Have you ever thought about being in the army but do not want to give up your full-time job?
The Canadian Army Reserve is looking for 1,500 new members to increase the size of the force to 30,000.
Reserve units across the country opened their doors this weekend to give the public a chance to see what they do.
Lt.-Col. Luigi Andreola, commanding officer of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment in Saint John, N.B., says reservists train one night a week and one weekend a month.
Canadian Army Reserve units across the country opened their doors this weekend to show the public what they do. It was part of their effort to recruit 1,500 new members across Canada. pic.twitter.com/EcekKYyVzN
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) September 30, 2018
Andreola told our newsroom new recruits can also take part in the recently announced full-time summer employment program.
“We know it takes four years to train a soldier,” Andreola said, “so we try to guarantee the soldier four years of steady summer employment.”
The Army Reserve helps with natural disasters here in Canada and reinforces Regular Force members around the world, among other things.
Pte. James Worthington has 14 years’ experience as a cook and is using those skills with 37 Service Battalion in #SaintJohn. He told me becoming a reservist is a very fulfilling experience. pic.twitter.com/Vc2xFssvoA
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) September 30, 2018
Pte. James Worthington has 14 years’ experience as a cook and is putting those skills to work with 37 Service Battalion in Saint John.
“Going from a civilian to becoming a soldier is definitely an adjustment but it’s very fulfilling,” Worthington said. “When you finish your courses, the sense of fulfillment that you have in yourself and in the people around you is something that just can’t be described.”
Almost anyone can become a reservist, Andreola said — so long as they meet the requirements and are eligible for enrollment.
“Whether they’re teachers, students, working at McDonald’s, gas stations, Sobeys, it doesn’t matter,” he said.
