Air Cadets learn survival skills at Cowley Glider Strip

Cadets practice lighting a fire as part of survival training

press release

Cadets from 859 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron learned aircrew survival training over the weekend of June 6th – 8th. The Cowley Glider Strip was used as the base of their training.

Friday evening commenced with a small candlelight ceremony at sunset to commemorate the anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy. In recognition of the cadet squadron’s affiliation with the RCAF Military Police, a moment of silence was observed for the 3 fallen RCMP members in New Brunswick as well.

Cadets practice lighting a fire as part of survival training

Training conducted over the weekend included skills such as knots and lashings, survival psychology, improvised shelters, radio procedures, signal fires, ground-to-air signals, and navigating with a map, compass, and GPS.

Cadets check their coordinates during an evening navigation hike

 Flight Corporals Sadie Bannick and Chase Lincez led two separate groups on a route navigation hike Saturday evening. “I thought we worked really well as a team and everyone had fun,” commented Flight Corporal Lincez after completing the evening hike. 

Cadets react to the successful launch of a seltzer-powered rocket

On Sunday, a number of rocket activity stations were set up for the cadets to experience, including seltzer- powered rockets and compressed air powered rockets. A crowd favourite however, was the demonstration of chemical reactions for propulsion – involving Mentos and diet soda. Candy and soda were not on the menu for the weekend however, as everyone involved ate military issued ration packs for the duration of the weekend.

859 Crowsnest Squadron trains every Monday night at the Elks Hall in Blairmore from 6:45 PM to 9:15 PM, September through June for youth aged 12–18 years old. New recruits are always welcome. There is no cost to join and uniforms are provided free of charge.