Despite strong numbers, recruitment continues to be a priority for the Rocky Mountain Rangers Reserve Force Regiment in Prince George.
In light of recent proposed recruitment efforts by the federal government, reserve forces are set for improvement across the country in terms of pay and benefits, to better align with regular forces where demands and services are similar.
"We are well above the expected numbers," said Capt. Michael Oviatt from the local Rocky Mountain Reserve Force. "And we have seen only steady growth as we continue to recruit."
The federal government is set to increase the size of the national reserve force to 30,000 (an increase of 1,500) and reduce the initial recruitment process from a number of months to weeks. The government also hopes to:
Form additional roles which will provide full-time capability to the Canadian Armed Forces through part-time service including light urban search and rescue, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence, combat capabilities including direct fire, mortar and pioneer platoons, cyber and intelligence operators and linguistics.
Enhance existing roles assigned to reserve force and formations including: information operations/influence activities, combat support and air operations support technicians.
Offer full-time summer employment to reservists in their first four years with the reserves commencing in 2018.
The Rocky Mountain Rangers have been in Prince George for the last seven years since the city's original and only military company based in northern B.C. left in the 1960s. And as part of an army reserve expansion project, the unit in Prince George came back with a new mission.
"Recently, the recruiting system has changed where reserve units are now taking charge of their own recruiting procedures," Oviatt said. "So anyone wanting to join should be prepared in knowing that we are in transition right now. It's a good thing though as it will allow us to take care of any capability gaps."
The local Rocky Mountain Rangers Reserve Unit, with a primary base in Kamloops, offers new recruits unique and interesting training ground environments between Prince George and Kamloops.
The primary role is infantry based but the unit does offer non-combat roles including supply technician and orderly room team roles. B Company in Prince George is also prepared to respond on short notice to emergencies such as domestic fires and floods, as well as Legion parades.
"The reserves can help recruits gain some very valuable life skills. Military training instills skills in discipline, attention to detail, teamwork and ethics," said Oviatt.
And essentially yes, those joining must be ready to serve.
But according to Oviatt, before joining, priorities need to be put in place. "Family always comes first. Second, comes your civilian job or school and then it's the reserves."
Those who are primarily between the ages 17-35 are able to join. "Besides physical fitness, recruits with a variety of skills learned, can go on to leadership roles which will only help them in the future," Oviatt said.
In 2012, the platoon had 30 members and today, 65 recruits are on board as numbers continue to grow. "I think we are here to stay now," Oviatt said.
If interested in joining the Rocky Mountain Rangers, visit: www.39cbg.com or call: (250) 552-1636.
