SQUARE RIG MAGAZINE by Paul Simas

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OUR COVER COVER: Hundreds of cadets from the Niagara and Greater Toronto Area paraded through the streets of Toronto in celebration of the Sea Cadet Centennial year! The cadets are shown here being inspected by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario.

WELCOME ABOARD!

elcome to our first edition of SQUARE RIG magazine! We are an independent magazine about Sea Cadets for cadets, parents and volunteers. Our goal is to celebrate Sea Cadets and their leaders, answer questions and assist our cadets throughout their careers, by offering some information to complement their own training, and with that, we hope to enhance their experience and we welcome your participation! This will be a safe place to learn about topics that may interest you, and interact with cadets, parents, officers and volunteers at a local level. Sea Cadets are our focus, but Air and Army Cadets are welcome to contribute as well! Our publication is free and we encourage it to be shared with your cadet friends! As an interactive document, all links provided on this magazine are active, which means that you can click on it and it will take you to the website or email we recommend or list.

Armed Forces publication. We are also not affiliated with the Navy League of Canada, nor any other cadet or military association. The materials and articles published in SQUARE RIG do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers, DND, the CAF or the NLC. This magazine is solely developed as a work of dedication by the writers, contributers and designers. It is entirely volunteer run and designed to be viewed as entertainment. Any questions related to policy should be directed to the Commanding Officer of your associated cadet units. Any donations and requests to advertise will be considered and appreciated. All moneys donated will be used to develop the magazine further and encourage participation in our magazine and in the Sea Cadet program.

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We are totally independent and not a part of the Department of National Defence or a Canadian 3

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Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Napas Thein recently retired from RCSCC SCARBOROUGH. He is now continuing his naval career as a Reservist in the trade of Boatswain at HMCS YORK, in Toronto

POST-CADETS CAREERS

You finished your cadet career and you are contemplating what to do. Should you just retire and move on? Join the Regular Force, Reserve or perhaps even join the Cadet Instructors Cadre? Are there any civilian careers at sea available?

our last Annual Ceremonial Review has ended and you are on your way home and soon you will take your Sea Cadet uniform off for the very last time. You contemplate your future. You loved what you learned in Sea Cadets and want to put it to use. What to do?

The Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP) gives young Canadians an opportunity to obtain both an officer’s commission in the Canadian Armed Forces and an undergraduate degree. Candidates who have been accepted at RMC, or at another Canadian university are enrolled in the CAF as Officer Cadets.

You want to go to post-secondary school and you hear a lot about RMC. That is, of course, an option available to you. The most common entrance plan is called ROTP (Regular Officer Training Plan). You apply online and select “ROTP” to join as either a member of the Regular Force or of the Reserve Force. RMC is an officer training school, so if you plan to be a non-commissioned sailor, there are other options which we will discuss later in this article.

Under the ROTP, the Department of National Defence pays for all costs of tuition, uniforms, books, instruments, and other essential fees. Officer Cadets are also paid a monthly salary (from which mandatory room, board and mess dues are deducted), undergo military occupation training, and if required, second language training during the summer months, and receive full medical and dental care at no cost. Annual vacation with full pay is granted according to CAF regulations.

Generally, ROTP will last about 5 years and you will be stationed full-time at RMC in Kingston, ON. During the summers, you will be training for your military trade. Don’t worry, of course you will have leave!

Officer Cadets are obliged to maintain satisfactory academic performance throughout the programme. Those who do not maintain a suitable level of academic performance may be permitted to repeat one

SQUARE RIG year at their own expense and, if successful, be reinstated to full pay and allowances.

Another option is to enroll at civilian universities as normal, but you are responsible for the cost. however there are assistance plans available. There are bursaries and scholarships for which you may qualify. Although joining as a reservist means you are responsible for the cost of your education, you do receive pay for all the work and training you do as a reservist, and there are class B and C (temporary part-time/ fulltime) summer employement opportunities available to augment your pay.

