FAQ
RECRUITING
Why should I join the Naval Reserve?
What are the requirements for joining?
What documentation do I need to join?
If I meet the basic entry requirements, what do I do next?
If I join, how long will I have to serve?
Can I join as an officer right from the beginning?
What is the first step if I want to join the Naval Reserve?
What are the different steps in the enrolment process?
Who should I contact to get more information?
How short will my hair have to be?
Can you change trades once you are enrolled in the Naval Reserve?
Are there any gender restrictions?
What are the opportunities to travel?
How much of a time commitment is required to be in the Naval Reserve?
THE NAVAL RESERVE
What does the Naval Reserve do?
The Naval Reserve fills a number of roles within the Total Force Plan. In addition to augmenting the Regular Force, Naval Reservists form diving teams and important public relations tools such as the National Band of the Naval Reserve. Most of all, the Naval Reserve has the task of providing the necessary crew members to operate twelve Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels.
Is the Naval Reserve part of the Canadian Forces?
The Naval Reserve is a major part of the Canadian Navy. It includes 4000 Reservists who, in their spare time, work in conjunction with the Navy to protect and maintain Canada's maritime security and sovereignty.
Naval Reservists are individuals engaged in their civilian lives while pursuing a military career. They work for the Navy in the evenings, on weekends, and during the summer period, in a occupation of their choice.
They can be students, teachers, lawyers, delivery persons, secretaries, or other members of Canadian society. Most serve on a part-time basis, with no obligation to participate in any mission overseas.
Does the Naval Reserve have its own ships?
All Royal Canadian Navy ships belong to Canada's Maritime Command. However, Reservists are the major part of the ship's companies of the 12 KINGSTON-Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
The abbreviation HMCS stands for Her Majesty's Canadian Ship. Naming warships in this manner is part of the traditions of all navies. The practice has only been used in Canada since 1910, but it is centuries old and origins in the history of the Royal Navy.
Yes and no. Yes in the Naval Reserve, because they are 24 units (buildings) located in as many towns across Canada. The 24 units are called HMCS because they are considered ships and function as such. The Naval Reserve units have all been commissioned by the Queen of Canada. No, because the ships of the Royal Canadian Navy are also called Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS); they are located on Canada's East and West Coasts: Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Esquimalt, near Victoria, British Columbia.
RECRUITING
Why should I join the Naval Reserve?
When you think about the Naval Reserve, think opportunity, excitement, and challenge. We offer employment opportunities in every imaginable field of expertise and study—engineering, communications, research, general sailing, computer specialities, techniques, office and human resource experience, cooking, and much more. Our possibilities and your potential to grow are endless. When you think Naval Reserve, think advancement. We provide the education, training and skills you need to succeed in today's world. If you're looking to get ahead, check out what we've got to offer in the trades section of this site. The leadership, discipline, and self-confidence you gain will prove invaluable during your time in the Forces and beyond.
When you realize what the Naval Reserve can offer, think adventure. This isn't your typical nine-to-five. We offer travel, cutting-edge equipment and a dynamic team environment. Drive a ship. Operate state of the art communications, and sensor equipment, work in a fast-paced and exciting environment. Lead a specialized group of personnel to board and inspect vessels entering and leaving Canada. This is your chance to see what you are made of, and to serve our country on a part-time basis.
Interested? Check out the rest of our web site for further info, or contact a recruiter in your area. Nearest Unit
The Naval Reserve: more than your average part-time job.
What are the requirements for joining?
You must: be a Canadian citizen; have a good record of conduct and no outstanding legal obligations; meet the medical enrolment standard; be at least 17 years of age (16 for the Reserves and the Royal Military College) with parental/guardian consent for minors; have successfully completed Grade 10 (Sec III in Quebec) (some entry programs have additional academic prerequisites); be able to hold a security clearance.
You need to be at least 17 years of age (16 for the Reserves and the Royal Military College) with parental/guardian consent for minors. 16 years old enrollees are permissible, if they maintain full-time student status until the age of 17.
What documentation do I need to join?
Initially, you will be required to complete an employment application form. If you are identified for further processing, a number of forms will be completed throughout the process. You will also be required to provide the following supporting documents:
- original transcripts for your level of education (high school, college, university)
- proof of trades or qualifications
- Social Insurance Number (SIN) card
- birth certificate (and those of all your dependants)
- proof of marital status, if applicable
If you do not have these documents, you should request them as soon as possible, as it could take some time to receive them and such delays will slow your application.
If I meet the basic entry requirements, what do I do next?
Your next steps are t locate the Naval Reserve unit closest to you; find out if they are accepting new recruits; and attend the unit's information session to find out more detailed information. Your new unit will put you in touch with the nearest recruiting centre for enrolment.
If I join, how long will I have to serve?
