Orientation Program
For naval cadets and officer cadets (N/OCdts), the Orientation Program (OP) marks the beginning of their path at Royal Military College Saint-Jean (RMC Saint-Jean). This integration period aims at fostering their transition out of civilian life into a new role as members of the profession of arms and to post-secondary education in a military setting. The highlight of the program is undoubtedly the Obstacle Course, followed by the Badging Ceremony. These events symbolically mark the integration of new N/OCdts into the Officer Cadet Wing. It's a long-awaited emotion-packed day to which families are most welcome.
Deeply rooted in the Canadian Military Colleges’ (CMC) culture, the OP stands as a cornerstone of the military training system. It culminates in the Obstacle Course and Badging Parades, which are both important and long-standing traditions at the Colleges and are critical to forming a sense of belonging and identity for incoming N/OCdts.
Under the rubric of developing teamwork skills, building esprit de corps and honing leadership abilities, the OP consists of a three-week mix of orientation and military training activities ranging from cleaning barracks and preparing for inspections to physical training activities, small group leadership training and team-building exercises.
Officers, qualified instructors and more experienced N/OCdts ensure that the OP’s activities run smoothly, developing skills in a climate that fosters learning adapted to the needs of N/OCdts.
During this period, N/OCdts deepen their knowledge of Canadian Armed Forces values and military discipline, while developing their leadership skills in an environment that fosters good communication, group cohesion and team spirit. We also focus on building resilience and discovering our own abilities. In this context, a climate of mutual support and lasting camaraderie between squadron members prevails.
The fundamentals imparted to N/OCdts prepare them to undertake their studies in a military context, living in a community, managing their time effectively and reconciling the requirements of the four pillars of the RMC Saint-Jean curriculum: academics, bilingualism, physical fitness and the military pillar.
Obstacle Course and Badging Ceremony
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, RMC Saint-Jean invites you to a day that marks the official integration of our new N/OCdts into the Officer Cadet Wing, with two highlights of the day: the Obstacle Course in the morning and the Badging Ceremony in the afternoon. These events mark the integration of N/OCdts into the Officer Cadet Wing, and as such they represent a turning point in the participants’ journey.
Carrousel de photos
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets pulling a military vehicle during an Obstacle Course event.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets during the grand entrance of the Obstacle Course.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets during the grand entrance of the Obstacle Course.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets navigating during an Obstacle Course event.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets swimming during an open water challenge.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets marching during the Badging Ceremony.
Musicians leading the march of Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets during the Badging Ceremony.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets performing drill movements during the Badging Ceremony.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets taking part in the inspection during the Badging Ceremony.
Naval Cadets and Officer Cadets performing flag guard duties during the badging ceremony.
Group photo of the command team, Naval Cadets, Officer Cadets, and alumni during the Badging Ceremony.
To see more photos, visit our flickr page.
Obstacle Course
The culmination of the Orientation Program, the Obstacle Course represents a demanding physical, mental and moral challenge. It is designed to mobilize all the participants’ capacities and to go well beyond physical endurance: to succeed, squadrons must work as a team and rely on cohesion.
Character and leadership skills are revealed along the way. Endurance, concentration and perseverance are needed to move swiftly to overcome obstacles vertically or in an aquatic environment, where each action requires control, strength and composure. Stress and time management become crucial in a context where every second counts.
Group cohesion is essential: towing a vehicle weighing several tons can be achieved with coordination, solidarity and a common goal. We need to plan quickly, anticipate and adapt.
Resilience is put to the test, and remaining action-oriented despite fatigue calls for self-control. Crawling, climbing, crossing: repeated under pressure, they reinforce discipline and mutual trust. Constant courage is also needed to face discomfort, the unknown and one’s own limits.
To sum up, this event is much more than just a challenge: it embodies the fundamental values of military life: commitment, mutual support, perseverance, humility in the face of difficulty and pride in belonging to a unit.
Badging Ceremony
At the end of the Obstacle Course, the new N/OCdts receive their CMC Badge in the presence of family and friends, College staff and alumni. This solemn military ceremony marks their official entry into the Officer Cadet Wing.
The badges are presented to N/OCdts by CMC alumni during a military parade. This is an important milestone symbolizing the transmission of military values and identity from one generation to another. This military parade is also an opportunity to show parents and friends the drill skills developed during the Orientation Program over the previous weeks.
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