Upon successful completion of the ROTP, Officer Cadets are awarded a university degree, receive their commission, and become officers in the Canadian Armed Forces. Normally, graduates are obliged to serve for a minimum of five years in the CAF If you join the military as a reservist, the RMC Continuing Studies program may be for you. They offer a number of academic opportunities to all members of the CAF both regular and reserves, the spouses of CAF members, DND employees and employees of the Federal Government departments through Continuing Studies. Students who apply and qualify for admission to the RMC of Canada may take courses on Campus, via Distance Learning as full time or part-time students. The following options are available:

There are also benefits to joining the Reserves as a Non-Commissioned Memver. As a former cadet, you get an added training bonus for your previous knowledge and training. Joining as a non-commissioned member (Ordinary Seaman to Chief Petty Officer 1st Class) has its advantages. If you are not going to university, taking a year off school, or you decided to attend a 2-3 year college program, then this program is perfect for you! Besides paying you to learn a valuable trade, as a - Bachelor of Arts reservist you can apply what you - Bachelor of Military Arts and learn in the Reserves to related ciScience vilian jobs, such as cook, radio, so- Certificate in Management with nar, radar operators, boatswain, Applications to Defence marine engine, music, and many - Certificate in Military Leaderother trades that you may have ship and Management been exposed to as a Sea Cadet, and continue your learning career As well, eligible students may as a non-commissioned member! Sub-Lieutenant deBoer is a former Sea Cadet at also apply for admission to the RCSCC ONTARIO and attended 5 years at RMC. He You may, if you wish to attend uniFaculty of Science or Engineering, completed his Bachelors Degree and just received his versity after, commission from the but should be aware these pro- Bridge Watchkeeping Certificate from the Command- ranks as well, and take advantage Officer of HMCS HALIFAX, where he is currently grammes will require students to ing of RMC Continuing Education prostationed. complete most of their courses on gram! In any case, what you learn Campus. as a non-commissioned member will pay off in your future! RMC Offers many different fields of study, such as Business Administration, Economics, English, French, Hiswww.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/about/structuretory, Psychology, Military and Strategic Studies, Polical navres-home.page Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Space Science, and Aeronautical, Chemical, Should you still be interested in a career at sea, but Civil, Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineerthe military way of doing things is no longer for you, ing.You are responsible for the cost of your studies, you can join as a Canadian Coast Guard Cadet and athowever they are lower than at civilian universities. tend the Canadian Coast Guard College located in St. You may also apply for Financial Aid through OSAP. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Newfoundland! The Canadian Coast Guard Officer Training Program (OTP) is an exciting opportuniwww.rmc-cmr.ca/en/registrars-office/continuty to serve your country while making a real difference ing-studies-undergraduate-studies on Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waters. The ultimate goal of the program

SQUARE RIG is to train individuals to become highly motivated and competent Ship’s Officers who will serve at sea in the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. The program trains Officers in Marine Engineering and Marine Navigation. The 45-month training period encompasses in-class theory at the Canadian Coast Guard College, and practical experience at sea on Coast Guard vessels. The program provides Officer Cadets with a thorough understanding of ship operations and the latest in marine technology.

College in Barrie. This program is 3 years long and you receive an Ontario College Advanced program, as well participate in 3 Co-op terms. You are solely responsible to cover for your education costs but you may decide to combine it with serving as a Naval Reservist and use the money you earn as a reservist to cover your educational expenses! It offers a complete education for those seeking employment as a ship’s Navigation Officer. The specialized competencies and work experience also provide the graduate with opportunities for employment in government and in other marine -related industries.

As an Officer Cadet, you will master the theory and practical execution of either marine engineering or marine navigation. You will develop your physical fitness, second language skills, interpersonal relationships, and leadership abilities during your time enrolled in the program. You will conduct yourself in a professional manner fitting that of an officer at all times. Officer Cadets are on probation for the entire training program and are expected to attend all classes and perform to the best of their ability.

This program is accredited by the Canadian Association for Cooperative Education (CAFCE). This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Georgian’s commitment to quality in co-op education. Graduates of this program may find rewarding careers as ship’’s officers on board commercial First-year student Dawson Leadbetter demonstrates vessels throughout Canada and how to use a navigation simulator which is a requireUpon completion of the program, ment for cadets studying marine navigation at the the world. This three year co-opyou will be a leader who pro- Canadian Coast Guard College erative cadet training program motes confidence and dedication may lead to career advancement to Canada and its people. You will be responsible for to senior ranks on board ship and to positions of leadthe safety and security of life at sea and protecting ership in the marine industry. Graduates are eligible to Canada’s waters from a variety of potential hazards. write examinations for the Transport Canada Watchkeeping Mate Certificate of Competency and can gain employment in domestic and international shipping As with the military, Applying to the Canadian Coast industries. Candidates must have, as a minimum an Guard College differs from a typical application to a OSSD or equivalent with: university or college because you are not only applying to a degree program, you are also applyGrade 12 English (C or U) ing to become an employee with the Public Service of Canada. Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U) In fact, as soon as you begin your program at the Canadian Coast Guard College, you are a federal governNote: Applicants must provide a valid Transport ment employee. Canada Marine Medical stating ‘’fit for sea service’’ or ‘’fit for sea service with limitations’’. In the case of an applicant with a certificate ‘’fit for sea service with www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/College-and-Careers/college limitations’’, the application will be reviewed for admission. If however your dream is the big cargo ships and see the world, or even just be a master in one of the many www.georgiancollege.ca/academics/full-time-propassenger boats on Lake Ontario, you may consider grams/marine-technology-navigation-co-op-mnav/ taking the Marine Technology program at Georgian

