CIC officers are members of the Canadian Armed Forces and belong to the Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS). This sub-component of the Reserve Force consists of officers and non-commissioned members who, by the terms of their enrolment or transfer, have undertaken as their primary duty the safety, supervision, administration and training of Cadets or Junior Canadian Rangers.

CIC officers serve in the sea, land or air elements and receive specialized training to prepare them for their duties as youth leaders. Many of them are former graduates of the Cadet Program who wish to give back to their community. Others consist of former Regular Force members, interested parents or members of the community at large.

CIC Officers work with cadets an average of one night and one weekend day per week, with additional time devoted to organizing and planning activities. Many of them also spend their summers instructing cadets at one of the 23 cadet summer training centres or accompany cadets on competitions, expeditions or foreign exchange visits. CIC officers instruct cadets on the wide variety of skills and knowledge that is contained in the cadet program. They also provide coaching and mentorship and become role models for our youth.

To become a CIC Officer, a candidate must undergo in a series of suitability interviews and meet the following criteria:

• Be between 18 and 64 years of age;
• Hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent;
• Be a Canadian citizen;
• Meet specific screening requirements common to organizations working with youth;
• Meet specific Canadian Armed Forces medical standards.

The majority of CIC Officers devote years of their lives to the Cadet Program, providing Canadian youth with challenging opportunities that are second to none. Working with cadets is a serious commitment that requires our leaders to give their best on a daily basis. CIC Officers become role models and mentors for cadets who expect their help and support as they expand their horizons in their quest to become our leaders of tomorrow.

Although most CIC officers pursue their interest in the Cadet Program for the intrinsic rewards which come from working with youth, CIC at the local Corps/Squadron level are eligible to receive a maximum annual salary of 25 days pay. Additional pay is available for attendance on training courses, summer employment and other activities. Many CIC Officers choose to volunteer a large amount of additional time to the program.