-700 milpoints? Jesus christ! That's gonna kill my progress in "Afghan Operations". Argh. ;D
When people ask me what I do (as a reservist), the conversation usually goes like this:
Them: What's the army reserve?
Me: You're part of the Army, but it's part time. So you're allowed to have your own life but you have to dedicate some time to training.
For example, I attend university full time. If for one reason or an other, you can't dedicate all your time to the army, but are still interested, you can do reserve as opposed to regular. It also allows you to get your foot through the door, and see if you enjoy it. I know several people who did that, and are now going/are in the regular force.
We're basically a reserve force - hence the name. If something were to happen to Canada - invasion or disaster, we would be called on.
Them: So what do you do exactly?
Me: You basically train in whatever trade you do. For example my trade is blabla, and what it does is blabla. You have many different trades. You can be anything from a cook, musician, to a vehicle technician or infantry. Different flavors for different folks. You usually have one night a week where you go in and you are there for 3 hours or so on that one day. Sometimes you work weekends. So it really accommodates those who go to university, for example. In the summer you take courses, which are full time and can span up to 3 months. So you're also guaranteed employement.
Them: Do you have to go to war?
Me: No, you don't. You're not obligated to, since it's part time. They don't try to force your hand either. You can go if you want to. I know several people who have done so. However, if ever we were to be under attack, we would be obligated to defend Canada.
Them: Why did you decide to join?
Me: It's something that has always interested me. I'm proud of my country and so I wished to join.
The skills you learn are actually pretty damn cool and it beats bagging groceries. It's a "real job". The skills you learn will aid you in whatever job you decide to pursue later on in your life. Discipline, and all that, as well. It looks good on your resume and it pays well. If you're in university, they give you 2000 dollars a year, to help you out; up to a maximum of 8000 dollars. There are many reasons. Also, if you decide it's not for you, you can always opt out.
Looks like alot of text, but it shouldn't take more than 2 minutes to go through (something like) that.
