and is a chance for cadets to wear their full ceremonial dress of uniform known as C1A. Uniforms, drill and report are expected to be at the standard and is a chance for cadets to show each other, officers and guests what they have learned and what are working towards. The CO’s parade is also where cadet promotions, awards and recognitions may be given out.
At February’s parade there were promotions from LAC up to FSgt for cadets who have completed the required aspects to earn their promotion. To see the cadets who earned their promotions this week you can follow along 41 Hercules social media. You can search 41 Hercules for Instagram and 41 Royal Canadian Air Cadets on Facebook.
Cadets have the opportunity to shoot the Daisy air rifle a few times throughout the year whether for their level training or for optional activities. Cadets can earn a badge if they achieve a marksman shooting level. During CO’s parade some cadets were presented with badges achieving marksman, first class marksman, expert marksman and distinguished marksman which is the highest level to achieve where you have to shoot 2 groupings of five pellets in 1.5 cm. Bravo Zulu cadets on your achievements.
The 41 Hercules Biathlon team have been busy since the beginning of the training year practicing their endurance and shooting with participating in weekend shooting practice and running team. Last month, as seen in the previous article cadets had the opportunity to participate in a biathlon clinic and competition. At the February CO’s parade cadets were presented their Silver provincial biathlon pins to wear on their uniforms.
The CO’s parade is not only a time for the cadets to dress in their formal uniform, it is also when the officers are in their formal uniform as well. It was during the February CO’s parade where one of 41 Hercules officers was presented their promotion as well. Captain A. Drew was presented her promotion by her father Major S. Drew. Captain A. Drew’s home squadron is with 691 Indian Head Squadron but she also supports 41 Hercules in a large capacity. Captain Drew can often be found on the range at the armoury as she is the range safety officer for 41 Hercules as well as the Marksmanship coach. Bravo Zulu Captain Drew.
The next CO’s parade is April 10th and guests are welcome to come watch. In the meantime, cadets will continue to work on their drill and uniforms for the next parade. A friendly ongoing competition is in the works for cadets called the Golden boot Challenge. This competition allows cadets to challenge any cadet within two standings of themselves for the shinier boot, they continue work their way up until an ultimate winner is presented at the end of the training year.