The Royal Canadian Army Cadets
The Royal Canadian Army Cadets is a national youth programme for youth aged 12 to 18 years, operated and funded by the Canadian Armed Forces, in partnership with and the Army Cadet League of Canada, a civilian non-profit organization.
The programme focuses on leadership, sports, and adventure training. This is done through a training programme during the school year, summer courses, and various regional, national, and international expeditions.
Cadets are not members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and there is no expectation for Cadets to join the military.
Joining Cadets is free, there is no charge to register, and uniforms are supplied without charge. There may be some optional activities that Cadets may choose to participate in that there is a charge for from time to time. In these few instances, the charge is nominal.
709 Toronto Signals, Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps
Originally formed on September 1st, 1957, as the 8th Signal Regiment Cadet Corps, we were affiliated with the 8th Signal Regiment, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, a predecessor of today’s 32 Signal Regiment.
On April 1st, 1965, the Cadet Corps was designated the Toronto Signal Regiment Cadet Corps.
On April 12th, 1972, the Cadet Corps was designated as 2605 Toronto Communication Regiment Cadet Corps, affiliated with 709 Toronto Communication Regiment.
On May 13th, 2007, the Cadet Corps was designated with it current name, 709 Toronto Signals, thus aligning its name with the affiliated unit. Since this time, 709 Toronto Communication Regiment has been designated as 32 Signal Regiment, but 709 Toronto Signals has maintained the Regiments last historic name before its 32 Brigade designation.
Training Locations
Located in central Toronto, near Eglinton Avenue West and Dufferin Street, we have approximately 60 Cadet members – and we will always welcome you to join us! 709 Toronto Signals trains on Wednesday evenings between 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School , 636 Glenholme Avenue, Toronto.
Our formal Headquarters is located at Fort York Armoury, 660 Fleet Street, Toronto, which is also the home of our Canadian Armed Forces affiliated unit, 32 Signal Regiment, Royal Canadian Corps of Signals, who provides a variety of support to 709 Toronto Signals. Some optional training activities will take place at Fort York Armoury on a weekly basis.
For Field Training Exercises (FTX) that take place at various points in the training year, the gathering and departure point will be at 636 Glenholme Avenue or Denison Armoury, 1 Yukon Lane (west of Sheppard Avenue West and Allen Road), Toronto.
Costs
There are no costs or fees to join the Cadet programme, including all mandatory activities, summer courses, and expeditions. There may be costs to attend some recreational activities. Other secondary costs may be necessary for uniform maintenance (such as boot polish kits), snacks from the Corps Canteen, and other items such as a nametag or other non-uniform item.
Uniform
Cadets will be issued their uniform approximately 12 weeks after joining the Corps. The uniform, and any other issued equipment, remains property of the Department of National Defence must be returned upon the retirement of any Cadet. While on loan, Cadets are expected to maintain and care for their issued uniform and other issued equipment, maintaining them in a suitable and serviceable condition.
Joining the Military
Cadets are not military members and are not required to join the military. However, those who do wish to join will have an advantage over other applicants, be better prepared for military training, and may have pay incentives when joining the Regular Force.
Canadian Armed Forces Recruiting