Recce By Death said:
Hmmm...seeing as I've been constantly working with the cadet movement since 88 and I've seen parades where they were being used....you're wrong.
Not quite. Generally speaking, just because it has been done for years, does not make things right.
Along with the ACR memos...I've seen them all pass by me, never a mention of swords no being allowed.
May be true........in your case.
This was not only at the summer concentrations (camp) but also at different cadet corps around Eastern Canada.
I assume you mean Atlantic Region in this case. Eastern Region (Quebec) has issued regional orders forbidding the use of swords, rifles and bayonets in public.........including the ACR. This adds much confusion in our world.
Now at these parades there were certain dignitaries there. Normally the ACO and higher. The last parade we conducted the ACO gave the thumbs up at that.
Quite possible. My cadet corps had one sword carried as well, though not drawn IAW the AU's customs and traditions (Medical). We got a thumbs up from the Det as well as the AU for that, with the added touch of the MC explaining why things are how they are.
If you are thinkin that some of these dignitaries are somewhat trivial and obviously don't know the rules involved with cadet, wrong again.
There is one such dignitary who took a keen interest in to how the current cadet corps I work with. He is normally there and pops in from time to time, as his son used to be with us until he aged out. This certain someone took it upon himself to get familiar with the CATOs.....intimatly familiar. His comments on the usage of C7 rifles for famil shoots made that very evident.
His last time being the reviewing officer he had commented that the flag party looked extremely sharp with the sword drill, and he seemed genuinely impressed.
Give up yet?
It was the CDS.
Wanna call him wrong?
This is a touchy subject, but I can tell you that what happens and what should happen are two, completely different events.
A (or possibly "the") Winnipeg Grenadiers Cadet Corps participated in a Memorial Trip (Exchange) to Hong Kong in the 90's. There was no question at the time that the C7 was forbidden for use by cadets. The C7, with scope, was beyond forbidden. However, while on the trip, army cadets performed the vigil at a cenotaph, in front of the public and media, using C7s with scope..............in a foreign country. Who was in attendance? The PM, the MND and the CDS. Is what happened now permitted, due to precedence? Is it now permitted due to who was in attendance? The answer is no.
The CATOs are exclusive. If it is not covered, it is not permitted, which makes Mr. Nicholson correct. However, when it pertains to customs and traditions, most are not covered by the CATOs, thus leaving Cadet Unit COs in a position to interpret the "spirit" of the CATOs and the "letter" of the CATOs. This is when a CO would consult with the Det, who would inturn consult with the RCSU (RCO).
In your specific case, your cadets were permitted to carry swords due to the support of the Det, RCO and the AU. My cadet unit (Central Region)can also carry swords, with full support of the Det, RCO and IAW the customs of the AU. This makes you correct.
Eastern Region(Quebec), regardless of customs or traditions are not permitted.
at HMCS Ontario. The field guns had a Po1 with a cutlass and an officer with a sword.
