3045 ACR

In the cadet program, individual cadet corps across Canada host an Annual Ceremonial Review (ACR), a formal parade at the end of the regular training year.  It is organized to showcase what the cadets of the corps have learned throughout the year, and to present awards & promotions. The parades are attended by parents, friends, and visiting guests.  Informally, an ACR is known as an Annual Inspection. 

            

The ACR of 3045 Army Cadets took place on the evening of April 10 in Qaggivik Hall (Inuujaq School's gym).  The early date was chosen because many Inuit families are out camping, hunting, and travelling between communities in May and June.  Corps are free to choose when to host their ACRs.  When I was residing in Iqaluit last year, 795 Iqaluit Air Squadron's ACR was in late May.  When I was an army cadet at 2332 Major Holland Cadet Corps in Ottawa, our ACRs took place in early June.  Down south, most cadet corps have their year-end ACRs in June.

            

The cadets of 3045 await the order to
march on parade.

The parade was scheduled to begin at 1900 hours (7pm).  Cadets, officers, and civilian instructors began arriving at the gym at 1800 hours (6pm) to get everything ready.  The cadets also worked on polishing their boots and making sure their dress uniforms were spotless.

            

The ACR began with the placement of the Canadian and Army Cadet flags on both sides of the dias.  Sergeant D. Kigutikakjuk and Master Corporal A. Reid were the flag bearers.  With both flags firmly in place, both senior cadets took their positions as right markers.  The entire cadet corps marched on parade and were right-dressed by Warrant Officer L. Oyukuluk.  Everyone in the audience stood as the Guest Reviewing Officer, Lieutenant-Commander (Lt. Com) S. Otchenash, entered the gym.  She was escorted to the Dias by the corps' Commanding Officer, Lieutenant F. May.  Other special guests in attendance included MLA Ron Elliott and Deputy Mayor Geela Arnauyumayuq. 

            

Lt. Com Otchenash inspects cadets on
parade.

Following an Inuktitut prayer, Lt. Com Otchenash inspected the cadets on parade.  She enjoyed speaking to all of them individually.  With the inspection complete, Otchenash took her place at the Dias and observed the March Past.  Parents snapped pictures of their sons and/or daughters marching by the Dias. 

            

With the March Past completed, Otchenash was given the opportunity to address the cadets and the audience.  She spoke in English while Mishak Allurut, a freelance translator, translated in Inuktitut.  Allurut was my Inuktitut instructor during Professional Development week in mid-February.  In her speech, Otchenash congratulated the cadets for their impressive dress, drill, and deportment.  She also thanked the parents and civilian instructors for supporting the cadet movement.  

            

Lt. May continued with the awards and presentations.  First on the list was promotions.  Three cadets were promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal (formerly known as Private), the first rank with a sewn badge - one chevron.  Three cadets were promoted from Lance Corporal to the rank of Corporal - two chevrons.  Three cadets were promoted from Corporal to Master Corporal - two chevrons with a maple leaf.  And finally, one senior cadet was promoted from Master Corporal to the rank of Sergeant - three chevrons with a maple leaf.

            

I'm (left) reading the marksmanship
level requirements. Mishak Allurut
(right) translates in Inuktitut.

Despite being a small corps, 3045 Army maintains three competing teams in marksmanship, biathlon, and skills.  The marksmanship team was led by Civilian Instructor (CI) Irene Swoboda.  Before she presented her awards, I, with the help of Mishak, explained to the audience how cadets earn their marksmanship levels.  There are four levels to attain and grading is determined by how close the cadet is able to hit the target in prone and standing positions.  The rifle of choice is the Daisy Air Rifle.  Five cadets obtained a Level 2, one earned a Level 3, and six were successful in attaining a Level 4. 

            

CI Irene Swoboda presents certificates
to the marksmanship team.

Fitness plays an essential role in the cadet movement by promoting healthy living and remaining physically active.  Three areas are assessed throughout the year: cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, and muscular flexibility.  There are three fitness badges cadets can earn: bronze, silver, and gold.  This year, four cadets achieved a bronze level and one achieved a gold level.    

            

Lt. Com Otchenash presenting the award for Top Cadet to Sgt. A. Reid.

Lt. Com Otchenash was invited to present the last four awards for Best Boots & Deportment, Most Improved Cadet, Top Cadet, and Top Male & Female Athletes.  (Unfortunately, I have forgotten the names of the recipients, but I will find out shortly).

            

For the closing remarks, MLA Ron Elliott thanked everyone for attending the parade and for supporting the cadet movement.  He also congratulated the cadets for putting on a good show.  The parade continued with the playing of the national anthem 'O Canada' followed by the Advance in Review Order and General Salute.  Everyone in the audience remained standing as Lt. Com Otchenash and the reviewing party left the gym.  The cadets marched off to the sounds of the applauding audience. 

            

Retiring cadets WO Oyukuluk, Leslie and WO Attagutsiak, Bruno.

An after-ceremony reception was held just outside the gym with cupcakes, muffins, cookies and coffee being offered.  Most of the delicious sweets were prepared by Irene.  I mingled through the crowd, personally congratulating every cadet for completing the training year (even though there was still one month left).  All in all, it was a great parade.