Marching to victory

NNSL (DEC 23/96) - Co-ordination, determination, grace and good posture make for top-notch cadet drill marches.

On Dec. 14, cadets from all over the NWT and Yukon invaded Rankin Inlet, putting these skills to the test during the annual drill competition.

"Everything went well," said Ed Burton, acting commanding officer of the Rankin Inlet Cadet Corp. "The scoring was very close."

Teams from each of five cadet zones -- Whitehorse, Inuvik, Cambridge Bay, Yellowknife and Igloolik -- participated in the competition.

For the last six years the Cambridge Bay contingent has clinched the title. But despite a remarkable effort again this year, Cambridge was unable to clinch another.

The 2837 Royal Canadian Army Cadets from Yellowknife came away with the victory trophy and medals. "It felt pretty good," said Francine Clouston, the winning cadet squad's commanding officer.

The Yellowknife team has placed second for the past two years. The last time they won the territorial title was back in 1987.

"It's a team achievement," said Clouston.

During the competition, the team of six cadets marched in fine form, everyone keeping each step and arm movements in sync.

Cadets range in age from 12 to 14 years. They are rated and marked on appearance, compulsory movement with a commanding officer and precision drills without command.

Training varies for each team. The Yellowknife cadets, Clouston said, have been meeting every weekend since September for this competition.

Senior cadets often took the responsibility of teaching first year cadets the drilling exercises.

Besides performing drill and taking part in competitions, cadets have to do well in school and perform regular community work to keep in good stead.

Clouston said young people get involved in cadets because of the challenges involved and to learn the art of drill marching.

"It's a discipline," said Clouston.