​Please find attached the Christmas/Holiday bulletin (also being sent out on CCO net), which includes a seasonal “Command Team Corner” and summaries of where we are at WRT CAP and CCW – both set for early 2021.
 
Feel free to share the bulletin with other stakeholders who may not be on our standard DWAN/CCO dist lists. The CO has also asked that area OCs and others consider printing out hard copies for placement in office lobby areas (realizing that many staff are working virtually from home).
 
Special thanks to Capt Jason Burgoin for his assistance with layout. Also, a big thank-you to all regional UPAR who have contributed so much to our PA outputs and outcomes in 2020. 
 
Our next newsletter (winter edition) is set for early-to-mid February.
 
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!

CANCDTGEN 036/20
 
Cadet Fitness Assessment Incentive Program - COVID-19 Update
 
Refs: A. CATO 14-18, Cadet Fitness Assessment and Incentive Program
B. CATO 13-02, Merit-Based Cadet Rank Promotions – Corps/Squadron
C. 1085-5 (DCOS Trg) Tasking Order 002 to Campaign Plan – Move to Phase 3 Within A COVID Environment 2020-2021 dated 18 Aug 20
D. CANCDTGEN 017/20, Direction and Guidance Related to the Close Out of the 2019-2020 Corps/Squadron Training Year
 
1. In accordance with References A and B, the Cadet Fitness Assessment Incentive Program (CFAIP) is a mandatory activity within the corps/squadron program beginning in Year Two and is a criteria for promotion after the rank of Able Cadet/Cadet Lance Corporal/Leading Air Cadet through to Petty Officer Cadet First Class/Cadet Warrant Officer/Cadet Flight Sergeant. Cadets in Year Two are required to complete only the cardiovascular component, while cadets in Year Three and above must complete all components, to include cardiovascular, muscular strength, and muscular flexibility as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living).
 
2. Comd Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers directed at Reference C that an asymmetrical approach to return to training will be adopted for training year (TY) 20/21. Factors such as local public health measures and facility availability will impact if a corps/squadron is authorized to train in-person or must continue to train virtually. However, no cadet will be disadvantaged for not completing aspects of the program due to in-person activity limitations.
 
3. Effective immediately, the CFAIP incentive level will be awarded based on completion of the muscular strength and muscular flexibility components only, as these components can be completed and assessed through virtual means. Corps/squadrons, that are authorized to train in-person and can safely conduct the cardiovascular component, should continue to include that component as part of the assessment, but will not incorporate those results when determining the cadet’s incentive level. Incentive levels will be awarded as follows:

a. all four incentive level results from the four muscular strength and muscular flexibility tests will be considered; and
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b. the overall incentive level will correspond to the lowest achieved incentive level from the two components; for example, a cadet who receives 
 
4. Direction was provided at Reference D on the process required to administer the close out of cadet training records in Fortress for TY 19/20. CFAIP qualifications were not allocated in bulk during the close out process; any qualification would have been entered by the corps/squadron. In accordance with reference B, participation in the CFAIP is a criteria for promotion. Any cadet without a CFAIP qualification for TY 19/20 will be allocated the “Participated” incentive level as of 15 Mar 20 by IT SMC. Corps/squadrons should make arrangements to conduct the CFAIP as detailed above for TY 20/21.
 
5. In accordance with reference C, direction will be provided on the process to close out training records for TY 20/21 NLT 15 Jan 21.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there hasn’t been an opportunity to conduct any in-person orienteering training or competitions as a formal RDA.  As a result, we have been working with our civilian partners to develop a plan for virtual training.
 
After some back and forth with RCSU Central leadership, we have decided to conduct two series of virtual clinics; each consisting of three 90 minute Zoom sessions delivered by our Civilian partners (Ottawa Orienteering Club and Toronto Orienteering Club).  Additional clinics may be scheduled in the future.  Sessions are scheduled two weeks apart to allow for practice between online dates.  Each clinic will be open to up to 16 people (12 Senior cadets and 3-4 Adult staff).  I am looking to load 4 cadets per Area onto this training.  Each session will cover the following material: 
 
Session 1:

• Foundations of orienteering (to include what the sport is about, safety, how to read a map and how to use a map)
• Keeping in touch with your location and progress

 
Session 2:

• Build on skills taught in Session one
• Navigation off trails
• Route choices
• Use of a compass, including bearings

 
Session 3:

• Succeeding in competitions
• Common mistakes
• Feature recognition and related skills
• How to plan, set up and conduct practice activities and courses
• Map resources for areas without access to orienteering maps

 
The goal of this training is to provide senior cadets and selected Adult Staff (Area Orienteering Coordinators or designate – note that I have started the process to coordinate their participation) with tools and resources to develop orienteering training at the Corps or Squadron.  This will, in turn, provide resources to improve performance at our Area Orienteering competitions; which I am hoping can resume next Fall.  A secondary goal is to provide resources to allow RCSU Central to conduct similar training (using our own personnel to deliver said training) for our Corps/Squadrons in the future.
 
Scheduled dates for the clinics are as follows (note that all sessions will run from 1830-2000hrs):
 
Clinic 1:  13 Jan, 27 Jan, 10 Feb 2021.  Open to cadets from OSLA, SEOA and SWOA
 
Clinic 2:  17 Feb, 3 Mar, 17 Mar 2021.  Open to cadets from COA, NGTA and NOA
 
I would like you to canvas your respective Corps and Squadrons to solicit interest in this training.  Please forward this message to your fellow Zone TrgO’s for distribution.  Note that cadets shall be a minimum of Phase 3/Silver Star/Proficiency Level 3 qualified in order to be selected.
 
Expressions of interest are to be sent to me directly (cc to the respective Area Orienteering OPI) to include the following information:
 
1. Cadet Name;
2. Corps/Squadron;
3. Confirmation that they have attended an Area Orienteering competition.  Note that participation in a competition is not mandatory;
4. Confirmation that they have a reliable, high-speed internet connection; and
5. Reason for wanting to take this training.
 
There are four billets allocated to each Area and as such, candidates will be selected on a first come first served basis.   To distribute these limited billets, I ask that only one cadet per Corps/Squadron submit an expression of interest.  Once selections are made, I shall open Technical Training serials in Fortress to the applicable Corps/Squadrons so cadets can register.
 
Deadline to submit an expression of interest is COB 6 Jan 21.   Successful candidates will be notified NLT 8 Jan 21 with coordinating instructions to follow.
 
Please note that this message will also be posted on SharePoint to solicit interest.