Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers
The Cadet Instructor Cadre consists of approximately 7,500 Canadian Armed Forces (CF) officers whose primary duty is the safety, supervision, administration and training of Royal Canadian Sea, Army, and Air Cadets. The Branch is the largest single group within the Canadian Forces reserve force sub-component Cadet Organizations Administration and Training Service (COATS) and is the largest officer branch in the Canadian Forces. The COATS sub-component of the Reserve Force employs members from all branches and occupations of the Royal Canadian Navy, Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Air Force of the Canadian Forces.
Civilian Volunteers and Instructors (CV/CI)
The Commanding Officer of a Cadet Corps may authorize Civilian Volunteers to assist Cadet Instructors. Civilian Volunteers shall only participate in activities that are under the overall control and supervision of a Cadet Instructor or a paid CI. These volunteers provide services directly to or on behalf of DND or the Canadian Forces, without compensation, in support of authorized cadet activities; who have completed the screening process and has been approved by the Army Cadet League of Canada. Commanding Officers shall monitor the performance of all Civilian Volunteers on an ongoing basis. Should a CO have cause for concern over a Civilian Volunteer’s performance, or otherwise determine that a reassessment is necessary, they are authorized to: suspend all participation by the Civilian Volunteer in Cadet activities terminate the Civilian Volunteer’s agreement and request that a new application and reliability screening be completed.
Commanding Officer
Captain Nicole Hastings
About me: I’ve spent over 25 years working with the Canadian Cadet Program and currently support youth as a Child and Youth Care Worker and Social Service Worker. I’m passionate about helping young people feel seen, heard, and supported—both in my work and at home, where I’m raising six amazing kids. Life is busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Deputy Commanding Officer
Captain Amy Coulter
About me: I’ve proudly served for 27 years in the Canadian Cadet Organizations, where I’ve had the opportunity to mentor, lead, and contribute to the development of young leaders across the country.
Supply Officer
Civilian Instructor Shirley Pollard
About me: I’ve been involved with the Canadian Cadet Program for over 25 years, where I’ve supported youth development, outfitted cadets with uniforms, and managed Corps equipment. I also spent 13 years with Scouts Canada, sharing my love of camping and the outdoors with young people.
Support Staff and Sponsoring Committee Member
David Pollard
About me: I’ve been supporting No.9 for 25 years, primarily through fundraising and other efforts, all in the spirit of giving back to the cadet corps. As a parent of a cadet, I’ve always felt a strong desire to help foster the growth and success of the program that has meant so much to my child and the wider cadet community.
Instructor – Green Star level
CI Susan Eglinton (she/her)
About me: I’m a dedicated Civilian Instructor with over 12 years of experience supporting cadets, with a strong focus on safety, skill-building, and hands-on learning. After retiring as a 2Lt in March 2023, I’ve continued to stay actively involved in the program, bringing the same level of leadership and care to every training session. I’ve completed phase training and hold a valid DND 404, expiring in March 2029.
One of my proudest accomplishments has been organizing and leading multi-year canoe expeditions along the Rideau Canal—from Kingston to the Ottawa River—in 2012, 2013, and 2014.
Officer Cadet Andrew Margiotta
Silver Star officer
About me: As the Silver Star Instructor and Drill SME with a dedicated cadet career spanning from 2016 to 2023. During my time with the 164 Shelburne Air Cadets, I served as the CWO for two years, building leadership and mentorship skills. In 2024, I joined No.9 as a CV, continuing to contribute to the cadet program.
Throughout my cadet journey, I’ve been involved in numerous roles, including flag party, cadet correspondent, drill team member, DCIC instructor (2022 Fsgt), and Honor Guard Commander. My experience culminated with my role as CWO at 164 RCACS, where I worked to inspire and lead fellow cadets.
Quartermaster Assistant
CV Ian Hutt, CD
About me: I’ve been part of the Canadian Armed Forces for 18 years and involved in the cadet program for the past 7. I’m passionate about mentorship, leadership, and creating meaningful experiences for youth in uniform. Outside of work, I enjoy collecting vintage Battlestar Galactica toys—a hobby that combines nostalgia with a love for sci-fi history.
Civilian Instructor
CI, Nancy Al Joukhadar (she/her)
About me: I’m a passionate instructor who thrives on helping others learn, grow, and succeed—in and out of uniform. Over the 2024-2025 training year, I’ve had the privilege of teaching and supervising youth in three distinct roles: as an Instructor, a high school Math and Physics teacher, and a Fitness/Dance Instructor.
Whether I’m leading a classroom, guiding cadets through training, or energizing a group with movement and music, I bring enthusiasm, structure, and a commitment to making learning meaningful and fun. Teaching isn’t just my profession—it’s what I love to do.