This summer, two Cadets from 1867 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (Delta) Seaforth Highlanders of Canada: Cadet Warrant Officer Quintin Allen and Cadet Master Warrant Officer Jordan Baldwin, successfully completed the Exclusive Army Cadet Serial of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Basic Parachutist Course at the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre (CAAWC) at CFB Trenton.
Final selection to attend this course was rigorous and challenging, as B.C. cadets had to compete for five spots. Out of 35 of the fittest and the most experienced Army Cadets who applied, 18 were chosen to attend a one-week selection course at the Cadet Training Centre in Vernon.
Out of the 18, five were selected to attend the Basic Parachutist course. The remainder of Cadets that were selected to go to CFB Trenton were from across Canada.
This course is the only course in the cadet program where cadets can earn a qualification that carries over to the Canadian Armed Forces should they choose to pursue that path, whether in the Primary Reserves or the Regular Forces.
“Throughout the four weeks I spent in Trenton, I had my ups and downs that really taught me the meaning of what true resilience and perseverance means,” said Allen, who lives in North Delta. My first experiences in the jump school were very rocky, I had to work through obstacles with my equipment that I would soon have had to be up to standard to jump. My stress was over the roof, and I was scared to fail, this was the first time in my life where I thought that the possibility of failing was higher than me passing. This taught me real hard work.
Baldwin, who lives in White Rock, said it was the best experience of his life.
“I am very proud of my accomplishment, and I am proud to be Airborne,” he said.
In addition, Baldwin will be awarded The Major Sam Meckbach Outstanding Para Award in the Pacific Region by the Army Cadet League BC Branch.
The Cadets Canada movement is open to residents of Canada aged 12 to 18 and is free of charge. If you or anyone you know is interested in becoming an Army Cadet and participate in the program at 1867 RCACC SHoC email: 1867rcacc@gmail.com.
