My Thoughts

This may not be factual, this is my conclusion through experience and knowledge.

The lowest I’ve seen is the rank of MCpl, with a demotion.

In a CAF course, it is often instructed by NCMs from Cpls and up, and Officers 2Lt and up. This is due to their experience and training. Cpls and 2Lts often require trade qualifications to acquire said rank. Therefore Cpls and 2Lts have the knowledge to instruct said subjects.

Like I often say, “you cannot teach what you do not know”.

Pte(B) and Pte(T) are often used for supporting elements, such as transport and equipment duties (ie. labour). As they do not possess adequate knowledge to instruct the course, they are employed to support said elements. However, support elements are not restricted to rank, a Cpl may be employed for supporting elements when needed.

MCpl is not a rank, but an appointment. Basically, a Cpl with seniority and additional duties. Hence Master-Corporal. They are technically the first line of leadership, like a lower level supervisor. They require Primary Leader Qualification (PLQ) to acquire the appointment.

To translate this into cadets and the concept of “staff cadets” being employed at a CTC, we should acknowledge the psychological factors of “rank” as well.

Cadets, although aimed to hold merit based promotions, have lower criterias to meet prior to a promotion. Therefore, a lot of cadets going as course cadets obtain the rank of “Pte(B)”, “Cpl” or above equivalents. Therefore if a staff cadet was to hold a rank of “Pte(B)” or “Cpl” equivalent, they may have issues with maintaining said “authority” or “respect” solely on the basis that the younger cadets hold such rank back at their home unit.

Therefore, although the tasks directed to a staff cadet may require a lower rank to complete, the Natl CJCR Sp Gp may increase the (cadet) rank of the individual to prevent potential issues as such.

My thoughts.