Captain Étienne Bossé from 2804 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps in Casselman showed off his knowledge of marksmanship during the Cadet Regional Marksmanship Competition held April 12-14 in Trenton. 

During the three-day competition, Captain Bossé coached the marksmanship team from Casselman at the Regional Marksmanship Competition. Bossé has been captain and marksmanship coach since the resumption of activities in person, in March 2022. 

The 2804 team came 17th in the province and Cadet Master Warrant Officer Riley O’Brien came in seventh out of 139 competitors. 

“All the cadets taking part in this championship gave their all,” said Bossé. “They put into practice the techniques acquired during weekly sessions and reached their highest peaks.” 

Marksmanship competitions require cadets to use the Daisy Air Rifle. Cadet’s training on how to safely handle the rifle is part of marksmanship training at the local corps and squadrons. Proper training, supervision, and following safety protocols ensure that marksmanship activities remain safe for all participants. 

“It’s a sporting discipline that encourages hard work, a high level of concentration, collaboration between team members and an opportunity to surpass oneself, learn by making mistakes and eventually achieve rewarding successes,” said the captain. 

Bossé spent seven years during his youth as a cadet before joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a Cadet Instructors Cadre officer, where he’s been an adult leader in the Cadet Program for the past 13 years. 

The Cadet Program is available to all between the ages of 12 and 18 years old. 

The aim is for cadets to develop confidence, to become self-sufficient leaders, to form lasting friendships, and to be more engaged in their communities while promoting physical fitness, healthy living, and fostering an interest in the activities of the Canadian Armed Forces.  

To become part of the Cadet Program residents are invited to visit www.canada.ca/join-cadets.