SQUARE RIG Finally, another opportunity available to you is to join the Cadet Instructors Cadre and support the cadet program just like your officers did.

tensive reliability screening, which comprises of a Police Records Check (PRC) with Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS). Be prepared in order to avoid delays and repeated trips to the Centre. If you meet the qualifications, you will be approved for enrollment in the cadet corps / squadron you have chosen. Once enrolled, you are entitled to receive up to 25 days of pay per year for local cadet corps / squadron training. If you are selected to attend additional courses or are employed at a Cadet Training Centre (CTC), you will also receive remuneration.

Officers of the Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) are members of the Canadian Forces Reserve working as part of the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) whose primary duty is the supervision, administration and training of youth from 12â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19 years of age who are members of the Royal Canadian Sea, Army and Air Cadets in more than 1,100 corps and squadrons across Canada. During the summer months, full-time summer A student of the Marine Technology Program demonhow to operate the Bridge Simulator at its employment opportunities also strates You may, of course, choose not to Barrie Campus exist for CIC officers who may wish follow any of these suggestions, to work at any of the 22 Cadet Training Centres (CTCs) however we hope we provided you with enough inlocated throughout Canada. formation to assist you on your path to success! To join, you must:

If you have any questions, please contact your Commanding Officer, or feel free to write to us!

- Be of good character and in good standing in the community. - Be recommended by the Commanding Officer (CO), the sponsor and the appropriate League representative associated with the cadet corps / squadron filling a vacancy. - Be 18 years old and able to complete at least one year of service before reaching CIC compulsory retirement age of 65. - Meet specific medical standards. - Have a high school diploma or equivalent. Once you have the recommendation of the cadet corps / squadron CO, the sponsor and the League representative, you will neep to apply online and then you will be contacted by the local Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Recruiting Centre for an appointment. In order to process your enrolment form, the Centre will require your birth certificate and Social Insurance card, a transcript of your school marks and any special certificates or licenses you may hold. You will undergo a medical examination and a suitability interview. Recruiting Centre personnel will also initiate an ex-

Lieutenant(N) Armstrong, a CIC Officer, leads the cadets on a tour of HMCS HAIDA in Hamilton, Ontario.

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100 anniversary of the sea cadets th

his was a task like no other. For over 50 years a parade of this magnitude did not happen in Toronto. But this was no ordinary year. In 2018 the Sea Cadet program celebrated its official Centennial year, however its roots go much further than that, starting with the establishment of the Navy League of Canada in 1895. Its original Warrant, (Warrant No. 5) dated 16 December 1895 now hangs in their National Office in Ottawa, and its earliest branch was formed in Toronto. The Navy League of Canada, with its intent to develop a Navy for Canada, prepared a submission to the Government of Canada on the subject of maritime defence and the need for a Naval Reserve training program. In 1910, the Royal Canadian Navy was formed. With the outbreak of World War I, the Navy League committed itself to continue to advocate for Canada’s maritime interests and in providing support for the Merchant Marine and maintaining shore facilities for sea going Canadians.

Sea Cadets marching in front of Queens Park, in Toronto

purpose of coordinating work of the league in different regions. The Boy’s Naval Brigade program was changed to the Navy League Sea Cadets in 1923, and they worked much closer with the Royal Canadian Navy. In 1950 the Navy League launched a program for girls called The Navy League Wrenette Corps. It had similar objectives to the boys’ organization, and taught girls seamanship and citizenship.

