It's normal that immediately after enrollment a reservist is automatically on Class A;
The British Army doesn't seem to have an issue with this.
I think I may have asked this before, but in your opinion are we giving the CA Res trades that they can actually be expected to become functional and proficient at in a reasonable about of time ?It's normal that immediately after enrollment a reservist is automatically on Class A;
It's also normal that when a reservist goes on DP1 training that part or all of that is on Class B;
It is also normal that a reservist could fill into a vacant Reg F position on Class B service (albeit the rule of thumb is not for more than three years);
It is has even become normal to hire reservists on Class B positions for lengthy periods of time as staff augmentees in headquarters positions for which there is no Reg F position vacant (albeit I think this practice defies the letter and spirit of the NDA respecting reserve service);
But. When you start creating battalions filled by Class B personnel as permanent organizations for continuing, full-time service, you have crossed the line completely with the fundamental distinction between regular force and reserve force which is based on "continuing, full time service" and "other than continuing, full time service".
The government regulates the number of continuing, full-time positions through the allocation of person years (PYs). The CAF cannot create additional PYs without the government's authorization. BUT - the CAF uses other funds (primarily the reserve force budget or O&M funds) to pay for Class B positions which are in many cases "continuing, full-time" positions. It's a financial slight of hand trick that the CAF uses to increase their full-time positions over and above government authorized PYs which has become more and more tolerated.
Quite frankly, if that continuing, full-time battalion is needed then the CAF should justify its requirement to the government and get the allocation of additional PYs rather than syphoning funds off from other sources. What frosts my gourd is that 4,000 Class Bs in Ottawa (if that's still the number) syphon off almost half a billion dollars from other sources such as equipment or training for Class A reservists.
I dislike shell games played at the institutional level.
As an aside, I see nothing wrong with the idea of re-roling units from one arm to another. The artillery re-roled several reserve units from field guns to air defence quite successfully. I also think that we have more combat arms units then we need in the reserves and could use a better pool of service support and I would happily re-role a few units to transport companies or maintenance companies (assuming we properly train, equip and use them). I also do not see anything wrong with (and in fact find it desirable) to have combined arms battalions made up of two companies each of tanks and armoured infantry.
On the other hand I don't see much value in mixing a given unit up with a variety of trades unless the specific unit needs those specific trades for it's normal functions and can properly train them and utilize them. My guess is that we are not far off from having to re-role various units to other skill sets that do not exist right now but which are desperately needed in the future.
You are correct BUT the point he was trying to make was that the bureaucracy (aka The Man lol) can and does have an effect on morale,
I understand. To this outside observer its seems the Armys obsession with the regimental system and protection of its individual regiments customs and traditions defeats any willingness or effort to effect change and bring the CA Res back into a credible fighting force.
IMHO the short answer is, no.
Personally I think trades like RCEME could fit very well into the reserves.
IMHO the short answer is, no.
Personally I think trades like RCEME could fit very well into the reserves.
I'm more and more convinced that our reserve system is not fit for purpose. Yes, we do have a large number of dedicated reservists who are quite good at what they do but under our current system they all require extensive pre-deployment training before becoming "deployable". In my opinion a reserve system should create a "low cost" manpower pool that can be quickly brought into full-time service when needed. On the other hand I'm also convinced that our Reg F Army is no longer fit for purpose. Think about it. Under the managed readiness system and fleet management system, two thirds of our army is considered NOT ready to deploy. If we needed more than 1/3, we'd have to cobble together a structure from what is left and put them through a lengthy training cycle or accept the risk of failure or high losses. Don't even get me started on equipment and skills capability gaps where we simply do not have key stuff that any modern army needs to have to fight.
I think we need to rebuild structures, but particulalry reserve structures, from the ground up. Fundamental to that is the question of determining what we need for peace and conflict and then designing a system which is low cost during the former but capable of rapid expansion for the later.
I think that the reserve RCEME trade is a perfect example of a system that could be vastly improved but before you even start with it you need to improve the underlying reserve concept. For me the greatest failing of the reserves are 1) courses are too short to teach the fundamental skills needed by each individual regardless of trade; 2) there needs to be a period of mandatory training each year to allow individuals to hone their basic skills further and units advance collective training (I think 48 days per year would do) Any additional training or employment, if any, would be voluntary; 3) people can quit anytime meaning we've wasted expensive training resources. I think there should be set terms of service and, in exchange for the moneys invested in training, the individual is required to complete set years of his/her contract to be available in case he/she is needed; and 4) in order to facilitate the previous points there needs to be some really solid legislation to protect reservists civilian jobs, and to ensure that there is a clear, predictable pattern of service that ensures that the employer's, the reservist's and the reservist's family's interest are balanced so as to make being a reservist, hiring a reservist and being a member of the family of a reservist attractive.
