As a teenager, I joined the Army Cadets at my High School in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia and eventually became head of our cadet team. At university, I joined the reserve officer university training pr0gram (ROUTP) and spent two exciting summers learning the skills of soldering, service and leadership.
Yesterday, I was reminded the CAF are recruiting. See their email below.
For those young people who have not decided to go to college or university, or for those currently studying, you might want to check out the above career site.
An excellent career option for some, while serving your country at the same time.
For those of you who read my memoir “Overseas Adventures – From Afghanistan to Zambia and Points In-Between”, you will know I was in army cadets during high school and joined the army reserves during university. Both were avenues to learn about leadership, team work, and to acquire other skills. After university, I considered joining the Forces but, in the end, pursued international development work in education and skills development.
I was reminded recently about those school/college experiences during a trip to my home town when a former high school chum was relating his time in army cadets. After a few reminiscences, we discussed the difficulties the Canadian Forces are having with recruitment. And judging by the news, it’s not just Canada. The United Kingdom are having to retire some naval ships for lack of crew!
Neither of us understood why this challenge exists especially with many young persons out of work and not able to find a job. Perhaps, it’s because many if not most Canadians have outdated ideas about what the Canadian Forces have to offer by way of careers. Indeed, I was amazed when I checked their recruitment site.
There is everything from plumbers to pilots, nurses to musicians, and technicians to engineers. The recruitment site is worth a visit just to see how much technology is now in play!
As an international development specialist of many years, I was also pleased to see on-line some important information about how Canada is supporting security abroad. Without security it’s difficult to contribute to local development.
Learn how Canadian and foreign law enforcement agencies work together in the fight against global criminal activity to ensure the safety and security of Canadians at home and abroad.
Learn about Canada’s leadership in developing, applying and testing a combination of approaches to increase women’s meaningful participation in peace operations.
Learn about Canada’s leadership in developing and implementing the Vancouver Principles, a set of pledges aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of child soldiers in the context of UN peace operations.
How to Engage?
Canada is making important contributions to peacekeeping, stability and security as well as international development efforts. You could become an international volunteer through agencies like CUSO, WUSC and Catalyste+ or you might also consider joining the Canadian Forces where there are a multitude of careers available.
It is another avenue to do good for your country, for yourself and for others.
