I've come to The Salvation Army's College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Winnipeg to shadow the cadets in their training. My plan is to get a feel for what life is like at CFOT so that I can share it with other Salvationists. Within minutes of arriving, I realize this isn't the college atmosphere I had anticipated.

Perhaps I'm expecting something older or run-down, but the college immediately presents itself as being in touch with the outside world. The large gallery windows in the main foyer serve as a bright and visible link between the training of Salvation Army officers and the external community. But there are also important connections to the past, such as the stained-glass windows taken from the former college in St. John's, N.L., which now feature in the main lobby. From classrooms to the cafeteria, the CFOT facility is both stylish and practical.

Academic Excellence
“One of the biggest changes in today's training model is the academic standard,” says Major Eric Bond, principal. “Not that the Army didn't emphasize academic learning in the past, but classes taught today at CFOT are accredited university courses. By the time cadets finish their 22 months of training, they are three quarters of the way toward completing a bachelor's degree.”

In addition to the accredited academic courses, cadets receive practical training in their field placements and summer and winter assignments. As well, spiritual formation is emphasized as an integral component to their training.

“Many of the cadets come with much life experience and have already completed academic degrees,” says Major Bond. “This means that the training program can look different depending on the cadets' needs. As more people enter training with the academic standards already in place, we are looking at developing more intensive field-based training for them. We want to prepare, develop and inspire them in character and competency.”

When Cadet Darren Woods entered training last year, he already had significant academic qualifications, so the Army felt his time would be best spent in the field. During his first year, he trained in London, Ont., and now he is in Charlottetown, N.L. He travels to the college for classes on occasion, and has even participated via a live video feed on the Internet.

“We want to see cadets experience growth in the field, academics and spiritual formation,” says Major Margaret McLeod, director of academic studies.

Where the Heart and Mind Meet
As I attend class with some of the cadets, I sit near the back of the room to observe. Some of them are typing away on laptops, while others write on notepads. All have their Bibles open and refer to them continually. The instructor seems relaxed but confident, and involves every cadet in the discussion about grace. All the cadets appear eager to reflect on how grace is seen at work in Scripture.

“I feel blessed to be able to study,” says Cadet Grace Kim. “Since coming to CFOT, I have learned much about the history of the Church and The Salvation Army. I've also grown in my capacity to read, study and understand passages in the Bible. Some may argue that too much focus is placed on academics in our training, but I feel this is an essential and beneficial component as I prepare for officership.”

Three times a week, the staff and cadets meet for chapel services. While the chapel has all the amenities expected in a modern worship setting, there is a sense of simplicity and intimacy as we gather together. On this day, Cadet Esther Lalrengpuii is sharing an inspiring personal testimony. Along with Cadet Charles Chalrimawia, Cadet Lalrengpuii has come to train in Winnipeg from the India Eastern Territory. Over the course of their training, every cadet will have the opportunity to share their faith story in chapel.

“The chapel services are a vital part of our community life,” says Cadet Peter Kim. “The services include intercessory prayer, advocacy, 'my story' testimonials and seasonal topics such as Advent and Lent. They draw us closer to God, to each other and to our mission in Christ.”

Community Life
The college residence is a 20-minute drive from CFOT. The cadets don't live in a dormitory-style setting, but rather in individual condominium suites. While living close to their peers can prove challenging at times, there is a strong sense of love and appreciation among the community. Within months, many of the cadets have already developed deep friendships that will continue throughout their officership.

“I particularly enjoy studying with the other cadets here at CFOT,” says Cadet Brian Bobolo, “each of whom brings a wealth of life experiences and a love for ministry that is infectious.”

College life is most challenging for cadets with young families. “For my husband and me, life is a balancing act,” says Cadet Kristen Dockeray. “We need to balance school, field placements, playing with our son, studying, having family meals, writing papers and all of the other things that go along with raising a three year old at CFOT. While this can feel overwhelming, we have been able to negotiate caring for our son and being students.”

“The community life at CFOT is important,” says Major McLeod. “It develops networks and deep-seated relationships. There is also a good relationship between the staff and cadets. There is a definite respect for the role of the officer/teacher, but at the same time, there is an ease in the classes that allows cadets to comfortably express themselves. Right now, they are cadets and we are officers, but in a matter of months, we will all be peers.”

“The staff at CFOT are extremely supportive of the cadets,” says Cadet Bethany Howard. “They are open and encouraging through teaching, spiritual guidance, mentoring and everyday interaction. If I have something I need to talk about, I can confide in a staff member. Not only that, but they will pray with me and for me, and do their best to make sure I get the support and guidance that I need.”

Hands-On Training
While the academic expectations are high, the field training is also rigorous. The goal is for cadets to get a broad exposure to a variety of ministries in The Salvation Army. This is done through placements at corps ministry units and parachurch organizations. As well, cadets are sent on extended summer and winter training assignments.

Cadet Kyla McKenzie's field placements in Winnipeg were at Weston Community Church, Winnipeg East Community Church and Community Ventures South, a day program for people with developmental disabilities. She also travelled to New Westminster, B.C., in the winter, and Robert's Arm, N.L., in the summer. Through these placements, she's experienced leading services, preaching, Bible studies and administration.

“I've been challenged by the importance of relationship,” says Cadet McKenzie. “Without it, church doesn't really happen. This has pushed me to deepen my relationship with God and then to strengthen my relationship with others.”

As cadets enter training with different ministry backgrounds and abilities, the college works toward building on this base as well as expanding their comfort zones.

“We look at cadets' prior experiences and also interview them to hear what their goals or interests are,” says Major Keith Pike, director of field education. “We try to give them experiences that will either broaden their exposure to the Army or to reinforce pre-existing interests.”

“My summer appointment in Gander, N.L., gave me a hands-on approach to what officership is really like,” says Cadet Joyce Wilson. “The corps officers ensured that I had exposure to a wide variety of ministry experiences. I was involved in vacation Bible school, leading Sunday meetings and preaching, hospital and home visitation, assisting with baby dedications and wedding ceremonies, the administrative activities of the corps, and attended a Salvation Army music camp for the first time.”

Staff advisors help encourage and evaluate the cadets. As well, placement supervisors and cadet peers offer their feedback. As I speak with cadets about their field training, they break into smiles as they offer excited and passionate explanations of their experiences. While they appreciate the importance of their academic classes, they relish every opportunity to engage in practical and relational ministry.

The field program is divided into five semesters, each with a different focus. In the first semester, cadets explore the Winnipeg context and discuss how they see the city. The second looks at the Church's response to what they've seen, which includes placements with a parachurch ministry. The third is their summer assignment. The fourth is a placement at a corps in the city to see how the Army responds. The final semester is a continuation of the fourth, with cadets seeing how corps are structured and administered.

High Expectations
While there is a definite need for officers in the territory, the training process is not easy. With challenging course assignments and demanding field work, the 22-month schedule will test the resolve of cadets. On occasion, cadets may realize that officership is not for them. On rare occasions, CFOT staff may determine this as well. No matter what, college life offers ample opportunities for cadets to confirm their calling to serve as Salvation Army officers.

“There are high standards here,” says Major McLeod. “As we evaluate cadets, we look at their academic performance as well as their experience with practical ministries in their field placements. Through the spiritual formation program, we can look at character. These three components help us evaluate whether the cadets will do well as officers.”

Although expectations are high, it's clear that the CFOT staff want every cadet to achieve the academic, practical and spiritual experience necessary for exemplary leadership.

“We are all in this together,” says Major Bond. “We want to help our cadets become successful officers.”

For more information about officer training, visit Salvationist.ca/candidates and CFOT.ca.