Canadian Ranger option

[Blunt Object]

I'm joining the ASH of C (P.L.) and when I went tro get my application papers today and on it there was a "Canadian Ranger" option with the reserves and regs ones. Does this mean that they're already forming platoons and trainning and such?

 

[PPCLI MCpl]

The Canadian Rangers are part-time reservists who provide a military presence in remote, isolated and coastal communities of Canada.

Canadian Rangers are responsible for protecting Canada's sovereignty by reporting unusual activities or sightings, collecting local data of significance to the Canadian Forces, and conducting surveillance or sovereignty patrols as required. Canadian Rangers are easily recognized by their red sweatshirts and ball caps.

There are currently 4,000 Canadian Rangers in 165 communities across Canada. This number is expected to increase to 4,800 by March 2008, however, as expansion plans near completion.

Check out this link:   http://www.rangers.forces.gc.ca/intro_e.asp

 

[George Wallace]

I'm joining the ASH of C (P.L.) and when I went tro get my application papers today and on it there was a "Canadian Ranger" option with the reserves and regs ones. Does this mean that they're already forming platoons and trainning and such?

It is no secret.  We have had Rangers for over sixty years.  Do you like hunting and fishing?  Do you figure you could handle the punch of a .303?  Do you prefer Seal or Caribou?  Have you acquired a desire to eat Arctic Char?  Do you want to move North of 60?  If so, you can possibly join the Canadian Rangers.  They for the most part are Inuit, but there are a few 'white guys' and some CF members in the Ranger Units.

 

[Sf2]

and an excellent group to work with I might add.....

 

[LF(CMO)]

"They for the most part are Inuit, but there are a few 'white guys' and some CF members in the Ranger Units" 

The above may be accurate for 'north of 60', however the three patrols that I'm familiar with in the Central Interior and Peace River area of BC are nearly all white with some Metis.  A good friend of mine, Sgt. Mike Goodall, is the partol leader of the Vanderhof/ Ft Frasier patrol.  He won the national competition a couple of years ago with the .303.  I believe this included Reg force and P-Res competitors as well.  He is ex British Para.

 

[Danjanou]

"They for the most part are Inuit, but there are a few 'white guys' and some CF members in the Ranger Units"  

The above may be accurate for 'north of 60', however the three patrols that I'm familiar with in the Central Interior and Peace River area of BC are nearly all white with some Metis.   A good friend of mine, Sgt. Mike Goodall, is the partol leader of the Vanderhof/ Ft Frasier patrol.   He won the national competition a couple of years ago with the .303.   I believe this included Reg force and P-Res competitors as well.   He is ex British Para.

Same in Labrador (or at least back in the late 1980's) quite a few non natives in the patrols there IIRC, working in the various towns/industries etc. Many were also ex military, which just added to the overall effectivness of the units IMHO.

 

[Sergeant295]

Anytime someone comes to me seeking advice or encouragment about joining the reserve force I always bring up the Ranger option.  I have nothing but a great deal of respect for them, their dedication and the work that they do.  The were well deserving of the SSM they got a few years back!  I would consider this option if I were you.

 

[LF(CMO)]

'Many were also ex military, which just added to the overall effectivness of the units IMHO'.

Excerpts from an article that was published in the 'CALDONIA COURIER', August 22, 2001 and sent to me by a mutual acquaintance.

Canadian Forces Small Arms Competition in Ottawa....." Local Ranger Mike Goodall and his team of players from Valemont, 100 Mile House and Vancouver Island took home two Gold medals.  Other competitors being, Canadian Forces, Dutch Military Police, RCMP, American Army National Guard, Canadian Navy and the British Army."

On being a member of the Canadian Rangers, "....I felt like I wanted to share my soldier experience with the newer recruits. Things like looking after your feet, respecting Officers or how to care for your rifle."

Mike served in the British Army from 1958-1967.  He made over 400 jumps with the British Para.  I was on a training exercise with Mike a number of years ago and I was much impressed with his demeanor and his knowledge.

He said when he first arrived in Ottawa he was wearing his jump wings on the Ranger 'uniform'.  ( For anyone not familiar, it's a bit 'boy scouty'.  It's a bright red sweatshirt and ball cap etc.)  Some CF Cpl comes up and starts to question his jump wings and he said it seems others were 'eyeballing' them as well.  Funny he said that after the three days of competition, the questions seem to disappear!!