Agreement promises Canadian adventures for cadets

The MOU, which was officially signed by Major General Duncan Capps (General Officer Commanding Regional Command) and Canadian Commander Brigidier General Woiden, promises to promote friendship, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries through the organisation of an annual exchange programme for cadets. This is the first MOU cadet agreement to exist between two countries.

The MOU formalises and improves the arrangement for the next 10 years on an exchange which was established in 1972. The UK will send 60 cadets (ACF and CCF) to Canada each year, in an operation which is commonly referred to as Oak Leaf Exchange, where they will be integrated into summer training courses for six weeks. The agreement sees an increase on the current 50 cadets attending. The Royal Canadian Army Cadets send 60 cadets to the UK for a five week training and cultural activity programme. The agreement also sees members of each country's cadet rifle team competing in national championships.

This year's UK contingent are currently on the exchange visit to Canada where they are taking part in one of two courses. The Cadet Leadership and Challenge Course sees them enjoying a range of adventurous and challenging activities which make the most of Canada's landscape. They are camping in the Rocky Mountains where they are biking, kayaking, riding and mountaineering, learning skills such as wilderness first aid and outdoor leadership.

Those taking part in the Cadet Expedition Instructor Course are cementing skills such as navigation, survival, self-reliance, shelter building, cycling and canoeing on an 18-day expedition.