Silver Star Training

Course Daybook (Course Training Plan)

Introduction

The Silver Star Course is requires training in basic instructional techniques, more advanced leadership training and an introduction to platoon drill. This training will enable the cadet to participate as a member of the cadet corps in a senior position of authority and responsibility.

This training will qualify the cadet to participate as a cadet senior NCO (Master Corporal) or cadet officer in the cadet corps. 
 

The Chief Course Instructor for the Silver Star Programme is Lt Stefan Zangov, with support from Lt Greg Reid, Mr. Fraser Cowell and Mr. Mark Service. One or more senior cadets who are Gold Star qualified, may be assigned to assist with the course administration and as instructors.

Course Requirements

Prerequisites

Course participants must have successfully completed the Red Star requirements or be a new boy in grade 10. The Silver Star is a prerequisite for the Gold Star Programme course.

Course Registration

Cadets must register for this course in accordance with the instructions provided at the start of the school year.

Handbook

Each candidate will be issued a Silver Star Handbook (A-CR-CCP-121/ PT-001) on the first day of the course. If you have not received one, please see Mr. Hamilton in the Cadet Stores. The handbook is designed as a textbook/workbook for study by Silver Star Course cadets and is yours to keep. You may add your own notes and highlight important paragraphs as you wish. You should bring your handbook to any regular Silver Star training sessions.

Other Resources

• On-line training handbook
• Silver Star Cadet Readiness Standards (pdf format)
• Silver Star Review (PowerPoint presentation)
• Glossary - Definitions and references for military and cadets terms.
• Military Courtesies and Saluting - Everything you need to know about saluting but were afraid to ask!
• Our Uniform - Being Issued With and How to Wear Your Cadet Uniform.
• How to Use a Compass - Kjetil Kjernsmos, a student at the University of Oslo, Norway, has written a series of lessons on using the compass [external site].

Silver Star candidates are expected to:

• attend all regular Silver Star training sessions and special activities,
• read assigned chapters of the Silver Star Handbook,
• submit to the course instructor any assignments given (these may include group assignments or taskings),
• write the Silver Star test.

At the completion of the course training, candidates must complete a written test at a date announced by the course instructor normally in late January or early February. The test will include questions from each chapter in the Silver Star Handbook however the emphasis will be on fundamental training.

Sixty percent (60%) or more is required to pass the written test. An opportunity to rewrite a test for those who do not pass, may be provided. If the candidate rewrites the test or writes the test at a date after the initial test is offered, then seventy-five percent (75%) is required to pass.

Results of the testing will normally be posted on the cadet bulletin board.

Qualification Rank

Cadets who successfully complete the requirements for the Silver Star (and have completed their Green and Red Stars) will be promoted to Master Corporal and be qualified for promotion to the rank of Sergeant and above.

Course Content

The course consist of the following subjects with the Handbook Chapter reference. Links indicate additional information and/or resources for that subject.

• Drill (Chapter 1) - The aim of Silver Star drill is to provide the course candidates with the knowledge of platoon drill so that they will be better qualified to function in the future in a parade appointment.

 
• Fundamental Training (Chapter 2) - The aim of Silver Star fundamental training is to further define the role of NCOs within a cadet unit and how their role complements that of the officer cadre.

 
• Field craft (Chapter 4) - The aim of Silver Star field craft is to complete instruction of the basic skills required by course cadets so that they may function as a member of a section during a patrol.

 
• Map and Compass (Chapter 5) - The aim of Silver Star map and compass is to introduce the course cadet to the topographical map.
• Lesson 1 - Introduction and How to Fold a Map
• Lesson 7 - Measuring a Bearing (Handouts)

 
• Firearm Handling (Chapter 6) - The aim of Silver Star firearm handling is to review the essential range procedures and safety precautions required to operate on a range.

 
• Marksmanship (Chapter 7) - The aim of Silver Star marksmanship is to provide the course cadet with additional skills that will assist them in improving their shooting ability.

 
• Instructional Techniques (Chapter 9) - The aim of Silver Star instructional techniques is to introduce the basic knowledge required to teach a period of instruction and to have the course cadets teach a drill and classroom mutual.

 
• Public Speaking (Chapter 10) - The aim of Silver Star public speaking to polish the cadet's presentation of a 10 minute speech.

 
• Leadership (Chapter 11) - The aim of Silver Star leadership is to provide the cadet with the background knowledge necessary to carry out small group taskings.

 
• Citizenship (Chapter 12) - The aim of Silver Star citizenship is to introduce the different types of governmental systems and to discuss the Canadian government. Participation in at least one community activity is required of all course cadets.

 
• Physical Fitness (Chapter 13) - The aim of Silver Star physical fitness is to introduce the role and responsibility of an official in sports.

 
• Sensible Living (Chapter 14) - The aim of Silver Star sensible living is to discuss crime prevention and its implementation in our community.


[Note that chapters 3 & 8 are not allocated. Who knows!]