Graduation Day

It is graduation day! A busy day full of celebrations as successful cadets' officially become constables.

The graduating troop starts the day with an early drill practice. The cadets have been preparing a foot-drill display for the upcoming badge ceremony.

Following practice, they take time to honour the RCMP's fallen members. The troop gathers together and cadets lay roses at the Cenotaph. This intimate memorial happens without any instructors or other staff.

Welcome to the RCMP family

Before lunch, cadets greet their guests attending the graduation activities. For some, this will be the first time they have seen family or friends in six months, so it is very exciting.

The RCMP is an organization that has a focus on family and values the contribution of each of its members. The families of graduating cadets are now part of the extended RCMP family.

A career in policing is demanding and may impact loved ones. Depot hosts a Family Workshop to showcase the RCMP way of life and what to expect of these new members.

It's official

The time has arrived for the formal paperwork as cadets sign their engagement documents. Once complete, each cadet becomes a regular member of the RCMP, a constable. For this part of graduation, the troop wears their working uniform with breeches and high brown boots. As part of this right of passage, cadets remove the senior troop epaulettes.

The final Sergeant Major's Parade

After lunch, the graduating troop prepares for their final Sergeant Major's Parade. Family and friends watch and it is a proud moment as they look onto the new constables on parade, who are now in red serge. A special guest may be present to inspect these new members.

Graduation Ceremony

To start the graduation ceremony, the troop performs a foot-drill display known as the Pass Out. This complicated routine shows how well a troop can work together as a team. It's a true demonstration of esprit de corps. This routine is unique to what they have done in the typical drill classes. The troop comes together to select a song and creates a drill routine that pairs with it.

Following the Pass Out display is the Badge Presentation. The Commanding Officer of Depot presents the badges to the new constables. They can also get their badge from a family member who is serving or has served in the RCMP. If there is a graduate from one of our partner Indigenous police forces, a member from their organization presents their badge.

New members carry these badges for the rest of their careers. Each badge includes their regimental number. Assigned earlier in training, these numbers are the unique identification for each RCMP member.

The event concludes with a valedictorian address and final commands given by the Commanding Officer.

It's a long six months and there's so much to learn. Work as a team and take it one day at a time. It's worth it in the end.