50-56 Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments

Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Instruction (CJCR Gp Inst)

Introduction

Date of Issue: 2024-09-03

Date of Verification: N/A

Application: This is an instruction that applies to cadets and members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as Civilian Instructors and employees of the Department of National Defence employed within the Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group.

Supersession: N/A

Approval Authority: This instruction is issued under the authority of the Commander Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group.

Office of Primary Interest: Deputy Chief of Staff Training

Enquiries: Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group J7 Youth

1. Abbreviations

Abbreviation	Complete Word or Phrase
CAF	Canadian Armed Forces
CJCR Gp	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group
CJCR Gp Instr	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Instructions
CJCR Gp O	Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers Group Order
CO	Commanding Officer
CPO1	Chief Petty Officer First Class
CPO2	Chief Petty Officer Second Class
CWO	Chief Warrant Officer
DND	Department of National Defence
FSgt	Flight Sergeant
MWO	Master Warrant Officer
PO1	Petty Officer First Class
PO2	Petty Officer Second Class
Sgt	Sergeant
TOR	Terms of Reference
WO	Warrant Officer
WO1	Warrant Officer First Class
WO2	Warrant Officer Second Class

2. Definitions

Leadership Appointment.

A leadership appointment is a specific long-term practical leadership opportunity in which cadets are responsible for leading and mentoring a set team of cadets, outside their peer group, to accomplish a specific duty or task. Leadership appointments are separated into tiers, based on what rank is suitable to fill each appointment.

Rank Eligibility List.

A rank eligibility list is a list of cadets, maintained by the corps/squadron, who have completed the selection process and have been determined to be eligible for a specific tier of leadership appointments.

Year.

Year refers to the training level (e.g. Phase Three, Silver Star, Level Three) and not time accumulated in the Cadet Program.

3. Purpose

• 3.1 This instruction should be read in conjunction with CJCR Gp O 5511-3, Cadet Promotions – Corps/Squadron.
• 3.2 To support the philosophy of cadets leading cadets within the Cadet Program, cadets in Year 4 and above will have the opportunity to fill leadership appointments, where they will assist in the planning and operation of the corps/squadron.
• 3.3 The leadership appointments provide cadets with an opportunity to gain practical leadership skills and experience while under the supervision of CAF members, civilian instructors, volunteers, and cadets of a higher rank.
• 3.4 The CJCR Gp is committed to ensuring that the corps/squadron leadership appointment process is conducted in a transparent, fair, equitable and consistent manner.
• 3.5 Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments are divided into 4 tiers, with each tier coinciding with specific cadet ranks as follows:
  1. PO2/Sgt/Sgt Tier: PO2/Sgt/Sgt Tier leadership appointments are introductory leadership appointments for cadets who have completed Year 3 training, to further their professional development and to allow the cadets to explore future opportunities. Cadets at the rank of PO2/Sgt/Sgt are eligible for these appointments however an appointment is not required for promotion to the rank of PO2/Sgt/Sgt. Cadets at this rank may choose to express interest in an appointment or not;
  2. PO1/WO/FSgt Tier: PO1/WO/FSgt Tier leadership appointments provide more leadership opportunities and build on experience gained in PO2/Sgt/Sgt Tier leadership appointments. Cadets eligible for promotion to PO1/WO/FSgt will be selected for PO1/WO/FSgt Tier leadership appointments prior to being promoted;
  3. CPO2/MWO/WO2 Tier: CPO2/MWO/WO2 Tier leadership appointments provide independent leadership opportunities and build on experience gained in PO1/WO/FSgt leadership appointments. Cadets will gain experience as activity leaders. Cadets eligible for promotion to CPO2/MWO/WO2 will be selected for CPO2/MWO/WO2 Tier leadership appointments prior to being promoted; and
  4. CPO1/CWO/WO1 Tier: The CPO1/CWO/WO1 leadership appointment holds the highest responsibility within the Corps/Squadron and are referred to as the Coxswain, Regimental Sergeant Major, or Squadron Chief Warrant Officer. Cadets filling this position will be expected to set a high example for the cadets and interact with adult staff, Cadet League members and community members in a professional manner. Cadets eligible for promotion to CPO1/CWO/WO1 will be selected for the CPO1/CWO/WO1 Tier leadership appointment prior to being promoted.
• 3.6 A detailed list of leadership appointments can be found at Annex A and specific position TORs on CADET365 .
• 3.7 Some corps/squadrons have a history of using titles, other than those listed at Annex A, to identify Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments. These alternate titles may be used by corps/squadrons to reflect titles used historically or by the affiliated unit. The use of alternate titles will only occur during cadet activities held at the corps/squadron. Cadets are to be advised that while attending cadet activities outside the corps/squadron, such as an Area Directed Activity or on applications for national selections, they will need to use the title listed at Annex A.
• 3.8 To reduce the administrative burden on corps and squadrons a process has been developed to create Rank Eligibility Lists. In so doing, corps/squadrons avoid the need to complete the entire selection process each time a Leadership Appointment becomes available. Once a Rank Eligibility List is created, corps/squadrons may select cadets for Leadership Appointments from the existing Rank Eligibility List. Rank Eligibility Lists will remain valid for the duration of a training year. However, the corps/squadron CO may choose to conduct selection boards after 1 May for use during the next training year.
• 3.9 The approving authority for all Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments will be the corps/squadron CO.

