RCAC Report

OCdt. J.T. Lewis 2968 RCACC –  When Cpl. Justin Gagne speaks of the ca-et program he speaks with a lot of enthusiasm. The 14-year-old Robert Land Academy student discovered 2968 RCACC through the academy. What he quickly learned is how important the heart of the cadet program is towards his future. 

“Overall, from what I have personally seen and heard, having experience with the cadets is very good to have on your resume,” Gagne said.

He noted that through cadets he is learning about leadership and teamwork which are going to be important parts of his future.

“I think it is important because in life I can go into a leadership position, if I am a boss I will have to use leadership skills to get my coworkers and employees on the same page for success” he said.

“Leadership skills definitely are a good thing to have in life.”

This year, 2968 RCACC has experienced more in class learning, which Gagne felt is helpful to him.

“I think a lot of the classroom stuff helps,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a big fan of sitting in the classroom, but it is all helpful to make me a better cadet and ultimately a better person.”

One of the skills he noted is very important is teamwork skills that he has developed through cadets.

“Teamwork is very important because most of your life you will be using teamwork,” he said.

He likes the structure he encounters in the cadets, noting “structure is something that I really need.”

Gagne is a big fan of the different activities and training he is receiving as a member of the cadets.

“I believe that there are some really fun things to experience through cadets,” he said.

He spoke of a few things that he really enjoys, fort building/shelter building, expedition training, and marksmanship training.

“But I really enjoy canoeing the most,” he said.

He spoke about an exercise he went on with the corps last fall called the Niagara Garrison FTX where cadets learned about fieldcraft, survival techniques, navigation, canoeing, and other activities involving cadet corps from all over the Niagara Region.

“It was great to be outdoors,” he said. “I met some new friends which was really nice.”

Gagne has some good advice for someone who is sitting on the fence and who is not sure about becoming a member of the cadet program.

“Really, it’s not a waste of time, it’s useful for your future,” he said. “It looks really good on your resume if you want to go into a new school or get a job and it’s a great chance to meet new people.”

“It’s just a great time,” he said.