Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my civilian
experience and skills in the Reserve Army?
Definitely your experience
and civilian training will be an important part of doing your job as a
Reservist. But it is likely, the general skills you gain in the Reserve
force, such as leadership techniques, or organization skills, will be
useful to your civilian job too. Most Army Reservists
do not choose to do the same
job in the Army they do full time; after all, if you are looking for a
challenge you will want to learn new skills.
Are there prospects for
promotion and progression in the Army Reserve?
Yes, you can be promoted
based on a combination of several things: successfully completing the
training specific to your trade, your performance, completing
professional development courses and the Army’s need for you at a higher
rank.
Will the Army Reserve
leave me time for other things in my life like my work or school?
Yes. While reservists need
to work a minimum number of days a year/month for the Army to keep a
position open for you., the key word to working as a Reservist is
flexibility; yours and the Army’s. Most Reservists have other full time
demands on their lives and that fact is considered when training and
unit activities are planned.
Is there a social life in
the Army Reserve?
Very much so. You will make
friendships that can last a lifetime. Every unit has a Mess (a social
gathering place) of which you will become a member. After working hard
there will be time to share stories.
Under
what circumstances would the Reserve Army be called into action?
Reservists may volunteer
for duty with a unit going overseas on a Peace Support Operation. Within
Canada a Reserve unit may respond to a domestic emergency like the Ice
Storm or the Winnipeg Floods, or it may assist a city or province in a
special event such as a Royal Visit.
Can I join a unit close to
home?
Most Army Reservists will
join a unit close to home. There are hundreds of units in Canadian
communities across the country. To find the unit nearest to you, go to
“Units”, choose Reserve, and then search by province. Contact the unit
to find out if they are hiring.
Can I choose to serve as
an officer or an NCO?
Serving as an officer or as
a non-commissioned member (NCM) is partly your choice and based on your
education and your leadership ability. Being an NCM takes leadership and
the ability to execute plans.
What is the training like
and how fit do I need to be?
Being a soldier is
demanding work. There is a Canadian Forces fitness standard called
XPRESS that is the minimum level of fitness you will need to achieve.
The Army is in the process of issuing new fitness standards. Staying fit
is a big part of training within a unit.
How long do I have to
serve?
There is no obligatory
period of service for a Reservist. Many people in the Army Reserve are
active part-time members of their Reserve unit through out their adult
professional lives. In effect having two careers.
How often do I go to work?
At
the moment the number of days you are expected to serve is 45 a year.
This number of days can vary depending on the military occupation you
choose; more specialized trades need more training days to be effective.
Can I go on a peacekeeping
mission?
Yes
How do I choose a trade or
occupation?
Several ways. Some people
choose trades or
military occupations (called MOC) that lets them use their civilian
skills, others choose an MOC that is very different from what they do
full time. The Recruiting Centre will help you decide what MOC you are
suited to.
Do I have to be bilingual?
No, but you will be
encouraged to learn to communicate in both official languages, after all
the Canadian Army, like the rest of the nation, has two official
languages.
For details on the entire process call (902) 678-7930 ext
2121.
Be part of our Team. Join Canada's Army Reserve.
