These cadets know a thing or two about marching (4 photos)

But to get there, members of the 2912 Army Cadet Corps, 2915 Army Cadet Corps (Naughton), 200 Air Cadet Squadron (Sudbury), Sea Cadet Corps Admiral Mount Batten (Sudbury) and Seat Cadet Corps Hero (Espanola) had to earn it.

And that they did in North Bay two weeks ago, at an event that drew some 400 sea, army and air cadets from as far away as Sault Ste. Marie, Pembroke and Midland.

First, the 2912 Army Cadets placed first in Drill Without Arms competition to write their ticket to CFB Borden.

Cadet Master Warrant Officer Christine Brouillette was the team's drill commander. Her crisp, orderly drill commands delivered in a loud, clear voice earned Brouillette the award for being Top Drill Team With Arms Captain, while the team earned a third-place finish in the category.

During the Brass and Drum Band Competition on May 10, Admiral Mount Batten and Hero pleased the crowd with their parade formations and musical abilities, and in the freestyle portion of the competition, as well.

Band members must move in choreographed synchronization around the parade square while playing their memorized music — one wrong move can easily lead to disaster.

In the ongoing 30-year rivalry between the sea cadets of Mount Batten and Royal Sovereign of Sault Ste Marie, the Soo band came out on top this year, but the Sudbury and Espanola cadets still grabbed second place among the corps participating in the competition.

The 2912's Fife Band placed third in this category, while the 2915 Army Cadet Pipe Band from Capreol took second place in the Pipe Band Category.

The Cadet Program is a national program for Canadians aged 12 to 18. There is no cost to join. For more info, visit cadets.ca.