High school students get a thrill from military training

The controversial military training course being offered in Regina high schools is winning over the hearts of its students. 

Grade 12 student Alyse Ludwar had never thought about joining the army until she saw this course advertised at her high school. 

"Never crossed my mind," she said. "It's kind of cool to think that now I am (in the military), and my parents are pretty proud of it."

Ludwar wasn't sure what she would do after high school, and decided to try it out. She now plans to stay in the army reserves for at least a little while.

"I definitely see more confidence. I'm a pretty shy person, but definitely see more changes. I'm a little bit more outgoing... physically too, I can do a lot more pushups than I could at the beginning, that's for sure."

The course includes a basic high school social studies class, lessons on the military, map and compass training, and the ever popular weapons handling. 

Brandon Quong listed weapons handling as his favourite lesson, but it wasn't his only reason for enjoying the course.

"Some of the people in this course I've become best friends with. You make really good friends and you learn a lot of things. You're building that team effort because the army's all about team effort and not individual," Quong said.

Course works as recruitment for the military

The course these students are taking is the same basic military qualification course people can take outside of high school. It has been offered for high school credit in Ontario for decades, but is making its trial run in Saskatchewan. 

Lieutenant Tanner Schroh is the course officer, and said the military does hope students will continue on. 

"If it's not something you like, you'll get another job, you're going to quit," Schroh said. "Obviously the hope is that people will come into the military, but it's the same with every other course. It gives them the introduction to the military."

The students are paid for their days of training — the same wage any private in Canada's reserve forces makes. It adds up to about $2,000. They also receive two high school credits.

Some students have chosen to stay in the army reserves after this course, while other will be moving on. 

Brandon Quong is one of the students who won't be staying in the military, but he's still pleased with his time in the course.

"A lot of people like how I've changed," he said, citing how he's more professional and has learned respect. "It's just a good experience overall."