There is no minimum time commitment as a Reservist; you can choose to leave at any time. Typically you would at first work one weekday evening a week for three hours and one weekend a month. Once trained, you will have opportunities to work full time in the summer. Other employment opportunities, domestically and overseas, also become available as you advance in experience and rank.
No, there is no contract to sign as a Reservist.
Can I join as an officer right from the beginning?
Yes, you can as long as you fit into one these categories:
Reserve Entry Training Plan (RETP)—For members who, after receiving their diploma from a military college, are transferred to the Naval Reserve.
Reserve Entry Scheme—Officers (RESO)—All candidates who are attending a recognized post-secondary institution in a program that will lead to a university degree may apply under this plan. To be eligible for this plan, you must have attained a high school or college (Quebec) diploma with credits in English/French, Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry.
Officer Candidate Training Plan (OCTP)—This plan is intended for applicants who meet the academic requirements for enrolment as an officer but are not yet attending or have not graduated from a post-secondary institution. To be eligible for this plan, you must have a high school diploma with credits in English/French, Mathematics, and Physics or Chemistry.
Direct Entry Officer (DEO)—To apply for direct entry as an officer, you must have a degree from a recognized university.
The Canadian Forces offer very competitive salaries and benefits. Rates of pay in the Naval Reserve are calculated as a daily rate, based on your rank, occupation and experience. Your pay will be deposited directly into your bank account on the 15th and 30th of each month, with the usual deductions. And remember, Reservists are only paid for days they work. No work: no pay.
What is the first step if I want to join the Naval Reserve?
Contact your closest Naval Reserve unit. Nearest Unit
What are the different steps in the enrolment process?
There are 5 steps in application process to join: the Canadian Forces Aptitude Test (CFAT), a Reliability Check, an Interview, a Medical, and a Physical Fitness Test.
Who should I contact to get more information?
Contact your closest Naval Reserve unit. Nearest Unit
You can wear a plain signet, engagement and/or wedding ring. Women may wear one pair of plain stud earrings, if desired. Other forms of visible body piercing are not permitted to be worn while in uniform.
How short will my hair have to be?
Appearance is important in the Naval Reserve. Both men and women must adhere to certain hair guidelines. Men must wear their hair short and neat. Women can wear their hair in varying styles, so long as it does not preclude the proper wearing of military headdress. Long hair must be worn in a braid. Some exceptions to hair standards apply to certain religious and aboriginal groups.
Can you change trades once you are enrolled in the Naval Reserve?
It is possible to change trades once enrolled in the Naval Reserve, but such moves are dependant on the needs of the Naval Reserve and/or the Canadian Forces. For example, if you are serving in a trade that has an abundance of people, and wish to move to a trade that has personnel shortfalls, making a move may be quite simple. However, if the trade you are in is short of people, changing trades may not be authorized. Programs also exist for Non-Commissioned Members to transfer to the Officer Corps. Candidates must apply and be found suitable for such training programs.
Yes: Reservists are everyday citizens who have made an extraordinary commitment to Canada's sovereignty and international security by voluntarily devoting a portion of their time to service in the Canadian Forces. An estimated 40 percent of them have full-time civilian employment and may occasionally experience challenges in balancing their civilian careers and their Reserve Force activities.
Are there any gender restrictions?
The Canadian Forces takes pride in being a leader in the field of work equity and is actively recruiting men and women for dynamic and rewarding jobs. It is indeed exciting as there is truly no limit to career opportunities in the Canadian Forces.
During your trade training, you will need to travel to the different cities where the Naval Reserve Training Establishments are located: Esquimalt (British Columbia), Borden (Ontario), Québec (Quebec), and Halifax (Nova Scotia). The challenges and travels as a member of the Naval Reserve are numerous and interesting, and you will have the opportunity, in accordance with your availability, to travel all across Canada, and even abroad if you so desire.
What are the opportunities to travel?
Once you have completed your initial training courses, you could find yourself deployed anywhere in Canada on an exercise or as part of an operational mission. Travel is an exciting part of the job and you will most likely get the chance to meet sailors from other Naval Reserve units or from the Regular Force and travel to unique domestic and/or international destinations.
How much of a time commitment is required to be in the Naval Reserve?
Training in Naval Reserve units is usually one or two nights per week and one weekend per month, from mid-September to mid-May. The summer following your enrolment, you must take basic military training for nine to eleven weeks, depending on the trade you selected. After this training, employment in your trade is in accordance with your availability.
BENEFITS
Reimbursement of 50% of Tuition and Academic Expenses for post secondary education successfully completed leading towards a diploma, degree or advanced degree at an accredited Canadian education institution. (Up to $2 000 annually each September. Career limit is $8 000.
Note: Contact a unit close by to learn more,
Yes, you will. The basic format of the plan is as follows: the more you work the higher or better the benefit will be.
- Date Modified:
- 2012-03-27
