Annual Awards

The Air Cadet Service Medal is awarded to deserving Air Cadets who have completed four years of continuous honourable service with no serious infractions. The medal is recommended for issue by the Cadet Squadron Commanding Officer and approved by the Chairperson of the Squadron Sponsoring Committee.

Eligibility:
Currently serving Air Cadets are eligible for the medal upon completion of four years of continuous service.

Bar and Rosette:
Starting from March 2013, Air Cadets are eligible to receive a bar and rosette for each year of training completed beyond the four-year qualifying period.

The Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) Cadet Medal of Excellence is awarded in recognition for individual endeavors in citizenship that meet or enhance the aims and objectives of the cadet movement. 

The main objective in awarding the RCL Cadet Medal of Excellence is to emphasize the citizenship aspects of the cadet program.  

To be eligible for consideration, a cadet must meet the following conditions: 

1. Met all requirements of the corps/sqn annual mandatory and optional training programs; 

2. Participated in a minimum of three community service events, in addition to those supported by the cadet corps/sqn; 

3. Has been regarded by peers and superiors as exemplifying the model cadet; and 

4. Has enhanced the cadet corps/sqn through: 

   1. Co-operation with peers and subordinates, 

   2. Comradeship, 

   3. Promoting goodwill and morale within the corps/sqn, 

   4. Aiding in the development of group identity and cohesiveness, 

   5. Supporting and assisting fellow unit members, and 

   6. Their involvement in the local community. 

The Lord Strathcona Medal is one of the highest awards which can be bestowed upon a cadet.  It is awarded annually to cadets to recognize exemplary performance in physical training as well as their service, performance, example and excellence as a cadet.

The recipient must have a comprehensive knowledge of the activities of the Cadet Program and must meet the following requirements: 

1. Display a high level of physical fitness;   

2. Have completed three years as a cadet (three calendar years as of end of training year - 30 Jun 2026);  

3. Have completed all requirements of their corps/sqn training program in the year of nomination; and   

4. Be regarded by peers and supervisors as exemplifying the model cadet