Divining the right role, capabilities, structure, and Regimental System for Canada's Army Reserves

[MJP]

There's stupid and then there's Army stupid.

There is also anecdote, one side of the story and truth....

I remember 2003 but don't remember this anecdote not to say I was everywhere but was there and in a world that likely would have heard the story!

 

[markppcli]

Part of that is engaging the employers also. For example Finning (Caterpillar) can possibly fix and maintain Cat engines installed in our Vehicle fleet. A Reservist who works for Finning could possibly be paid/ subsidized training and Wages by the Military to train up on their current job/ Trade. Even learn how to fix the more technical side of the equipment ie optics. The Local Finning Shop could have the contract to fix that equipment. Thus allowing the Reservists to work on the very equipment we run and maintain their job. If they need to deploy there could a agreement with their employer, many of the large international companies do already.

See my above. I can add to the above and say The Reserves have people from all different back grounds and experience to bring to the table. A few I have met and worked alongside were Engineers, Doctors, Ships Captains, Lawyers, Paramedics, Heavy Duty and light Mechanics, Aircraft Mechanics, Tele communication specialists etc. Many bring a wide variety of skills to the table that may or may not be utilized direct or indirectly.

See above

I agree with this to a extent. Properly equipped shops and staff are required. Again you can have Reservists work for local Repair shops while working on our equipment and we could top their pay up. It is workable solution and could be hit for all. Engage the employers and see what could happen.

See the posts and answer the question “why would Joe the mechanic want to joint an organization to be a badly paid mechanic on the side”? Of course there’s a dozen examples of reservists being able to employ civilian skills or ought to have been able, but of course the risk aversions of the CAF comes into “how do I know you know what your doing?” Its hardly something you can build into something structurally. Unless we start to recruit trades persons wil an optional bonus to give us reserve time after their initial contract.

 

[Remius]

See the posts and answer the question “why would Joe the mechanic want to joint an organization to be a badly paid mechanic on the side”? Of course there’s a dozen examples of reservists being able to employ civilian skills or ought to have been able, but of course the risk aversions of the CAF comes into “how do I know you know what your doing?” Its hardly something you can build into something structurally. Unless we start to recruit trades persons wil an optional bonus to give us reserve time after their initial contract.

It isn’t that hard. And once again it does not have to be structurally into the reserve system.

Make or create a list of trades and quals civy side that can be applicable and make a list of associated tasks they could could do or be allowed to do. Basically a PLAR for some things or maybe waivers in some cases.

Running something that needs a medic nearby? But you have a few paramedics in your reserve engineer squadron? Good to go.

Why couldn’t an infantry MCpl who might be an RN conduct part of a recruiting medical at an isolated unit if it helps expedite the file.

Or a guy who might have a backhoe licence in real life not have that recognized if the need would arise when that could be useful.

If I have a qualified fire fighter, why can’t I use him to conduct our PFET training? Instead I have to try and book one through the system.

It is not about that person doing the same job they have in real life in the reserves but using their skill sets to deal with certain situations that are appropriate and that helps the organisation. Most of those types are normally very happy to showcase their civy skills on occasion.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

Why couldn’t an infantry MCpl who might be an RN conduct part of a recruiting medical at an isolated unit if it helps expedite the file.

Or a guy who might have a backhoe licence in real life not have that recognized if the need would arise when that could be useful.

If I have a qualified fire fighter, why can’t I use him to conduct our PFET training?

Across the multitude of CBGHQs, Cl B Majors in the G1 billets…

G3 staffs…

 

[mariomike]

Running something that needs a medic nearby? But you have a few paramedics in your reserve engineer squadron? Good to go.

As a PRes MSE Op, two-hatting with DND as a paramedic would have not have been good to go with MOHLTC and Sunnybrook Base Hospital.

I was only licenced to work for the city.

In Ontario, to be considered a paramedic who can perform controlled acts and other advanced medical procedures, an individual must:

• have the appropriate certificate from the Ministry of Health (MOH);
• be employed by a certified ambulance service; and
• be authorized by the medical director of an Ontario regional base hospital program.

If you want to be a Pres Med Tech on your days off, join as one.

But, working OT at your city job would pay more. It's a career, not a hobby.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Across the multitude of CBGHQs, Cl B Majors in the G1 billets…

G3 staffs…

I have come to believe that Army Reserve G3 shops are where good idea fairies are born.

 

[daftandbarmy]

I have come to believe that Army Reserve G3 shops are where good idea fairies are born.

live fire Cbt Tm ranges by Port Hardy enter the chat

 

[dapaterson]

In many cases, getting quals recognized is an established process; PRes units are notoriously bad at admin, so it doesn't get done.

For your medical professional example: more than PLAR; would also require training on CAF standards and CAF EHR system.

Nothing is insurmountable. But is the juice worth the squeeze? And is the unit willing to do the work? The latter is often the limiting factor - good admin, doing recruiting properly are things that are secondary to running the mess.

 

[daftandbarmy]

In many cases, getting quals recognized is an established process; PRes units are notoriously bad at admin, so it doesn't get done.

For your medical professional example: more than PLAR; would also require training on CAF standards and CAF EHR system.

