The Army Reserve Co-op is a joint program run by the District School Board of Niagara and The Lincoln and Welland Regiments.This program allows students throughout the Niagara Region to participate in Army Reserve Training while at the same time attending classes and earning credits towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.In addition to earning school credits, students receive up to 2 ½ days remuneration per week for their military training.

What You'll Do

• Attend classes on Canadian Politics and Citizenship (CPC3O) and Health and Active Living (PPL4O)
• Learn to use communication and navigation equipment
• Learn to inspect and maintain vehicles and equipment (e.g. clothing, survival gear and personal equipment)
• Learn to use weapons such as rifles, grenades andmachine guns
• Learn to operate with support elements such as helicopters, artillery and armored vehicles>
• Learn to employ field craft and procedures including camouflage and concealment, internal security, patrol, escape and evasion tactics

Working Environment

All classes and training for the semester are held at the Lake Street Armories in St. Catharines and are conducted by a secondary school teacher provided by the District School Board of Niagara and certified military instructors.Upon completion of the Co-op program, summer employment is offered to those students who qualify.This employment is at the Land Forces Central Area Training Center in Meaford Ontario (near Owen Sound, On) and is normally for 8 weeks from July to August each summer.After the summer, those students wishing to stay on with the Army Reserve will be placed in one of the Regiment’s companies and be given the opportunity for further training and adventure.

Qualifications and Interests

Army Reserve Co-op applicants must be dependable and self-disciplined.They must also be able to react quickly and adapt readily to changing situations.Courage, physical and mental stamina and a positive attitude are essential attributes.The ability and willingness to learn new skills and techniques is also necessary, as the diverse nature of infantry operations requires the developmentof many specialized skills.Leadership and team work skills are very important.

Basic Recruit Training

Successful applicants will attend school at the Armouries in St. Catharines for the second semester of each year, starting in the beginning of February.While there, they will receive instruction in their Basic Military Qualification as well as attend classes in Canadian Politics and Citizenship (CPC3O) and Health and Active Living (PPL4O).These two Secondary School credits will be added to two Co-operative Education credits for a total of four credits for the semester.Those students selected for summer employment may qualify for two additional Co-operative education credits in addition to their salary for their summer training.