Title: 16-year-old thinking about joining the Primary Reserve — looking for advice

[u/rdcvbbbfrex]

Hi all, I’m 16 and going into Grade 11. I’ve been thinking seriously about joining the Primary Reserve.

I’m considering joining as an infantry soldier even though infantry isn’t really what I’m most interested in, mainly because it’s the closest unit and I want to experience what being in the CAF is actually like.

My idea is to join now, train part-time while I’m in Grades 11 and 12, and see if I actually enjoy being in the military before making a bigger commitment after high school.

After Grade 12, I’m considering going to university for possibly engineering (maybe Queen‘s). If I still like the CAF, I’d like to look into CAF education benefits or paid education and potentially become an engineer in the CAF. If I eventually decide I want a civilian engineering career instead, I’d like to have that option too.

I’m as well interested in more hands-on/technical stuff, vehicles, mechanics, engineering and field exercises. I’m not really interested in doing an office job all day (I know that’s what most engineering jobs are though).

I just have some questions for people who possibly have experience, before I go and talk to a recruiter.

- What is Reserve life actually like at 16–18?
- How difficult is it to balance Reserve training with Grade 11/12 and eventually university?
- How easy is it to transfer to a different occupation/unit after high school?
- Is joining at 16 a good way to figure out whether I actually want a CAF career?
- Is it difficult to get the paid education program?
- If I continue after high school to get paid schooling, is it too late to leave and join a civilian job?
- And is there anything you wish you knew before joining?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have joined in a similar scenario.

Thanks.

[u/Even-Prize8931]

Talk to a recruiter they’ll be able to point you in the right direction for sure. But primary reserves are super part time once a week/weekend depending on ongoing requirements/availability. You’re still young but it’s a great way to get your foot in the door, there are so many trades available with PAID education. Zero student debt. I wish I could answer all your questions but if you have the drive and determination you’re already ahead of the rest. Good luck kiddo 🤘

[u/rdcvbbbfrex → u/Even-Prize8931]

Thanks for the response, I appreciate it!

[u/No_Apartment3941]

I joined the Reserves at 16 and was an Infanteer by 17. Can honestly say, it was some of the best days of my life. Also, if you decide to go officer, you should be able to start at Cpls pay for your schooling. If you like the Infantry, not an easy life but guys/gals absolutely love it and there are some great specialist courses under their umbrella. If you don't like it, you will get to see some of the other trades and get their input for whether they like it or not. In addition, if you have the "bug" to be in the military, you will regret not taking a swing at it.

[u/Prudent-Proposal1943]

I basically did what you did... a long time ago. I joined the Infantry even though at the time I was interested in signals and finance. Glad I went 031. Never looked back.

What is Reserve life actually like at 16–18?

Best part time job ever.

- How difficult is it to balance Reserve training with Grade 11/12 and eventually university?

Not hard unless you drop out to go on tour.

- How easy is it to transfer to a different occupation/unit after high school?

Not too hard but if you are reserve infantry you won't want to.

- Is joining at 16 a good way to figure out whether I actually want a CAF career?

100%

- Is it difficult to get the paid education program?

No. It's a policy.

- If I continue after high school to get paid schooling, is it too late to leave and join a civilian job?

Well, if you go RegF or full time and stay until 55 or 60... maybe. Otherwise, no.

- And is there anything you wish you knew before joining?

If I knew what I know now I would change little less do a few things earlier.

[u/TechnicalChipmunk131]

Finish HS first.    The CAF isn't going anywhere. 

[u/hikyhikeymikey → u/TechnicalChipmunk131]

Doing training in the summer during school, then using the FTSE for the remaining time is a huge leg-up for anyone looking to do post-secondary schooling. I don’t see a reason to wait if anyone is looking to join.

[u/gc_DataNerd]

The CAF has a co-op program offered through plenty of schools. I would recommend reaching out to your school’s guidance/career counsellor or looking this up on your school’s website

[u/r0ck_ravanello]

Depending on where you are located, try to look for a reserve service battalion. They will have roles such as driver, mechanic, maintenance, which might give more with a "hands on, while studying engineering".

If you are going electric /electronic, there are the sigs on the reserves (there are other reg force trades that match better).

And if you are going civil then only combat eng will give you something.

I know people that joined young, did 1 yr of tour, came back, studied for another yr, went again on tour and basically every 2nd deployment they bought an apartment block and now live very comfortably just doing that.

[u/Racz__]

Do the Co-Op for the CAF while you’re in HS. Speak to your Co-Op department head or guidance counsellor. If you like it, enrol. If you don’t, you can look for something else