Cadet Instructors Cadre Officer

Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers are members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserve Force, who lead the delivery of the Cadet Program in communities across Canada, providing safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences that help youth reach their full potential.

Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers are members of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS), a sub-component of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Reserve Force, who lead the delivery of the Cadet Program in communities across Canada, providing safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences that help youth reach their full potential.

As commissioned officers of the CAF and members of the COATS, CIC Officers are entrusted with the leadership, supervision, development, and well-being of youth participating in the Cadet Program and Junior Canadian Rangers (JCR) Program. They combine military leadership with expertise in youth development, mentorship, training, program delivery, and community engagement to create meaningful opportunities for young Canadians from every region of the country.

As they gain training and experience, CIC Officers may assume increasingly senior leadership, staff, and command appointments, with opportunities to influence the delivery of youth programs at the local, regional, and national levels. These roles may include leading personnel, managing resources, directing operations and training, overseeing complex activities, and contributing to program development and modernization. Depending on their qualifications, interests, and operational requirements, officers may also pursue specialized training and employment opportunities in areas such as expedition leadership, marksmanship, biathlon, music, aviation, seamanship, and adventure training.

The primary duties of CIC Officers are:

• Leading, mentoring, coaching, and developing young Canadians through progressive leadership, citizenship, and experiential learning opportunities;
• Planning, organizing, and delivering safe, engaging cadet training and activities;
• Supporting the administration, logistics, safety, governance, and operations of a cadet corps or squadron;
• Coordinating with other CAF members, civilian employees, volunteers, families, Canadian Rangers and community partners; and
• Helping to shape the next generation of Canadian leaders by developing leadership, citizenship, teamwork, and community engagement while fostering positive, respectful, and inclusive environments.

Most Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers serve with local cadet corps or squadrons, where they exercise leadership and responsibility for the planning, supervision, administration, safety, and delivery of youth programs within their communities. Service typically includes weekly training, weekend activities, and time dedicated to planning, administration, mentorship, and leadership development. Work is conducted in a variety of settings, including community facilities, schools, military establishments, and outdoor training environments.

Depending on their qualifications and interests, officers may also support ceremonial events, adventure training, sailing, aviation, and other specialized program activities.

In addition to part-time service with local corps and squadrons, CIC Officers have access to a wide range of full-time employment opportunities across Canada. These fixed-term positions are available at Cadet Training Centres, Regional Cadet Support Units, national headquarters, and other training and support organizations. Officers may be employed in command, leadership, operations, training development, policy development, strategic planning, project management, personnel management, governance, staff, and specialist roles that directly support the delivery and evolution of the Cadet and Junior Canadian Rangers Programs.

These full-time opportunities provide valuable professional experience, expanded leadership responsibilities, and the ability to contribute to youth development on a broader regional or national scale. Whether serving directly with cadets in local communities or in full-time positions supporting national program delivery, CIC Officers play a vital role in developing engaged, capable, and confident young Canadians.

CIC Officers are paid for authorized military service, including approved local training, courses and other periods of employment. As members of the…