Background
The program of studies at The College for Officer Training is designed to meet the requirements for the Certificate in Salvation Army Officership. Thus, it’s overriding purpose is to commission new officers who “know God, know themselves, and know their mission.”
One of the unique features of this Territory’s College for Officer Training program is that it also permits a cadet to achieve a significant portion of a degree granted by Booth University College. Each course is approved by Booth University College, and meets the accrediting standards of the Association of Biblical Higher Education.
While those two functions of the program of studies are complementary, it has been important for both Colleges to ensure their distinctive purposes.
Program of Studies: An Overview
The program for officer training takes place in three phases:
1. Introduction to Officership Course
Completion of the Introduction to Officership course is a mandatory prerequisite to the training program at CFOT. This is a three credit hour course, involving studies in the Bible, The Salvation Army, and the tasks and relationships of officers.
2. CFOT Program of Studies
The CFOT Program of Studies leads to the Certificate of Salvation Army Officership, and the ordination of cadets. This program normally takes place in a 22 month period, at the residential facilities in Winnipeg. There are three main elements to this program: Academic Studies, Spiritual Formation and Field Training. While there is an integrity to each of these elements, there is also intentional integration so that they are experienced as a cohesive program of studies.
i. Academic Studies
The program of academic studies is designed specifically for future Salvation Army officers. While cadets may take certain courses with other students, most course syllabi are designed with future officers in mind.
The College for Officer Training is associated with Booth University College. This means that all courses are taught as accredited courses, and can lead toward the eventual completion of a Bachelor of Arts (General) in Biblical and Theological Studies degree from BUC. Some cadets may already have taken post secondary education, and because of this some adjustments to their program at CFOT may be considered. Normally all cadets will be required to take the equivalent of a full course load during their training.
ii. Spiritual Formation
The spiritual formation program affords a very deliberate opportunity for cadets to engage in both corporate and individual spiritual formation. This happens through varying elements i.e. chapels, In Sundays, mentoring relationships, in class instruction and assignments.
iii. Field Training
During a cadet’s training, various opportunities are provided to facilitate practical learning and development of ministry skills. A rotation schedule will take first year cadets to many different locations in Winnipeg where cadets will observe the work of practitioners both inside and outside The Salvation Army. Opportunity for dialogue and reflection of these experiences within field training labs provides a very helpful form of learning. In-class instruction linked with practical experience, by way of assigned internships, assists cadets in achieving their field learning goals. Cadets will also be given opportunity for both a two week winter assignment, just prior to Christmas, and an eight week summer assignment.
3. Post-Commissioning Program
Upon successful completion of the officer training program, a commissioned officer will continue with a program of development for five years. This program, which includes a residential course at Jackson’s Point, is designed to lead towards Confirmation of Officership.
Click here to for a list of courses currently offered at CFOT (and cross registered through Booth University College).