4. Process

• 4.1 CJCR Gp O 5002-6, Cadet Selection Process will be used, in conjunction with the criteria outlined below, to select cadets to be placed on the Rank Eligibility List and for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments.
• 4.2 Appointing cadets into Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments will be conducted using a two-phased approach:
  1. Phase 1: Cadets will apply and be selected for a Rank Eligibility List; and
  2. Phase 2: Cadets will be selected from the Rank Eligibility Lists for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments.

5. Phase 1 - Selecting Cadets for Rank Eligibility Lists

• 5.1 Typically, corps/squadrons will conduct the selection process for the Rank Eligibility Lists at the beginning of each training year, although corps/squadrons may conduct the selection process at any time there is a need to fill one or more Rank Eligibility Lists.

Identification of Needs

• 5.2 The corps/squadron will verify the need to fill one or more Rank Eligibility Lists, and the Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments associated with those tiers.

Notification

• 5.3 The cadet will be notified of the Rank Eligibility List Selection Board and the vacant Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments no later than two weeks prior to the application deadline.

Application

• 5.4 The cadets will submit an application to their adult supervisor in the form of a cover letter, résumé and supporting documentation that details how they meet the criteria for the Rank Eligibility List and the associated Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments they are applying for.
• 5.5 The cadet’s adult supervisor will:
  1. complete the Rank Eligibility List Summary form, located at Annex B;
  2. provide a recommendation in Section 2; and
  3. forward the application package to the CO or their designate.

Review

• 5.6 Following the application deadline, the corps/squadron will conduct a review of the application packages, using the Rank Eligibility List Summary located at Annex B .
• 5.7 Selection Boards: The corps/squadron CO will select the members of the selection board. The composition of the selection board will include a minimum of three to a maximum of five members. Selection board members will include:
  1. a Board Chairperson; and
  2. a minimum of two and maximum of four additional members as outlined in CJCR Gp O 5002-6, Cadet Selection Process
• 5.8 For the Rank Eligibility List at the PO1/WO/FSgt tier, and the PO2/Sgt/Sgt tier if conducted, the composition of the selection board, other than the Board Chairperson, may vary for each cadet to allow flexibility for corps/squadrons with a high volume of applicants.
• 5.9 To ensure a consistent evaluation of cadets, the members of a selection board for the Rank Eligibility List at the CPO2/MWO/WO2 tier and the CPO1/CWO/WO1 tier will be consistent for all cadets being interviewed for that tier.
• 5.10 Any real or apparent conflict of interest must be avoided; therefore, any person who has a personal relationship with any of the cadets under consideration must excuse themselves from participation as a selection board member. The corps/squadron CO will appoint another selection board member to take their place.
• 5.11 Interviews: For the PO1/WO/FSgt, CPO2/MWO/WO2 and CPO1/CWO/WO1 Rank Eligibility Lists, the cadets will participate in an interview conducted by the selection board. An interview is not required for the PO2/Sgt/Sgt Eligibility List.
• 5.12 The selection board chairperson will determine the questions for the interviews. Questions will remain the same for all cadets participating in each Rank Eligibility List selection. Each selection board member should have an opportunity to ask an interview question. The questions should be asked by the same board member to each cadet (e.g., board member two asks each cadet question number two). Questions should fall within the following four categories:
  1. corps/squadron structure or routine;
  2. the relationship between the corps/squadron and the Cadet League;
  3. leadership/problem-solving; and
  4. response to situation/scenario.
• 5.13 The Board Chairperson may reduce the number of questions to no fewer than three for the PO1/WO/FSgt Eligibility List interviews.
• 5.14 During the interview, each selection board member will record results using the Board Member Interview Results located at Annex C .
• 5.15 The selection board chairperson will record the cadet’s overall results using the Rank Eligibility List Summary, located at Annex B .
• 5.16 Selection boards and interviews may be conducted in-person or online.