With the end of World War I, the Navy League then switched focus to support Canada’s youth and launched the Boys’ Naval Brigade in 1917. Their aim was to encourage young men to consider a seagoing career and provide some initial training in seamanship and citizenship. In the beginning, the Navy League of Canada directed the brigades itself, with its own resources, techniques and funding. In 1918, the Navy League received its Federal Charter. Under the new organization, the local branches of the Navy League which previously acted independently, were now grouped into divisions for the

In 1942 King George VI, King of Canada assumed the role of the first Admiral of Sea Cadets, when the Navy League Sea Cadets became the Royal Canadian Sea Cadets. In 1953 Queen Elizabeth II made Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh, the current Admiral of Sea Cadets. 8

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The cadets of several units composing the Guard of Honour for the Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. to the newly formed Canadian Forces, having the Sea Cadets and Air Cadets switch their distinctive uniforms to the new standard green cadet safari-style uniform. Some of the remnants of the Sea Cadet uniform that survived unification, which prior to the 1960’s were virtually identical to the Royal Canadian Navy, were the gunshirt, lanyard and Seaman’s Cap.

In the 1950’s, Toronto’s Sea Cadet unit, RCSCC ARK ROYAL/ VANGUARD amassed a total of 1000 sea cadets, training at the Navy League Building on Lakeshore, where today it houses the Queen’s Own Rifles branch 344 of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The 1960’s proved to be a time of change. The Canadian Armed Forces underwent a complete reorganization Unlike the Sea Element of the Canaresulting in the unification of the Royal dian Forces, the Sea Cadets kept their Canadian Navy with the Canadian rank structure, although some Army and the Royal Canadian Air Earl Mountbatten, the uncle of Prince changes were made to accommoForce. During this time of change, Phillip, presented new colors to nine date the new mandate. the Directorate of Cadets was es- of Ontario’s Sea Cadet units at HMCS The focus of the Cadet program tablished in Ottawa to set policy YORK in Toronto on March 30, 1967. also changed from training fuCadets came from Sudbury, Hamilfor the Sea, Army and Air Cadets. ton, Weston, Scarborough, and other ture Canadian Forces members Although the programs individual areas for the ceremony. to developing community leaders cultures were spared, they adapted and good citizens. 9

SQUARE RIG ciety, such as astronaut Chris Hadfield and Walter Natynczyk, former Chief of Defence Staff. She mentioned the valuable training in leadership cadets take, helping them to anticipate and respond to the many challenges they will face in the future.

In 1975 the Navy League Wrennettes were amalgamated with the Sea Cadet program, however some units remained. The last Navy League Wrennette Corps to close was NLWC CENTENNIAL in Winnipeg. It merged with NLCC (Navy League Cadet Corps) JRK MILLEN in 1996 and it held its last summer parade on 1 September 1997.

As the main sponsor of the parade and on behalf of the TSCAA, Mr. Bill Middleton was the second speaker to the podium, and mentioned the importance of the Sea Cadet program to Canada’s Youth and how it influences our alumni even today. So much so, that even after so many years, they still get together as former cadets. One of the roles that the alumni has undertaken is to assist in the support of the current Sea Cadets, keeping an important link to the past of our own service.

In the 1980’s the DEU’s (Distinctive Environmental Uniforms) were restored to the Canadian Forces, and the Sea Cadets, although retaining their standard cadet uniform, were allowed to have the colour of their uniforms changed from green back to “Navy Blue” (black).

Today, the Sea Cadets continue to thrive. The community also gained their own alumni association in After the speeches, the Toronto, the TSCAA (Toronto Sea cadets then proceeded to Cadet Alumni Association), based the dismissal area for a well out of the Naval Club of Toronto deserved break, where they on Gerrard St, although other Sea were treated to snacks and Cadet alumni associations exist in drinks provided by the other parts of Canada as well. Regional Cadet Support Unit In fact, it was Mr. Bill Middleton, a Central, and then boarded former Sea Cadet himself, and curthe buses back to their units. Mr. Bill Middleton, a former Sea Cadet at RCSCC rent President of TSCAA that kick ILLUSTRIOUS, is the current President of the started the campaign to get the pa- Toronto Sea Cadet Alumni Association (TSCAA) It was a day to be proud of. rade going. The officers and leaders of the cadets, many former cadets themselves, were On the 9th of September 2018, at 1pm, in front of also deeply honoured by this unique event. At the the Ontario Legislative Building at Queens Park, the end of the event, Mr. Bill Middleton expressed hopes parade started. There was a 60% chance of rain and that more parades take place in the future, perhaps they day was colder than it should have been for an every 2 or 5 years, and hopes to secure a “Sea Cadet early September day. Looking proud to be there and Day” where those who are in cadets and those who with excellent dress and deportment,14 Sea Cadet served in Sea Cadets can take pride and be recogunits brought about 450 cadets to the parade. For nized for their contributions to Canadian society! many of them, this was their first time marching after their summer break and they did a great job! Performing the role of Reviewing Officer and representing Her Majesty, The Queen, was The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario. Following the March Past, Her Honour first inspected the Joint Guard of Honour and then the combined Ship’s Company of the Sea Cadets units of Niagara and Greater Toronto Area. Her Honour’s remarks alluded to former cadets who went to achieve high standing in Canadian so10

