What do you do in the Canadian reserves?

What exactly do you do in the Canadian Reserves?

• I have been researching a bit about the CF, and was wondering if anyone who has been in the reserves could tell me a little about it. I have no idea if I would ever actually join, but I am very interested in understanding more about it. I am a 19 year old female from British Columbia. I was wondering if it is worth it, what you would normally do on a daily basis/how it would affect your normal day to day life & how long you should stay in it if you plan on going to university (instead of being in the military for the rest of your life.) I know people who don't plan on staying in it too long are usually suggested to get lost due to the money it's costing them, and the disrespect to the country. Is there a way you can live an average/normal life while being a part of it but not necessarily "in the military"...if that makes sense. It just intrigues me because it seems like it's an amazing way to learn more about life, be more involved with your country, grow mentally/physically, get university tuition, and possibly help others. I really want to help others and I want to know if being involved part time in the reserves would be good for that, and what type of jobs you can get with it? Thanks.

• Answer:

  Your time commitment is one evening a week, 7 to 10 pm, and two week ends a month, Friday evening to Sunday afternoon. Summer concentration is 3 to 4 weeks July or August. Most reserves are well able to maintain a full time job, Monday to Friday. University students can carry a full course load. It`s not that hard. Obviously, the day time, during the week is NOT involved in Reserve training. What it does for you .............You will meet a large number of motivated, intelligent, and educated people who are proud of being a Canadian and who are not afraid of new things and new challenges to overcome. Forget about `Hollywood Movies `that is so much junk. Members of the CF are not robots, they are thinkers and doers. not couch potatoes. Everyone starts at the same place, knowing very little, and how you progess has as much to do with your attitude as your àpptitude `. Listen and absorb information, as you move ahead. Remember that the CF is NOT a social services organisation, it is a MILITARY organisation, and that is the basic and unvarnished truth. We are not social workers with weapons. We do HELP in cases of emergencies, but our first duty is to protect Canada, from our enemies, in and out side of our borders. And we do that with violence and firepower, not hankies and tea cups. Take some time to think about what I have said. JIm B Toronto.