Truemors
is reporting from
Member
NP Rank:
NP Rank:
CDN Forces Struggling For Talent
Share: 
by Barry Artiste | May 24, 2008 at 07:18 am
248 views | 2 Recommendations | 4 comments
Photos
Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor
A sad state of affairs when "Serving ones Country" is eclipsed by the "Almighty Buck".
The unemployed and especially those unemployed with a skill or trade who say they cannot find a job, need look no further than their local recruiting station.
Sadly many prefer to wear the anonymous suit of a Civy, versus a suit of respect, in which comraderie, pride and accomplisment are the main accessories.
When they say there is "No life like it", trust me, I know of what they speak.
HALIFAX -- The Canadian Forces is in a domestic "war for talent" as it attempts to boost its ranks, Canada's top general said yesterday.
In an address to the Nova Scotia legislature, Gen. Rick Hillier said the military is competing to attract a shrinking demographic of "select young people" between the ages of 18 and 29.
"We're meeting our objectives, but this is one in which we can't let up because we need to grow the Canadian Forces," Hillier told the audience of politicians and military officers.
The chief of defence staff conceded that while recruiting is a challenge, the Forces is meeting its goal of getting 7,000 people into regular units this year, with a goal in 2009 of more than 8,000.
He said while plenty of potential recruits are coming forward, the military has to find ways to train them quickly enough so they can be deployed to ships, air and army units.
What is NowPublic?
NowPublic lets people work together to cover news events around the world.
Crowd Power
Barry Artiste
Vancouver, Canada
Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (4)
at 09:45 on May 24th, 2008
They're going big with their recruitment drive- the "Fight" ad campaign is really high-end.
at 10:30 on May 24th, 2008
Thanks for the comment Jordan, hopefully they will attract enough recruits to train those who need training
at 17:33 on May 24th, 2008
Barry Artiste, I like this story. It's good stuff.
I am afraid it may take a while. Our Federal Governments of past years have not supported our Armed Forces. The image of our forces in the public areana has been relagated to that of peace keepers. While peacekeeping is a vital role in the scheme of international foriegn policy it is not that sexy and hence, has not attracted the interest of the young demographic that we need.
I am glad to see more emphesis and funding being placed on our military. Soon we will have a very active role in defending our northern sovereignty and I hope the call to defend our national interests will inspire more of our youth to choose military service.
at 22:11 on May 24th, 2008
Thanks EastVan, and thanks for the comments as well. You do have a excellent way with words my friend.
Some Canadian youth raised in a society where everyone wins a trophy for just showing up, the Military may not be for them. As for the rest, it can be the best experience they will ever have, as well the military pays for your university education, your room and board, all your clothes, plus a salary, a sword, a weapon of choice and lots of target practice. Now come on, who else besides mom and dad can provide you with the same thing? No one but the Armed Forces!
I put it this way, peacekeeping or combat, it is still a life changing experience as my photos attest, I have tons of photos like those in this story as well as great memories of my travels, well the Arctic sucked, but all the other places were great. I have been to quite a few countries overseas in my career , some friendly, some not so friendly. But I would still do it all over again. You get to see another culture, make friends, and learn their history, certainly better than reading a book, or looking at travel brochures.
I still keep in contact with most of my unit, and visit my army buds when in Alberta or back east. When they say there is no life like it, you can take it to the bank.
Again, thanks for the visit and comments.