Military Training

A cadet's military life begins with the Initial Assessment Period (IAP), completed during a nine-week period just prior to the first academic year. This rigorous training begins the foundation required for an effective career as an officer and is the first of two courses that constitute basic officer training. The second course is the Basic Officer Training Period (BOTP), completed during a six-week period between the first and second academic years.  An immersion course in the cadet's second language follows BOTP for a further seven weeks. During summers following the second and third years, cadets receive further specialized military training.

The military side of a cadet's life at the College is designed to provide practical training in leadership and as such military training during the academic year encompasses a wide variety of activities.  These activities include: drill and ceremonial, range practices and the preparation, both practical and theoretical, for the intensive periods of summer training that take place on bases across Canada.  Senior cadets who hold leadership appointments within the Cadet Wing gain valuable experience in leadership and administration.  This experience not only allows the Cadet Wing to function smoothly but also better prepares cadets for their future employment as a junior officer.  Junior cadets develop their teamwork and followership skills that every leader must master before they are able to assume the responsibilities of command.  At one time or another, all cadets find themselves assuming a leadership role.