Royal Canadian Air Cadets

CanadaArmed Forces

Aug 8

The flag of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (RCAC) represents the organization’s rich history, values, and mission. As a key component of the Canadian Cadet Organizations, the RCAC provides youth aged 12 to 18 with leadership, citizenship, and aviation-related training. The flag serves as a unifying emblem, fostering a sense of pride, belonging, and commitment among cadets across Canada.

The RCAC flag features a distinctive design that reflects the organization’s connection to Canada, the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), and the broader tradition of military service. The flag consists of a light blue field, representing the skies that air cadets aspire to explore. In the canton is the Canadian national flag which in the centre of the blue field, the emblem of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. The RCAC emblem includes a circle with a golden eagle at its heart, wings outstretched in flight. This eagle symbolizes strength, freedom, and the pursuit of excellence. Above the eagle is a gold maple leaf.

The Royal Canadian Air Cadets was founded in 1941 during World War II, initially as a program to train young Canadians in preparation for potential military service. Over time, the RCAC evolved into a leadership and aviation training organization rather than a military recruitment program.

The flag was created to reflect the cadets' connection to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and to distinguish the RCAC from the Army and Sea Cadet organizations, which have their own distinct flags. The adoption of light blue as the primary color aligns with the RCAF Ensign, which also features a similar shade of blue. Throughout its history, the RCAC flag has been carried in parades, displayed at training facilities, and used in official ceremonies to reinforce the organization's heritage and values.