CATO 13-02 establishes the policy for rank promotions of cadets at the squadron (sqn). The text below is copied directly from the CATO (with Sea and Army terms omitted). Cadets who are “late joiners” should refer to CATO 51-01, Annex A, Appendix 1 for details on how their promotions differ.

“AUTHORITY AUTORITÉ
6. Sqn Commanding Officers (COs) are the authority to promote cadets in their units unless the promotion requires an exception to policy. RCSU COs will be the authority when there is an exception to policy.

CORPS / SQUADRON RANK VACANCIES
7. The maximum number of vacancies for the rank of Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) is one per sqn. There is no limit to the number of cadets that can be promoted to the ranks of Leading Air Cadet (LAC) to Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2).

RANK PROMOTION CRITERIA
8. As illustrated at Annex A, rank promotion is a progression model directly linked to the Leadership Team Model wherein cadets may be recognized for proficiency in the training program and awarded suitable advancement opportunities. Promotion is not automatic and a cadet may only be awarded one rank at a time. The specific criteria for all ranks is established to:

  1. ensure that all cadets who receive a rank promotion possess the same basic qualifications / similar experience;
  2. ensure that merit and the successful completion of corps/sqn training serve as the common standard on which all cadets are evaluated; and
  3. ensure that every cadet is given the same opportunity to advance.

9. The criteria for cadet rank promotions are as follows:

  1. promotion to the rank of Leading Air Cadet (LAC):
    (1) participated in the first year of the proficiency level training program for a minimum period of five months, and
    (2) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (sqn);
  2. promotion to the rank of Corporal (Cpl):
    (1) hold the rank of LAC,
    (2) successfully completed year one of the proficiency level training program,
    (3) participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living), and
    (4) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (corps/sqn);
  3. promotion to the rank of Flight Corporal (FCpl):
    (1) completed at least six months of service at the rank of Cpl,
    (2) successfully completed the second year of the proficiency level training program,
    (3) participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living), and
    (4) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (sqn);
  4. promotion to the rank of Sergeant (Sgt):
    (1) completed at least six months service at the rank of FCpl,
    (2) successfully completed the third year of the proficiency level training program,
    (3) achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 303 (Leadership),
    (4) participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living), and
    (5) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (sqn);
  5. promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant (FSgt):
    (1) completed at least six months service at the rank of Sgt,
    (2) successfully completed the fourth year of the proficiency level training program,
    (3) achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 403 (Leadership),
    (4) participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO X04 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living), and
    (5) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (sqn);
  6. promotion to the rank of WO2:
    (1) completed at least six months service at the rank of FSgt,
    (2) achieved a minimum of “completed without difficulty” in PO 503 (Leadership),
    (3) participated in the Cadet Fitness Assessment as part of PO 504 (Personal Fitness & Healthy Living),
    (4) recommended by the appropriate Flt Comd (sqn), and
    (5) identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process described below; and
  7. promotion to the rank of WO1:
    (1) completed at least six months service at the rank of WO2,
    (2) recommended by the appropriate Div O / Pl Comd / Flt Comd (corps/sqn), and
    (3) identified as a successful candidate through the merit review board process described below.

10. Additional leadership attributes that the Div O / Pl Comd / Flt Comd (corps/sqn) needs to consider when recommending whether or not a cadet should be promoted include:

  1. dress and deportment;
  2. conduct, discipline, and attitude;
  3. participation;
  4. response to direction;
  5. ability to interact positively and comfortably with others;
  6. ability to make sound judgements regarding their own actions;
  7. willingness to accept responsibility;
  8. ability to solve problems effectively;
  9. ability to communicate effectively;
  10. ability to set a positive example for others; and
  11. initiative.”