Selection and Notification of Cadets

• 5.17 Select cadets for the Rank Eligibility Lists based on the results outlined in the Rank Eligibility List Summary. Cadets must score a minimum of 50% to be placed on the Rank Eligibility List, this is equivalent to the cadet being rated as “Capable” within the rubric scoring system. In exceptional circumstances, the corps/squadron CO may include a cadet in the Rank Eligibility List who scored below 50% however justification must be provided on the Rank Eligibility List Summary form.
• 5.18 Notify each cadet of their results and provide feedback on their application using DND 4836, Cadet Interview Sheet.
• 5.19 Cadets who are placed on the PO2/Sgt/Sgt Eligibility List may be promoted immediately, as selection for a Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment is optional for this tier.
• 5.20 Cadets will not be promoted to the rank of PO1/WO/FSgt or higher until they are selected for a Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment in the tier coinciding with that rank, as per CJCR Gp O 5511-3, Cadet Promotions - Corps/Squadron.
• 5.21 Rank Eligibility Lists will remain valid for the duration of a training year. However, a corps/squadron CO may choose to conduct selection boards after 1 May for use during the next training year.

6. Phase 2 - Selecting Cadets for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments from the Eligibility Lists

• 6.1 This phase consists of repeating the Review, and Selection and Notification steps of the selection process. The application packages that the cadets submitted during Phase 1 will be used to select the cadets for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments.
• 6.2 This phase will be conducted by the corps/Squadron CO or their designate.

Review

• 6.3 When a vacant Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment is identified, review the cadets in the appropriate Rank Eligibility List to create a list of the cadet(s) who have applied for the Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment(s).
• 6.4 Compare the applications with the Terms of Reference to create a list of cadets who are suitable for the Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment(s).

Selection and Notification of Cadets

• 6.5 Select cadets for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments based on essential and asset knowledge, experience and qualifications as identified in the applicable TOR. The Rank Eligibility List Summary located at Annex B may be used to prioritize cadets for Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments.
• 6.6 It is recommended that the CO, or delegate, meet with each cadet prior to granting a Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment to ensure the cadet is interested in the appointment being offered.
• 6.7 Once a cadet has been selected from the Rank Eligibility List for a Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment, they may be considered for other Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments in the same tier, which may result in a lateral move. This will allow cadets to express interest in other appointments and gain experience in other areas of the corps/squadron while at their present cadet rank.
• 6.8 If the Rank Eligibility List associated with the vacant Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment is empty, the corps/squadron CO should direct that Phase 1 be conducted to populate the list.
• 6.9 If a cadet holding the suitable rank is not available for a required Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment, a cadet holding one rank lower may be selected to fill the Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment, provided they meet the essential knowledge, experience and qualifications outlined in the applicable TOR. Promotion to the rank associated with the Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment will only be granted once the cadet has met all criteria for promotion as outlined in CJCR Gp O 5511-3, Cadet Promotions – Corps/Squadron.

7. Documentation

• 7.1 Completed documents resulting from a cadet selection process contain sensitive information and should be stored in accordance with CATO 12-31, Access to and Security of Sensitive Information.
• 7.2 Individuals who do not hold a minimum security clearance of Enhanced Reliability may act as a Board Member and complete the Board Member Interview Results form for each cadet, however they will not be granted access to the Board Member Interview Results form completed by other Board Members or the Rank Eligibility List Summary forms.
• 7.3 All conversations with cadets regarding a successful or unsuccessful application to the Rank Eligibility List or selection for a Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointment will be recorded using the DND 4836, Cadet Interview Sheet.

8. Publication

Frequency of Publication

• 8.1 A periodic review of CJCR Gp Instrs will be initiated every three years, or more frequently if necessary.

Errors/Omissions or Suggestions

• 8.2 Users of CJCR Gp Instrs are encouraged to identify any errors, omissions or suggested orders to the attention of CJCRPol-PolCRJC@forces.gc.ca.

9. References

Source References

• CJCR Gp O 5002-6, Cadet Selection Process
• CJCR Gp O 5511-3, Cadet Promotions – Corps/Squadron
• CATO 12-31, Access to and Security of Sensitive Information

Related References

• CJCR Gp O 5002-2, Training Year Placement
• TORs for Leadership Appointments at the Corps/Squadron (You are now leaving Canada.ca. Link accessible only on the Cadet365 SharePoint)

Annexes

Annex A

Corps/Squadron Leadership Appointments

Annex B

Rank Eligibility List Summary

Annex C

Board Member Interview Results

Forms

DND 4836, Cadet Interview Sheet (You are now leaving Canada.ca. Link accessible only on the Cadet365 SharePoint).