Drill Team
Drill Team is an important cadet activity that may cadets take part in. Apart for further developing their proficiency in drill, the cadets learn the importance for discipline, team work, and at the end of the year, take part in a competition against other squadrons.
In 2017, the drill team placed second in the Fraser River Region and Sgt Sohi, the drill team commander, also placed second for the top drill team commander. At the beginning of the year, tryouts were held where 15 cadets and 2 spares were selected as team members. The team transformed into a close family, binding together by the soul. This was extremely important as at the competition, it is very important that we appear as one, a team, rather than 15 individuals. Overall, it was an extremely successful season and will be remembered for the years to come.
It is highly recommended that all cadets take part in drill team as it not only builds good drill and discipline, but character as well.
A drill team member is expected to participate in weekly training leading up to competition and Annual Ceremonial Review.
Band
Military Band is the most popular team of 819 Skyhawk Squadron. Any cadet may participate, even those without any prior musical knowledge or instruments of their own. Cadets in the band not only receive weekly instruction but also participate in annual band clinics. The military band performs at all C.O.’s parade nights, The Battle of Britain Parade, Remembrance Day Parade, and many other special events. Many of our cadet musicians have participated in the Tri-Service Lower Mainland Honour Band clinics and concerts.
The Military Band also competes annually in the Tri-Service Lower Mainland Band Competition. This competition consists of a 15 minute performance that incorporates both autonomous drill along with the simultaneous playing of music. This is a great opportunity to meet cadets from all over Lower Mainland and witness the hard work of other squadron bands. Additional practices, over and above the weekly Cadet Training Night, are required in order for Cadets to reach a proficiency level suitable for participation at the band competition. Participation in band will also prove very beneficial in applying for summer training musicianship courses.
Flag Party
The Flag Party has the honour and pride of carrying the Flags that represent the Squadron, Canada and the King of England. It takes hard work, team effort, precise drill, and dedication to be a part of this flight. The Flag Party participates at the weekly Training Parade, Remembrance Day Parade and many other special events.
Biathlon
Cadet biathlon develops power, endurance, strength, skill, precision and calm under pressure for cadets. The sport is a combination of cross-country skiing and marksmanship. But it is not that simple. After skiing fast and hard, biathletes must calm themselves to take accurate and controlled shots at targets 50 meters away. In a single race cadet competitors can ski up to 10 kilometers and shoot 20 targets. For the cadet, the clock is always running. It’s action-packed, physically-demanding and extraordinary to watch.
Biathlon is just one of the many opportunities that 819 has to offer.
Effective Speaking
For many people, the words “Effective speaking” have a distinct effect. It is not uncommon to be uncomfortable with delivering prepared or impromptu speeches in front of large groups, but in our increasingly competitive world, it is a valuable skill to learn young. That is precisely what a small group of cadets at 819 have the experience to do, at our squadron’s Effective Speaking Competition. After completing an effective speaking instructional program, these cadets had the opportunity to display their skills, delivering one prepared and one impromptu speech in front of a panel of three judges, as well as their family and peers.
First Aid
The 819 Skyhawk Squadron First Aid team consists of cadets ranging in rank from Air Cadet to Warrant Officer 1st Class. Together these cadets take part in first aid training courses. They practice skills such as controlling bleeding, administering CPR, immobilizing broken limbs, and responding in an appropriate matter to a crisis situation. Cadets will receive formal certification of either Emergency or Standard First Aid after completing a training course. After months of training, both the junior and senior first aid teams join together for the annual Lower Mainland Competition.
The teams are made up of four first aiders, each playing a different role. The captain is there to mostly guide the team, and to ensure all is going well, and, when possible, help out their teammates. The second and third first aiders are there to provide first aid help to the best of their ability, and the fourth first aider is there to give a helping hand. The cadets come together with their team in hopes of impressing the judges with their first aid abilities, and hopefully bring home the title of champion. Like a family, the team works together by helping each other out when needed.