Canadian Forces recruiting youth

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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 two part-time programs, Bold Eagle and RAVEN, are designed to allow youth to enroll in the Primary Reserve and complete basic training during July and 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, with the courses culminating 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, designed around the Pre-Recruit Training Course (PRTC). Through the program, Aboriginal youth can experience and adjust to life in the forces without having to enroll in the organization. The three-week program introduces candidates to the forces as they complete activities similar to what they would encounter on a basic training course. It is hoped that after the experience of the 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.

Participants must be 16 or older to take part in Bold Eagle or RAVEN and 17 or older for CFAEP. Participants in all three programs must have completed Grade 10 or higher and must be a Canadian citizen and of Aboriginal descent.

For more information contact the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre at 1-800-856-8488.