Nothing is insurmountable. But is the juice worth the squeeze? And is the unit willing to do the work? The latter is often the limiting factor - good admin, doing recruiting properly are things that are secondary to running the mess.

Come, come my dear boy, don’t forget other important career builders like hosting the CAF Kilted Regiments conference

 

[dapaterson]

Come, come my dear boy, don’t forget other important career builders like hosting the CAF Kilted Regiments conference

Let's be honest - if the mess isn't up to snuff, would the unit be selected to host the Kilted Regiments conference?

 

[daftandbarmy]

Let's be honest - if the mess isn't up to snuff, would the unit be selected to host the Kilted Regiments conference?

 

[childs56]

There is also anecdote, one side of the story and truth....

I remember 2003 but don't remember this anecdote not to say I was everywhere but was there and in a world that likely would have heard the story!

Did you hear when the Army Reps told the Forestry Reps their helos could not lift a bambi bucket because they did not have the power. I was delivering supplies to a Forestry Leased Helo, he couldn't believe what he heard. He was running the same model helo as the Army. They were flying people around. I heard they would prefer all the chopper rides to be cut short and a bucket be under the chopper, but what did they know about requirements.

He was really impressed with our food, and supply lines. When he asked for supplies we had them the next morning, fresh chow and cold drinks out to the fire lines was appreciated.

When the Same Forestry guy asked me why my Major and his side man were completely useless. I laughed and said I just met them myself.

The Same Forestry gut who ordered me a nice Chevy pickup truck with AC and some speed to drive around do my job with. It beat the LSVW on speed, radio and comfort. But I actually gained a bit of respect for the LSVW driving it around so much , only to have the Major appropriate the chevy for himself and his self important photo ops. Then have to wash and fuel it up for me the next day, he and the Sgt Major were red faced when they handed me the keys and had to apologize for the misunderstanding.

 

[markppcli]

It isn’t that hard. And once again it does not have to be structurally into the reserve system.

Make or create a list of trades and quals civy side that can be applicable and make a list of associated tasks they could could do or be allowed to do. Basically a PLAR for some things or maybe waivers in some cases.

Running something that needs a medic nearby? But you have a few paramedics in your reserve engineer squadron? Good to go.

Why couldn’t an infantry MCpl who might be an RN conduct part of a recruiting medical at an isolated unit if it helps expedite the file.

Or a guy who might have a backhoe licence in real life not have that recognized if the need would arise when that could be useful.

If I have a qualified fire fighter, why can’t I use him to conduct our PFET training? Instead I have to try and book one through the system.

It is not about that person doing the same job they have in real life in the reserves but using their skill sets to deal with certain situations that are appropriate and that helps the organisation. Most of those types are normally very happy to showcase their civy skills on occasion.

Once again, fine you could use them. If they wanted to show up. I’m pretty sure that firefighter, I’d love to know how many full time professional fire fighters are in the reserves btw, doesn’t want to come in knowing he’s doing that. Similar to that nurse, call me cynical but I’d probably ask to be paid at a nursing officers rate if I was performing their role.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Once again, fine you could use them. If they wanted to show up. I’m pretty sure that firefighter, I’d love to know how many full time professional fire fighters are in the reserves btw, doesn’t want to come in knowing he’s doing that. Similar to that nurse, call me cynical but I’d probably ask to be paid at a nursing officers rate if I was performing their role.

If only more professional occupations could be attracted in, we might see some of the worst leadership issues addressed.

 

[markppcli]

If only more professional occupations could be attracted in, we might see some of the worst leadership issues addressed.

Maybe, but my experience was that the guys sticking around reserve units were usually the ones with less… uh… fulfilling careers, obviously some exceptions of course but generally if you have a serious job, and a hobby, and a family, well the reserves becomes less and less attractive. I don’t really blame some one working 40 hours a week at KPMG for not wanting to come in a fill out a TSR for next months patrolling exercise in Meaford, nor do I blame a guy working on a roof all day not getting very excited about a thrilling Thursday evening of drill and lectures.

 

[daftandbarmy]

Maybe, but my experience was that the guys sticking around reserve units were usually the ones with less… uh… fulfilling careers, obviously some exceptions of course but generally if you have a serious job, and a hobby, and a family, well the reserves becomes less and less attractive.

Dude...

 

[markppcli]

Dude...

The exception surely.

 

[Eye In The Sky]

I have come to believe that Army Reserve G3 shops are where good idea fairies are born.

It’s the company they keep; other CBG HQ lifers. Lol

 

[Remius]

Once again, fine you could use them. If they wanted to show up. I’m pretty sure that firefighter, I’d love to know how many full time professional fire fighters are in the reserves btw, doesn’t want to come in knowing he’s doing that. Similar to that nurse, call me cynical but I’d probably ask to be paid at a nursing officers rate if I was performing their role.

You are missing the point.

This isn’t about firefighters. (My unit had three for a time btw) or how many are in the reserves. It’s about leveraging the skill sets some people can bring to the table that can be used when needed.

 

[FJAG]

If only more professional occupations could be attracted in, we might see some of the worst leadership issues addressed.

Lawyers and Management Consultants! Yeah . Right.