Arctic Bay (May 09/05) - Neil Kigutaq has become the first army cadet in Nunavut to earn his national star, the highest level of training attainable.

"I feel great," said the 17-year-old in Arctic Bay, who first enroled in cadets six years ago.

In order to challenge the national star test, cadets must first clamber up the ladder and complete their green, red, silver and gold stars first. Each level usually takes a year to complete, and covers skills like marksmanship, leadership, physical fitness and land skills.

Kigutaq studied for the big test for at least a month and, as the date approached, he said he felt nervousness build up and fill his body.

When the exam arrived, however, he was full of confidence.

The test is comprised of two parts: the first is a multiple-choice exam, which several others also took, but only Kigutaq scored high enough to advance to the next section.

The second part had Kigutaq proving his strength with push-ups, sit-ups and other exercises; demonstrating his knowledge of different knots; and finding his bearings with a map and compass. He also demonstrated how he'd teach a class and a drill instruction.

"It's intense," Kigutaq said.

Cadet instructor Ron Elliot said Kigutaq has always been drawn to challenge. For the last two summers he's earned money at summer training in Whitehorse. With his national star, Kigutaq is now eligible for international training programs.

He has his eyes set on training offered in Wales this summer.

Kigutaq credits the cadets for keeping him busy and out of trouble, and for providing a bully-free environment.

"I've always had something to do," he said.