Canadian Army introduces expedited process for enrolment

To strengthen the Canadian Army Reserve and ensure its sustainability, the Reserves are in the process of putting in place an expedited process to streamline enrolments.

Additionally, starting in April, the Canadian Army is assuming full responsibility from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) for recruitment and enrolment of its Army Reserve units.

“Reservists play an essential role in support of Canada’s ability to achieve success on domestic and international operations. Simplifying and streamlining recruitment for reservists is an important step forward as we improve our processes and standards, and enhancements like this will go a long way in improving reservists’ experience in the CAF from day one,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.

It is expected that applications to the Reserves will be able to enroll within weeks, rather than months. To ensure this faster enrolment process, the Army will be conducting the recruiting steps: medical, security, fitness and aptitude requirements, within a two-visit concept. This concept will give authority to the Reserve Brigade Groups, which decentralizes resources and will better ensure the success of the program.

“Reservists are a key component of the Canadian Army. They are integral to both domestic and international expeditionary operations. Bringing recruitment ‘home’ to the unit level will accelerate enrolment, bolster the strength of units, and create a more effective Army Reserve. I am very pleased with the direction we are taking,” stated LGen. Paul Wynnyk, Commander Canadian Army.

A pilot run of the new process was conducted in the fall of 2016 in the 5th Canadian Division in Atlantic. Progress was closely monitored, and adjustments were made accordingly.

The Canadian Army is taking additional steps over the next three years to strengthen the Army Reserve further. According to a Department of National Defence/ Canadian Armed Forces press release, the Canadian Army’s new role in assuming responsibility for Army Reserve recruitment is critical in addressing a deficiency that has caused major delays. This delay has caused applicants to look for employment elsewhere.

“A reservist can now have his or her career managed locally by their own unit from ‘day one’ until release, which is critical to maintaining morale and facilitating longer-term retention. This is a high-priority initiative for the Canadian Army and the Army Reserve,” said BGen. Rob Roy MacKenzie, Chief of Staff, Canadian Army Reserve.