Has anybody out there joined the Canadian Forces reserve (their version of the TA)? If so what are you in and what do you think of it?

What do you want to know? The reserves are full of people not born in Canada (although it's harder to get in these days if you're not).

I am moving across after 22 years in the UK forces. Just wondered if anybody else had done the same, for the usual reasons, ie missing the job, boys, fun etc. If so what do they think or what advice do they have.

Hubby is still a member of the reserves in Canada although not active. He is active in the New York Guard for the same reasons you cited. He retired after 36 years in the RCAF and missed the military life and could not conform to civilian life.

has any one left the regular uk forces and joined the regular canadian forces?

My son (17 years old) was told you have to be a Canadian Citizen to join both the Reserves and the Regulars.

just wondered as if you have served in uk forces you can transfer directly into both austrailain forces and nz forces. yes i seen a reply on here somewehre that you couldnt join rcmp unless you was a citizen. just wondered if canada was taking brits like down under.

Don't know about a transfer, my son had a phone number of the department that dealt with foreign nationals, he phoned them as he had a question about dual-citizenship (its no problem by the way). I'll ask him when he gets home if he still has the number, and post it here.

thanks. always useful to have

Canadian Military Reserves.

Enrollment Eligibility.

I've heard that you can, but there are a few differences between joining the Canadian Army as opposed to the Australian or NZ. From what I understand you can apply to the Aussies/Kiwis whilst still serving with the British Army and you can get a fair way down the application process before you even have to tell the British Army.

With the Canadian Army I don't think you can join direct. I think you have to have left the British Forces and then apply to join the Canadian forces. From there, I would imagine that you would then have to apply to immigrate into Canada, apply for citizenship and then go ahead with the application to join the Canadian Forces. That said I'm not sure if they fast track your application on the basis that you'll be joining the forces.

So basically its a complete pain in the arse with no guarantees that you'll be accepted. The biggest gamble is having to leave the British Army before applying to the Canadians and then run the risk of geting knocked back.

Bit of a bugger really, that said I'm considering going down this route myself if certain things don't pan out and being in Canada already must count for something! Who knows. If you're interested PM me.

Canadian Armed Forces website.

How to join page.

From the site:
Cheers
Steve

Yep...did 9 years in the REs, left in 1987 to join the CF (Canadian Forces)...still in, and still with the Regular Force...

The CF sent me back though to the UK on exchange from 2002 through 2006.

Its a strange world.

All the best...Kev

What Steve_P posted about eligibility is true. Note, though, the phrase "exceptional circumstances". Souvette, who knows about this stuff, has told me that people from the UK forces are most welcome. It's not official policy, it just is. There are obviously some branches you can't get into without Canadian citizenship because of the need for security clearances but otherwise it's pretty easy.

It sounds as if there may be a route in there, but has anyone any idea how it would affect those who haven't done their 22. I've got 4 years left so would it be better to wait, get the Immediate Pension, then try or is the pension transferable. Also are there upper age limits and minimum returns of service?

Any info gratefully received