Advice needed re: joining the Reserves

[rookie79]

Hi all,
I am interested in applying for the Reserves, and there are some questions I have which some of you may help me with before I talk to my local recruiter. I would be thankful for your advice.

#1: Work schedule
From what I have read so far, the Reserves seem to offer ideal work hours and flexibility for me. It does strike me however, that a serious job commitment like this comes "so easy". Is it really true that I can work for the Reserves by only working a minimum of 1 day per week and 2 weekends per month? I am a parent of 2 young kids and I am running a small business, so it is essential that I have a realistic picture of the work schedules that I would face. Of course I do realize that training needs more of my time, and I can certainly accommodate for that.

#2: Trades
I am torn between looking for a trade that is close to my current profession such as weapons technician (I work a lot with precision tools, and I do have some experience turning metal) or something outside of my current profession that suits my skills (three languages fluently, experience teaching) and endeavours (supporting and managing people in disaster situations or distress). Where can I get advice about this; is this forum a good place to start or should I wait with this until I have talked to a recruiter?

#3: Career development
Asides from the skills I would learn immediately, the Reserves seem like a good place for me to develop a career long-term. Is it realistic and appropriate for me to look to the Reserves for developing a career parallel to my own business? Or would it be expected of me to eventually commit full-time if I want to go anywhere "meaningful" in the Reserves?

#4: Skills I can bring to the table
Any advice on where I can find out which of my skills are going to be useful in the Reserves? I have read a lot about physical fitness here (which I am looking forward to fulfill), but I have not seen much in regards to skills from the civilian world. Should I even bother mentioning my skills/interests (a university degree, passion for martial arts and hunting, a talent for teaching people and languages) or should I rather join and then see where I fit in best?

Thank you very much for your suggestions!

 

[Eaglelord17]

As a current Reservist I will answer your questions as easily as I can.
#1: Work Schedule
The reserves generally does one parade night per week and it is a about 3 hours or so (for my unit it is from 7-10:30 usually) and in terms of weekends it mostly comes down to if you have courses or not (if you are on a weekend course it should be about two weekends a month) (also you may have something special going on with your unit that may require you to do weekend assistance once in a while). In total terms of commitment you need to only show up for one parade night a month.
#2: Trades
It all depends on the Units in your region, mine for example has a Service Battalion and an Artillery Regiment. So the trades for my region are limited to what those units would have. You will need to see a recruiter to find out what trades are available in you region
#3: Career Development
You don't need to ever commit full time to the reserves. It is very realistic to be able to develop a career in the reserves and build your business (it might make it hard to do your trades courses as they tend to be run in the summer). I personally know at least two people who are running there own business well working as a reservist.
#4: Skills you can bring to the table
Degrees can allow you to become an officer. If you go as a NCM and you say have a trades certificate as a mechanic you may be able to skip the vehicle tech trades course (this is an example). The only ones who can tell you for certain what is good for what would be a recruiter.
To sum up I would recommend talking to a recruiter.

 

[jrst]

Hi all,
I am interested in applying for the Reserves, and there are some questions I have which some of you may help me with before I talk to my local recruiter. I would be thankful for your advice.

#1: Work schedule
From what I have read so far, the Reserves seem to offer ideal work hours and flexibility for me. It does strike me however, that a serious job commitment like this comes "so easy". Is it really true that I can work for the Reserves by only working a minimum of 1 day per week and 2 weekends per month? I am a parent of 2 young kids and I am running a small business, so it is essential that I have a realistic picture of the work schedules that I would face. Of course I do realize that training needs more of my time, and I can certainly accommodate for that.

Definitely talk to a recruiter and to the units in your area to see what their expectations are.  I asked about time commitment while I was being interviewed and was told for me (since I'm trying for an officer position) the expectation would be that I was there every night, not just the minimum.  It probably varies by trade and unit, but definitely ask and they will give you an honest answer to help you decide if you can make that sort of commitment.
Good luck!

 

[Jarnhamar]

#1: Work schedule
From what I have read so far, the Reserves seem to offer ideal work hours and flexibility for me. It does strike me however, that a serious job commitment like this comes "so easy". Is it really true that I can work for the Reserves by only working a minimum of 1 day per week and 2 weekends per month? I am a parent of 2 young kids and I am running a small business, so it is essential that I have a realistic picture of the work schedules that I would face. Of course I do realize that training needs more of my time, and I can certainly accommodate for that.

After your initial training your commitment to the reserves as a trained member is 1 (3 hour)  training night a month.  If you can manage to devote 3 hours then you "stay active".    The more time you can spend training, including weekends, the more likely you are to get offered courses which advance your reserve career.  Units will often stand down over the summer months so your last work night may be in May and you don't need to report again until September.

#2: Trades
I am torn between looking for a trade that is close to my current profession such as weapons technician (I work a lot with precision tools, and I do have some experience turning metal) or something outside of my current profession that suits my skills (three languages fluently, experience teaching) and endeavours (supporting and managing people in disaster situations or distress). Where can I get advice about this; is this forum a good place to start or should I wait with this until I have talked to a recruiter?

You don't need advice about this- it's totally up to what you want.  Some people want trades in the reserves that mimic their daily job and others want something drastically different.  There are secretaries that become clerks in the reserves and doctors who enjoy being in the infantry.

Do you wanna stick with your comfort zone or try something new?

[quote[
#3: Career development
Asides from the skills I would learn immediately, the Reserves seem like a good place for me to develop a career long-term. Is it realistic and appropriate for me to look to the Reserves for developing a career parallel to my own business? Or would it be expected of me to eventually commit full-time if I want to go anywhere "meaningful" in the Reserves?[/quote]
It depends what your career is and what trade you pick in the reserves. I've found it's not very often you can transfer many skills from the reserves/military to civilian street.    Airbrakes licence is a great example. You can take an airbrakes course through the military and be qualified to drive military transport trucks (trucks painted green) yet it doesn't carry over civilian side and you need to take another course if you want to drive something with airbrakes outside of the military.

Going back to question 1, if you only show up one night a month chances are you won't get anywhere.  On the same note some reservists are very devout show up 2 training nights a week and attend every exercise and STILL have a hard time getting anywhere. It's hit and miss.

#4: Skills I can bring to the table
Any advice on where I can find out which of my skills are going to be useful in the Reserves? I have read a lot about physical fitness here (which I am looking forward to fulfill), but I have not seen much in regards to skills from the civilian world. Should I even bother mentioning my skills/interests (a university degree, passion for martial arts and hunting, a talent for teaching people and languages) or should I rather join and then see where I fit in best?

Lots of people ask that question. Answer is not much.    If you're a super black belt in karate you'll have more confidence, fitness and be able to bust up boards with your head but you won't be allowed to teach any of it to anyone in the military. Your skills will just make you more resourceful in certain situations.

 

[rookie79]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply. Judging by your answers, I have the impression that everything looks good - exactly the way I was hoping it would. Now I just have to make it in - which may be hard at this point.
I ended up calling the recruiter, and unfortunately my permanent resident status seems to be a major obstacle. I learnt on the phone from the recruiting office that "nowhere on any CF website" would it be stated that a permanent resident could join. Unfortunately, I have seen official CF websites that indicate that permanent residents may join the Reserves. So at this point I am a bit uncertain of my options. I don't want to annoy the recruiting office with too much persistence (and arguing may easily be seen as disrespectful I think), but I also don't just want to give up without giving it a really good try either. I guess I have to start on my citizenship application first, unless there are any other options for me. Ideas, anyone?