Meet Cadet Sgt. Tucker Sweeney, the highest-ranking member of the 2467 Westlock Royal Canadian Army Cadets.
The 15-year-old began his journey with the cadets three years ago, having been inspired to join by his father, who was also in the cadets.
“He told me all about it, like the summer training camps and the field training exercises, and that sounded really cool, so it made me want to join,” says Sweeney.
Sweeney has advanced in the ranks of the cadets and is now coaching at a four-week marksmanship course at the Cadet Training Centre in Whitehorse, YK.
“Watching what Sgt. Sweeney has achieved in the short time that he has been with us fills us with pride and hope for the future. We are inspired to provide a quality program for all the youth within the Westlock area, with Sgt. Sweeney taking command,” says Cpt. Ashley Olson, Sweeney’s commanding officer at Westlock 2467.
“He has led our corps through the completion of the last training year and the 2025 Annual Ceremonial Review with grace and confidence beyond his years. This is due to his unwavering dedication and growth within 2467 RCACC. He is aware of the type of leader he wants to be and demonstrates that on a weekly basis. He has earned the respect of the cadets that are parading with us and does not take that for granted, ensuring that everything that he does or says is worthy of that respect.”
Despite his young age, Sweeney is an experienced marksman having several years of summer training experience. Sweeney also likes to do marksmanship for fun with his friends outside of cadets.
“What I like about training other people is you have to help them learn how they can also help train other people and be their coach,” says Sweeney. “So it also gives you more life experience and when you become older, maybe you become a teacher.”
Sweeney has attended various summer camps with the cadets including camps in Whitehorse, Penhold, Maple Creek and at the Rocky Mountain Cadet Training Centre. Sweeney has participated in training expeditions involving hiking, camping and survival with the cadets.
“His skills in the field are unwavering, demonstrating to the cadets what adversity in difficult situations really means,” says Olson.
Sweeney says, “It was really cool because we would go out into the field and we would learn how to read maps on a compass. I thought that was really fun. Summer camps were also really fun because you get to go see a bunch of different places and meet new people.”
Outside the cadets, Sweeney enjoys playing video games and archery.
The cadet program is open to all youth ages 12 to 18 with the 2467 Westlock branch located in the basement of 10619 100 Ave.
Registration for the Westlock 2467 Cadets opens on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. with the 2467 hosting an open house on Sept. 15 from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
