Atlantic Canada facing military reservists shortage

There's a shortage of reservists in Atlantic Canada, but the military is trying to change that.

Right now, there are approximately 2,000 part-time soldiers in Atlantic Canada, but the man in charge of them, Brig.-Gen. Nicolas Eldaoud, said there's money to hire more than twice that number.

"Millions of dollars are returned back to my boss in Ottawa every year and that's certainly millions of dollars that are not going into the economy of the provinces," he said.

Master Cpl. Sergio Lorenzo joined the reserves to see if he wanted a career in the military. He's an armoured reconnaissance soldier who said the reserves have given him great opportunities he would not have otherwise had. He's travelled to the U.S. to train with the National Guard and Marines.

"It's a really good career. It's definitely ever changing and there's a lot of room to progress," he said.

Part-time reservists must commit one night a week, one weekend a month and full-time summer employment.

Brigadier-General Eldaoud said in the first year, the pay is about $11,000.

"The salary is pretty good for a part-time job and the job can't be more cool than that," he said.

So why aren't more people jumping on board? Eldaoud says it's a matter of exposure. People who do not have family members or friends in the reserves just aren't exposed to it.

The military is trying to change that. It just finished a 10-week pilot program in Halifax that speeds up the usual four-month recruitment process. It will be rolled out across the region later this year.

Anyone between 16 and 52 can join the reserves.

Where do reservists serve?

Reservists do the majority of their work in this country helping communities face emergencies, such as floods.

"In Alberta over the last few years, we've all heard about how much reservists contributed to help the population," said Eldaoud.

He says reservists may also be asked to serve overseas — as they were in Afghanistan — but that is strictly voluntary.

"However, in the event of an emergency, such as a war or invasion, the Government may require reservists to serve full time in Canada or overseas to support civilian authorities or the Regular Force," says the Canadian Armed Forces' website.

Eldaoud said the reserves instill self-confidence and teach leadership skills. He said the job is not for everyone, but even doctors, lawyers and engineers sign up. They often want to experience something outside of their usual career and join the adventure being a reservist can bring.