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Story and Illustration by PO1 B. Simas

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HMCS HAIDA th 76 BIRTHDAY 18

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HMCS HAIDA leaving her dock at Ontario Place on 30 August 2003. Lt(N) Simas followed her closely on board HMCS YORK’s motor boat.

was there. A rare opportunity to be on HMCS YORK’s motor boat with their CO and XO, accompanying HMCS HAIDA as she left Toronto for Hamilton on 30 August 2003, 60 years after she was commissioned. It was a cold afternoon for August. Veterans on shore cheered their old friend. Ministers and politicians shook hands. At the time, she was already in Toronto for 36 years. The ship looked odd, like it was ready for potentially dangerous surgery. Somehow that wasn’t far from reality. Our cadet unit did a lot of training on board and in turn, we got to know her well. It was great to have her as a naval training platform right here in Toronto, but also as a window to the Navy’s past itself!

were all as authentic as possible. On one Canada Day celebration, I was invited to shoot her “B” guns! What a rush that was! But there she was... Worried about her upcoming surgery and being led by the hand, her head hanging low.... Just before she left her dock, I was the man who lowered the White Ensign off her aft mast. Would she survive the trip to her “hospital” in Port Weller?

Slowly and as gently as possible, the tugs, very much aware of who they were towing, start to pull. As they pulled, HAIDA seemed to perk up. She was moving Sea Cadets from RCSCC VANGUARD on board HMCS HAIDA for a training weekend in May 1998. Toronto can be seen in the background and that was quite a We taught navigation, sight! With her head fire-fighting, seamanship and even gunnery on board her. Bells and watches now held high, HAIDA was sailing once again. In fact, as she moved further away, she looked made more sense. The cadets got to sleep on the racks even better! Proud and powerful as she once and eat at their messes. was! What a sight! We followed her for a while, Everything was there. HMCS HAIDA was an absolute first class training experience. All the sounds and smells until she was just a silhouette in the horizon. 19

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Navy League Cadets of NLCC COMPASS ROSE having a good time on board in 2018. Cadets of RCSCC SCARBOROUGH pose for a traditional photo by her guns. in June 2017.

HMCS HAIDA is known as the “fightingest ship” of the Royal Canadian Navy. During WWII, she sank 9 enemy vessels, and served two tours of duty during the Korea war in the 1950’s. She was a champion fighter, and she carried on fighting.

On June 21, 2018, HMCS HAIDA was re-commissioned a s a living memorial in a special ceremony co-hosted by the Royal Canadian Navy and Parks Canada. As such, HMCS HAIDA now flies the current Canadian Naval Ensign, which are flown by all current I had not seen her again for ships of the Royal Canadian another 13 years, when my Navy. kids who had not yet been born when she left Toronto, At 76 years of age, HMCS were part of a cadet tour of HAIDA lives to see many her National Historical Site. more Sea Cadets and Navy League cadet units visit She looked as great as she her and learn about Canalways did! She seemed well ada’s past. She is the last taken care of by her Parks surviving Tribal Class Canada staff, along with the Destroyer left in Canada Friends of HMCS HAIDA, (an and across the Commonassociation whose mission is wealth. Along with HMCS to educate communities and SACKVILLE, a Flower Class Canadians on the legacy of Corvette docked in Halifax, HMCS HAIDA) and all were they are the only two survery friendly and happy to viving vessels of more than talk to our cadets about this 400 ships that comprised grand old Canadian warship. the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II.

RCSCC VANGUARD visits HMCS HAIDA in May of 1999.

The cadets of RCSCC ONTARIO watching a demonstration on board while visiting in the spring of 2015 .

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WRITE TO US We are always looking for cool stories and pictures! Please feel free to write to us! Officers, volunteers, and cadets, we are looking at you to share all the stories, pictures and cool things you do both in and even outside of cadets! Did you win an award? Share what that means with us! Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inspire cadets all over Canada! How to reach us:

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