Getting in marching gear
New year for Naujaat cadet program off to solid start
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
NAUJAAT
Twenty cadets improved their skill sets when they took part in a fall field training exercise in Naujaat earlier this month.
Capt. Lloyd Francis spends some quality time with cadet Emmanuel Jr. Arnatsiaq and Cpl. Macleod Arntasiaq, from left, during a training session on the land near Naujaat earlier this month. - photo courtesy of 3055 RCACC |
The 3055 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Naujaat cadets learned about how to find and identify edible plants, water collection and filtration methods, how to start a fire, the different types of knots, how to set up a military Arctic bell tent, and how to use a map and compass, even though a compass doesn't often work so far North.
Commanding officer Capt. Lloyd Francis said the cadets travelled a distance of about 15 kilometres out on the land and back.
He said the group had great weather for a full day of survival classes out on the land.
"Most of the kids were first-year cadets," said
Francis.
"We do this exercise in the fall so, when we do our other two in the spring, they have a little familiarity with going out on the land and they've been introduced to these skills already.
"The exercise was open to everyone, but we really encourage the first-year cadets to go on this trip at the beginning of the year."
Fellow staff members James Jr. Kopak and Marlene McKinnon joined Francis with the group, as did former Ranger Harry Milortok, who made sure no unwanted four-legged guests joined the proceedings.
The 3055 is looking for more staff members to replace those it lost during the summer.
Francis said the issue was discussed during a meeting with the cadet parents earlier this month.
He said he hopes one or two people in the community step up and get involved with the corps.
"We've had about 60 to 70 cadets come our for our regular nights, so far, and that's a good number to be working with right now.
"But there are a lot more 11-year-old kids in the community who are eagerly awaiting their 12th birthday so they can join the program.
"The new high school is really supportive of our program, and it's nice to have our training location there.
"We miss the old building a bit because it has a certain character, but, after a few months in our new building, it will have that
character, too."
