Career Mirror -- by Mark Sproxton

Thinking of a career with the Armed Forces? If you are between the ages of 12 and 19 then the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets might be an option. There is no obligation to join and there are bonuses like paid training in the summer. We at nextSteps contacted two sisters, Ramona and Anneliese Becht, who give us the low down on what being a Sea Cadet is all about

What is your position and rank with the Sea Cadets?

Ramona is presently a Petty Officer 1st Class(PO1), and Anneliese was the Coxswain of the corps, which is the rank of Chief Petty Officer 1st Class(CPO1). This career would be found in the Cadet organization.

How did you decide on this career?

We decided on these careers when we saw an add on TV for RCSCC Chinook in Lethbridge Alberta. So we went to one of their parades and we've been there ever since.

How did you get started in this line of work?

We got started in this line of work because we liked the discipline involved, and the new skills you learn, such as seamanship (which is only one of many taught).

What education and training was necessary?

There is no previous experience required. All you need is an interest in cadets and to like it. Don't become a cadet unless you want to be one.

What do you like /dislike the most about this type of work?

What we like most is the discipline, drill, sports (sailing, biathlon), camps, weekend exercises, the uniforms, and the commradery. We don't really have any dislikes, we enjoy every aspect of it.

What are the possible drawbacks about this type of work?

There are no drawbacks to this type of work. It gets you involved in your community, and you learn a lot of leadership. You learn responsibility for your actions and consequences thereof.

What skills, interests, ablilities or temperaments are well suited for this type of work?

The skills are learned while you go through cadets. Only join if you are really interested in navy elements, or you might find that you won't enjoy it as much. Cadets is well suited for people of various abilities. This is because we have summer courses that suit everyone's tastes. As for your temperament, you should be able to give orders as well as you receive them. You should have some self control, but if not you'll get it soon enough.

Are there any dress codes or particular details specific to this job?

The dress codes are simple, you are issued a uniform, you wear it the way it's suppose to be. With your pants ironed properly, boots polished etc.

Please describe a typical day

Typical day:

1845 - all cadets to be at the ship
1850 - coxswain falls in cadets for colors and prayers
1855 - colors and prayers, corps inspection
1910 - classses period 1
1935 - classes period 2
2000 - coxswain pipes the secure for classes
2005 - coxswain pipes stand easy
2020 - coxswain pipes the secure for stand easy
2025 - classes period3
2050 - coxswain musters ships company for sunset
2055 - sunset
2105 - coxswain falls in ships company for liberty boats
2115 - cadets to go ashore

What is the starting wage for a person in this position?

You are not paid during the normal cadet year. Cadets are only paid during summer employment at a cadet camp. the 2-3 week courses are not paid. While the 6-8 week courses are. Course cadets are paid $120-360 per week. Staff cadets are paid from $46 -60 per day. There is no cost to join cadets, or for the cadet exercises as well as being sent to camp.

Summer camps:

HMCS Quadra - Comox, BC
HMCS Qu'appelle - Ft. Qu'appelle,SK
HMCS Ontario - Kingston,ON
HMCS Acadia - Digby, NS
HMCS Avalon - St. John's, NF
HMCS Quebec - St. Jean, QUE
CFB Borden - Borden, ON
CFB Shearwater - Halifax,NS
CFB Penhold - Penhold, AB

Courses:

• 2 weeks
  General Training
  Easter Cruise
• 3 weeks
  Boatswain (training period 1)
  Gunnery Instructor (tp1)
  Basic Sail
  Basic Music
  Tall Ships
  Aerospace
• 6 weeks
  Bos'n (tp2)
  GI (tp2)
  Sail Qualification
  Music (tp2)
  Bos'n (tp3)
  GI (tp3)
  Sail Instructor
  Music(tp3)
  Cookery
  Medical Assistant, Engineering
  Shipwright
  Practical Leadership

What are your future expectations for this work?

Our future expectations are to join the Canadian Navy. Although by joining cadets you are not forced to join tha Armed Forces.A lot of cadets do though because they have found the career that suits them best.

What would you say to someone interested in joining the cadets?

Our words of wisdom would be as follows: If you are interested, give it a try. You can stay in for as long as you like. Cadets is for ages 12 to 19.

For more information on the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets contact their website at http://www.cadets.ca/seacad/intro_e.asp