Cadet Master Warrant Officer Sheldon Samra, from Williams Lake’s 3064 Rocky Mountain Rangers Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps had an amazing and well deserved opportunity to represent Canada this summer while training in Australia.
Army Cadet Exchange, Australia, is an advanced training course offered to senior cadets participating in the Canadian Cadet program who have displayed dedication, knowledge, and perseverance at their local cadet unit and previous summer training courses.
“Getting a chance to go on this exchange is such an amazing experience, how many people can say that they’ve travelled close to 19 hours to train with cadets from a different country?” Samra says.
“I’m most excited to experience the cultural difference, their sayings and customs, the food and all sorts of training opportunities I’ll get to take part in.”
The Army Cadet Exchange program has long been an aspect of summer training that most developing senior cadets have strived for.
Cadets such as Samra will have the opportunity to train with cadets from Australia and learn about their culture along the way.
Samra, who is 18, has been in cadets for six years and was awarded his five-year year service medal and the Lord Strathcona Medal of Excellence.
Samra just graduated from high school and in his free time enjoys working on cars.
The Canadian Cadet Program offers a wide variety of exchange opportunities every year.
Each of these advanced courses provides a unique opportunity for cadets who have completed the mandatory program to apply their skills in challenging new environments, as well as develop entirely new ones.
Selected individuals represent the best of the Canadian Cadet Program and act as true ambassadors of Canada!
“This is definitely not something everyone gets to do and so I’m really grateful for this opportunity,” Samra says
Connaught Cadet Training Centre is not exclusively home to International Exchanges, but also to the Royal Canadian Army Cadet National Rifle Team.
The cadet program is designed to develop strong citizenship and leadership qualities for youth between the ages of 12-18.
The program also aims to promote physical fitness, and stimulate interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.