Mennonite Central Committee

Reading, writing and rifles

The Canadian Forces currently number about 60,000 individuals in the Regular (full-time) service and 20,000 in the Reserves (part-time). The Canadian government is eager to increase the amount of Regulars to 75,000 and Reserves to 30,000 through a concerted recruiting campaign.

One part of this recruiting campaign geared towards young people is the Co-op Army Reserve Program. Under this program, high school students in participating schools may gain academic credit by doing basic training during the school year and summer months. Like all applicants to the Forces, participants need to be 17, have a minimum of grade 10 education, and pass medical, fitness and aptitude tests. Once they pass the basic training, they can sign on as full-fledged members of the Army Reserve.

Unlike other academic programs, the Co-op Army Reserve Program pays students who participate. Because of the financial incentives, poorer students are more likely to look to military options for their future.

Some people argue that the Co-op Army Reserve Program is an important way of teaching responsibility and respect for authority. Critics say that it contributes to the militarization of society.