I could see a RCEME trade working like this in order to create an effective system:
1. The Army sets up "Workshop depots" in four or five major cities;
2. A high school student in his last year is interested in mechanics. He enrolls in the reserves as a craftsman on a fifty-month (4 years plus two months) contract and for his first summer school vacation attends a six-day a week BMQ/SQ program for the full summer for which he is paid as a private;
3. In September he starts a course in automotive mechanics at a local community college the tuition for which is paid for by the military but for which he does not receive a salary. He does however parade for one mandatory weekend (Fri evening to Sun evening) a month for additional military training for which he is paid;
4. In June he commences a basic craftsman course at the workshop depot for 3-4 months which lasts the entire summer vacation and which builds on what he has already learned at the CC but converts those skills to the essential ones needed to be a DP1 mechanic. He is paid for this training;
3. In September he starts another course with the community college (maybe heavy equipment maintenance). Again the military pays the tuition but no salary except for the mandatory 1 weekend per month;
4. In June he commences an advanced craftsman course at the workshop depot for 3-4 months which lasts the entire summer vacation and which builds on what he has again learned at the CC and again converts those skills to selected ones needed for a DP 2 specialty. He is paid for this training;
5. In September he is transferred to the RCEME company of a service battalion within the same city and which is affiliated with the workshop depot. He now starts a one year mandatory Class B contract with his RCEME company during which his primary responsibility is to conduct maintenance on all of the vehicles which are part of his reserve brigade. He is paid for this work and builds experience for his resume. The following August he attends his first three-week collective training exercise with his RCEME company;
6. In September he reverts to Class A status with a requirement over the next year to attend ten 2.5 day monthly weekend trg sessions Sept to June, to have all of July off and to attend another 23-day exercise in August as well as any additional voluntary trg or Class B employment available. (This becomes the standard Class A service year for all fully trained personnel) At the end of August his contract ends but he has the opportunity to sign up for additional fixed-term contracts each of which has a mandatory 48 day trg requirement.
The end result is that you have an individual who has received a subsidized education, a civilian recognized trade certification and a year of practical experience as a mechanic and as such should become a valuable commodity for any employer. Throughout this the individual has continued to live in his family's home at no cost to the military. The military has a fully trained and experienced individual who has also provided one year of valuable maintenance service for his brigade. By having established an additional year of a fixed pattern of reserve service, both the individual and his employer can see the benefit of continued Class A service. Just as importantly, after completing the year of Class B service, any individual who wishes to transfer to the Reg F should be able to do so seamlessly, at rank, with no further training required.
The "workshop depot" is a training institution separate from the reserve brigade which is fully responsible for recruiting and managing the individual until fully trained and ready to serve in a line unit. It's makeup could include a core of managers during the winter augmented by either reserve or regular force instructors during the summer training cycles. The Class A RCEME coy would have a core of Reg F NCOs to supervise and conduct maintenance (together with the Class B's) to service the brigade fully.
That's just one idea. There are hundreds of options and similar programs could be run for many skilled trades from cooks to transport operators to health services specialist--wherever there are community course which teaches the bulk of the basic skills and techniques for a given occupation and provides the civilian certification which greatly benefit the reservist's opportunities in the civilian world.
In this kind of model, there is room to vary some of the terms. For example you could make it a 5 year plus two month first contract to increase the period of "pay-back" service for the tuition. You could offer additional Class B contracts if there is a high maintenance load. You could offer signing bonuses for reenlisting for another 3-5 year term of service. You could have a term of mandatory years (say 2-3) of supplementary reserve service after release which would permit calling individuals "back to the colours" in a major emergency. The possibilities are endless.
This plan could be achievable by allowing RCEME, and other specialists / in demand trades, to "front load" their Education Benefit, ie instead of after six or 12 years, they get that money for school and are then contracted for X amount of service. We do it for ROTP by not for skilled trades? Similarly the Reserves Education Reimbursement should be reevaluated to cover trades training. I like the idea of a regional workshop structure to build skills. I wonder if a trade union partnership, where those hours worked in the CF can count towards apprenticeship time would be doable?IMHO the short answer is, no.
Personally I think trades like RCEME could fit very well into the reserves.
I'm more and more convinced that our reserve system is not fit for purpose. Yes, we do have a large number of dedicated reservists who are quite good at what they do but under our current system they all require extensive pre-deployment training before becoming "deployable". In my opinion a reserve system should create a "low cost" manpower pool that can be quickly brought into full-time service when needed. On the other hand I'm also convinced that our Reg F Army is no longer fit for purpose. Think about it. Under the managed readiness system and fleet management system, two thirds of our army is considered NOT ready to deploy. If we needed more than 1/3, we'd have to cobble together a structure from what is left and put them through a lengthy training cycle or accept the risk of failure or high losses. Don't even get me started on equipment and skills capability gaps where we simply do not have key stuff that any modern army needs to have to fight.
I think we need to rebuild structures, but particulalry reserve structures, from the ground up. Fundamental to that is the question of determining what we need for peace and conflict and then designing a system which is low cost during the former but capable of rapid expansion for the later.
