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Royal Canadian Navy launches new initiative to expedite reserve enrolment
The Royal Canadian Navy enrolled the first recruit this week through its new initiative: Expedited Reserve Enrolment.
The recruitment was made by Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Donnacona, Montreal’s Naval Reserve Division.
“I am extremely proud of the great work of the Naval Reserve leadership team to implement this expedited enrolment process. I could not be more pleased to participate in the enrolment ceremony of Naval Cadet Grace, and I encourage all young Canadians who wish to make a difference at sea to visit their local Naval Reserve Division to be enrolled in three training nights,” said VAdm. M.F.R. Lloyd, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.
The Expedited Reserve Enrolment program, launched in Feb. 2017 across all 24 Naval Reserve Divisions, will allow applicants to enrol in a matter of days and begin their basic training immediately.
The Expedited Reserve Enrolment program expedites the process for those applicants who meet security, medical and basic fitness standards, typically within 21 days or between two or three visits.
Improving the recruiting process is said to be a high priority for the Royal Canadian Navy, and further measures will be seen in the future to strengthen the Naval Reserve.
“In addition to streamlining the reserve recruiting process through Expedited Reserve Enrolment, the RCN will also synchronize the enrolment for reserve recruits with basic training. This measure will be achieved by modularizing the basic military qualification, which will permit training modules to be taught immediately to new recruits in their Naval Reserve Divisions. This is a positive and necessary step forward in preparing for the RCN of the future,” said Cmdre. M.B. Mulkins, Commander Naval Reserve.
The first recruit of this new initiative is Naval Cadet Alanna Grace, an aspiring Logistics Officer. She is the first applicant to the Naval Reserve to be enrolled under the new program. Grace was enrolled within 21 days of her first contact with recruiters at HMCS Donnacona.
“We are always happy to have new members join the Naval Reserve family. However, this one is special as she is the first to join us under the Expedited Reserve Enrolment Programme. I want to congratulate the recruiting team here at HMCS Donnacona who made this first happen for the RCN,” said Cdr. Robert Taylor, Commanding Officer HMCS Donnacona.