I__. - International Military Testing Association

'I'li~; CANADIAN RESERVES: CURRENT X1JD FUTURE MANPOWER*
Susan R. Truscott
Directorate of Social and Economic Analysis
Operational Research and Analysis Establishment
Department of National Defence
Ottawa, Canada
BACKGROUND
In 1587, the Canadian White Paper on Defence outlined
numerous policy changes for the Canadian Forces. One of these
was the Total Force Concept. In brief, it stated that the
distinction between the regular force and the reserves is to be
reduced and the responsibility for national defence is to be
shared. To fulfil its commitments, Canada must look to a
peacetime structure that can be rapidly and effectively
augmented by a trained reserve force composed of part-time
members. A mixed operational force is to be formed, where
regular and reserve force personnel are integrated in units.
The ratio of full-time to part-time personnel will be dependent
on the nature and requirements of the unit.
Currently, regular force members outnumber reservists by a
ratio of more than three to one. To assume a greater role in
the defence of Canada, the reserves are to be revitalized and
expanded. The recruitment of a large number of reservists, and
perhaps different types of reservists, over the next decade
will present a challenge to the reserves, in light of current
socio-demographic and economic trends such as a declining youth
population and broader employment opportunities. Recruiting the
required number of reservists may necessitate new initiatives -
for example, the widening of the traditional recruiting
population and the engagement of new recruiting and advertising
strategies.
Several studies have been undertaken to provide data on a
force that has, at least from a research point of view, been
largely ignored in recent years. The focus of this paper is on
a three phase study of the Primary Reserves, conducted by the
Directorate of Social and Economic Analysis. During Phase One,
qualitative information was collected through interviews with
key reserve personnel. In Phase TWO, a survey was administered
to a random sample of reservists to identify the
characteristics, attitudes and values of reservists. The study
also focused on retention and the internal organization of the
reserves. A national attitude survey of 6000 Canadians was
conducted, in Phase Three, to assess knowledge of the reserves,
attitudes toward the reserves and the propensity of Canadians
to join the reserves. Preliminary results of this study, and
' The views and opinions expressed in this paper are
those of the author and not necessarily those of the
Department of National Defence.
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