I think that the reserve RCEME trade is a perfect example of a system that could be vastly improved but before you even start with it you need to improve the underlying reserve concept. For me the greatest failing of the reserves are 1) courses are too short to teach the fundamental skills needed by each individual regardless of trade; 2) there needs to be a period of mandatory training each year to allow individuals to hone their basic skills further and units advance collective training (I think 48 days per year would do) Any additional training or employment, if any, would be voluntary; 3) people can quit anytime meaning we've wasted expensive training resources. I think there should be set terms of service and, in exchange for the moneys invested in training, the individual is required to complete set years of his/her contract to be available in case he/she is needed; and 4) in order to facilitate the previous points there needs to be some really solid legislation to protect reservists civilian jobs, and to ensure that there is a clear, predictable pattern of service that ensures that the employer's, the reservist's and the reservist's family's interest are balanced so as to make being a reservist, hiring a reservist and being a member of the family of a reservist attractive.
I could see a RCEME trade working like this in order to create an effective system:
1. The Army sets up "Workshop depots" in four or five major cities;
2. A high school student in his last year is interested in mechanics. He enrolls in the reserves as a craftsman on a fifty-month (4 years plus two months) contract and for his first summer school vacation attends a six-day a week BMQ/SQ program for the full summer for which he is paid as a private;
3. In September he starts a course in automotive mechanics at a local community college the tuition for which is paid for by the military but for which he does not receive a salary. He does however parade for one mandatory weekend (Fri evening to Sun evening) a month for additional military training for which he is paid;
4. In June he commences a basic craftsman course at the workshop depot for 3-4 months which lasts the entire summer vacation and which builds on what he has already learned at the CC but converts those skills to the essential ones needed to be a DP1 mechanic. He is paid for this training;
3. In September he starts another course with the community college (maybe heavy equipment maintenance). Again the military pays the tuition but no salary except for the mandatory 1 weekend per month;
4. In June he commences an advanced craftsman course at the workshop depot for 3-4 months which lasts the entire summer vacation and which builds on what he has again learned at the CC and again converts those skills to selected ones needed for a DP 2 specialty. He is paid for this training;
5. In September he is transferred to the RCEME company of a service battalion within the same city and which is affiliated with the workshop depot. He now starts a one year mandatory Class B contract with his RCEME company during which his primary responsibility is to conduct maintenance on all of the vehicles which are part of his reserve brigade. He is paid for this work and builds experience for his resume. The following August he attends his first three-week collective training exercise with his RCEME company;
6. In September he reverts to Class A status with a requirement over the next year to attend ten 2.5 day monthly weekend trg sessions Sept to June, to have all of July off and to attend another 23-day exercise in August as well as any additional voluntary trg or Class B employment available. (This becomes the standard Class A service year for all fully trained personnel) At the end of August his contract ends but he has the opportunity to sign up for additional fixed-term contracts each of which has a mandatory 48 day trg requirement.
The end result is that you have an individual who has received a subsidized education, a civilian recognized trade certification and a year of practical experience as a mechanic and as such should become a valuable commodity for any employer. Throughout this the individual has continued to live in his family's home at no cost to the military. The military has a fully trained and experienced individual who has also provided one year of valuable maintenance service for his brigade. By having established an additional year of a fixed pattern of reserve service, both the individual and his employer can see the benefit of continued Class A service. Just as importantly, after completing the year of Class B service, any individual who wishes to transfer to the Reg F should be able to do so seamlessly, at rank, with no further training required.
The "workshop depot" is a training institution separate from the reserve brigade which is fully responsible for recruiting and managing the individual until fully trained and ready to serve in a line unit. It's makeup could include a core of managers during the winter augmented by either reserve or regular force instructors during the summer training cycles. The Class A RCEME coy would have a core of Reg F NCOs to supervise and conduct maintenance (together with the Class B's) to service the brigade fully.
That's just one idea. There are hundreds of options and similar programs could be run for many skilled trades from cooks to transport operators to health services specialist--wherever there are community course which teaches the bulk of the basic skills and techniques for a given occupation and provides the civilian certification which greatly benefit the reservist's opportunities in the civilian world.
In this kind of model, there is room to vary some of the terms. For example you could make it a 5 year plus two month first contract to increase the period of "pay-back" service for the tuition. You could offer additional Class B contracts if there is a high maintenance load. You could offer signing bonuses for reenlisting for another 3-5 year term of service. You could have a term of mandatory years (say 2-3) of supplementary reserve service after release which would permit calling individuals "back to the colours" in a major emergency. The possibilities are endless.
I would not say the British don’t have this problem. Amalgamation of Scottish regiments in the UK has brought about protest movements several times in different decades.
No. There are trades and occupations in the PRes that cannot be trained on PRes timelines.
There is no such thing as the RCEME trade. There are several skilled NCM trades in the corps.
The RCAF basically does this with several reserve trades that primarily recruit by component transfer of qualified members from the Reg F. If we want a system that takes 12 to 18 months to train someone & then has the member “work off” the education benefit, then the Reg F is already set-up to do it. Introducing such a scheme to the PRes again gets back to that distinction of being for other than full time employment.
You are absolutely right and I'm letting my age show. Folks that fix stuff and keep it operating are my heroes (as are the folks that keep the parts flowing). On the other hand, systems (by whatever name they go by) that keep these folks from doing their jobs well need to be kicked to the curb.
This we absolutely need to get done quickly
