Opportunities in the forces

Interested in a challenge? The Canadian Forces offers three programs for Aboriginal youth that are intended to encourage consideration of the forces as a part-time or full-time career option.

The first two part-time programs are Bold Eagle and RAVEN. They are designed to allow youth to enroll in the Primary Reserve and complete basic training during the summer months of July to August. Not only do participants gain valuable skills and training within the Canadian Forces, they also experience working alongside Aboriginal youth from across Western Canada. (RAVEN is currently only available for residents of British Columbia.)

There is also a culture camp component as the course culminates with a feast and powwow. After the summer training, there is an option to continue serving part-time in a Reserve unit. The Army Reserve runs Bold Eagle whereas the Navy conducts RAVEN.

The third program is the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program or CFAEP. This program is designed around the Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC) whereby Aboriginal youth can experience and adjust to life in the forces without having to enroll in the organization. The three-week PRTC during the month of September introduces candidates to the forces as they complete activities similar to what they would encounter on an actual basic training course. It is hoped that by their experiences on PRTC, they would consider joining the Regular Force as a full-time career. Like Bold Eagle and RAVEN, there is an integrated Aboriginal culture component.

What are some of the benefits of joining via Bold Eagle and RAVEN or attending the Pre-Recruit Training Course? The opportunities to travel, meet new people, take on new challenges and find out more about themselves are just a few. In Bold Eagle or RAVEN, there is also a salary during the summer training whereas with PRTC, there is a completion bonus at the end of the three weeks.

The requirements to be considered for Bold Eagle, RAVEN or the Canadian Forces Aboriginal Entry Program Pre-Recruit Training Course are: Age 16 or older for Bold Eagle or RAVEN, age 17 or older for CFAEP; Grade 10 or higher education, be a Canadian citizen and of Aboriginal descent.

Anyone interested in any of these programs should contact the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre at 1-800-856-8488.