Regs to Reserve after conpletion of 1st contract?

[chris06]

What do people think about joining the reg force, doing 3-5 years in, and then leaving to pursue another career and becoming a reserve soldier or officer?  I've recently finished post secondary education and I was thinking about joining the reg forces as an NCM, doing an initial contract, leaving to pursue another career, but staying on as a reserve officer.  I know of one person who took this route, but I would be very interested to hear what other have to say on this issue, especially recruiters.

Alot has been posted on going from PRes to Reg, but what about the opposite?  I read an interesting thread on national service/conscription and the people who posted there seemed to think that a few years of service would be a good idea.  But on the other hand, it might be considered a waste or resources to train someone for Regs only to have them then transfer to the reserves?

Thanks.

 

[Sundborg]

If I were you, I would rather just start your 2nd career and get a jump start instead of joining the reg force and losing 3-5 years of the career you really want to do. But if you still want to join the reserves, do so at the same time you start the career you would have after the reg force career. You might aswell join the reg force and make a career of that instead of joining and leaving right after. I can see joining the reg force would give you some great experience for the reserves, but it's kind of working backwards. Usually people go from reserves to reg force. Joining the reserves and starting the other career you want would be better to start off with in my opinion incase it turns out you don't like the reg force so it isn't a waste of time.

 

[brin11]

Actually, people go from the reg force to the reserves all the time;  especially upon retirement.  I did myself.  You would be a great asset to any reserve unit with your experience and training.  In fact, if you do your initial contract and decide to pursue a civvy career you would not be throwing all your training out the window if you join the reserves. 

Good luck.

 

[squid2006]

Is it or would it be worthwhile for a retired military person such as myself to join the Reserves..has anyone else on here joined the Reserves after retiring from the Reg force. And be gentle people Im not that old yet.

 

[rmacqueen]

Did you transfer to the sup list or take full release?

 

[Haggis]

Any Reserve unit would likely welcome your training and expereince into their ranks.  I suggest you check the DND/CF web site (http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/careers/parttime_e.asp) to see what units are near you.  Then, visit the one(s) that interest you and talk to their recruiters.

 

[squid2006]

I took full release , but the units in my city are not the trades I was in the reg force...would they still take me and train me .

 

[kincanucks]

Here is a brillant idea.  Contact the units and ask them.

HH

 

[rmacqueen]

Given the area you live in there are a lot of choices for you if you are not adverse to driving.  The tri-city area has a number of units as does London and Toronto.  Unfortunately, the nearest air unit to you is either Trenton or Borden but your skills may also be transferable to other trades such as Veh Tech or (holding my nose as I suggest this) Diesel Mech with the Naval Reserve.  Look around.  Given the shortage for reserves I doubt there would be any unit that would not be interested.  Also, your time in Reg will count towards time in Reserves to a certain amount so you would not be starting from scratch but you would have to check with recruiting to see what they are willing to offer.

The drawback is the full release.  This means that you will have to go through the complete re-enrolment process at the recruiting centre.  It is not a huge issue but can be a bit of a hassle especially if you have a full time job as you will be dealing with government hours, ie 8-4.

Bottom line is, though, it is always worthwhile to join the reserves if you are interested and willing to make the commitment.

 

[squid2006]

Thanks for the information you have given rmacqueen but yes navy stuff is not for me (sea sickness) I'm going to go on Tues to the local reserve unit here in town and ask them a few questions . Has anyone ever heard of a civilian helping out teaching repairs on vehicles etc as a volunteer.

 

[rmacqueen]

You know, that is an interesting question.  During my tenure as RSS with reserves I never saw that but it is possible.  I imagine a large part of that would depend on unit need and desire.  There are also legal/liability issues when volunteering but they are not insurmountable.

You seem eager to have some form of involvement, have you considered also contacting your local cadet corps?

 

[squid2006]

I never thought of that...that's an awesome idea..I just want to be involved some how. With all that is going on in Afghanistan and with the deaths of some young soldiers of ours I just want to contribute some how , even if I cant re in list or join the reserves. Anyway I can help out is all that matters to me. I just want to give what ever it is I can to help out.

 

[rmacqueen]

Good stuff, the cadets are always on the lookout for experience and people who are dedicted.  I, myself, joined my local corps last year as a volunteer and am now the AO even though I am still technically a vollunteer (need my grade 12 to become actual instructor)  The key is a commitment to helping guide young people.

Good luck with your endevours

 

[George Wallace]

OK    squid2006

A few things:

You are posting like a fourteen year old kid.  For a guy who claims to have military time and have been a Sgt, I am surprised at your grammar and spelling and actually at the silliness of some of your questions.  May I start by suggesting that you become acquainted with the Spell Check conveniently located below the box which you type in your posts.  It really helps when others want to find the information that you are posting, and helps you more readily find what you are searching for.

Part two of this little tirade is in fact the SEARCH FUNCTION that we have, which you could use to answer your questions without you having to post them.  You as a former Sig must know all about BANDWIDTH, and so far you are wasting it with some of these questions that have been asked several times before, and answered.  SEARCH is your friend.  Learn to use it.

Thirdly:  Some things that you should have read when you registered, but it looks like you didn't:


MSN and ICQ "short hand" -  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/33247.0.html

Regarding the use of "MSN speak" versus the employment of prose which is correct in grammar, spelling and punctuation, please see: http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/34015/post-260446.html#msg260446

Army.ca Conduct Guidelines: MUST READ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937.0.html

FRIENDLY ADVICE TO NEW MEMBERS - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937/post-259412.html#msg259412

Recruiting FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21101.0.html

Infantry FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21131.0.html

Canadian Forces Aptitude Test - http://army.ca/forums/threads/21101/post-103977.html#msg103977

Fitness requirements at enrolment, see page 12 of this brochure:
http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/media/pdf/physical_fitness_en.pdf

Search page - http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?action=search;advanced

Army.ca wiki pages - http://army.ca/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

As you have received some pretty good advice already, the best thing to do is go to the Reserve Unit of your choice and the CFRC and ask the questions necessary to find out if you will be accepted or not.   No one on this board can tell you what the CO of the Unit will say as to whether (s)he wants you or not.

Fifthly, I am going to correct your spelling in the title and perhaps merge you topic with a previous one.

To summarize. Welcome to Army.ca, start reading.


[Edit:  Spelling of RESERVES]