Military says more Canadians enlisting as second career amid recruitment struggleMilitary says more Canadians enlisting as second career amid recruitment struggle

Amidst the Canadian Armed Forces' recruiting efforts, many are joining as a second career. Private Charlotte Schnob, one of those people, is working on a military truck at CFB Kingston. Formerly working as a medical assistant, now in his third decade of life, he entered the army to experience a completely new career.

After 16 years in the medical field, Schnob, a mother of five, decided to take a completely different path. He says:
"If I was going to learn something completely new, I wanted it to be in a profession I knew nothing about."

Interest in military training and sense of patriotism were the main reasons for joining the armed forces. He immigrated to Canada from Britain as a child and received Canadian citizenship a few years ago. He joined the armed forces in 2022.
"I believe in this country and what we are doing here. As an automotive technician, I am excited to support the Canadian Armed Forces.”

### **Trying to increase forces**
The Canadian Armed Forces, which is facing a shortage of manpower, is now looking to recruit people from different walks of life. While the average age of recruits used to be 18 to 19, many now join the military in their third, fourth, and even fifth decades.

According to the statistics provided, as of September 30, 2024, the standing forces of the Canadian Army were 63,863, which is more than 7,600 below the designated capacity (71,500). Also, the number of reserve forces is 22,935 people, which is about 7,000 people less than the capacity of 30,000 people.

Admiral Christopher Robinson, the vice chief of the Navy, announced that efforts to achieve full capacity will continue in the coming years. He said:
"There are many challenges in the international system and this is a dangerous time. The Canadian Armed Forces are ready, but we need enough forces to carry out the missions."

### **new recruiting strategies**
The Canadian Armed Forces have adopted new methods for recruitment. Including a program called *Navy Experience* that provides one-year training without commitment. This program has been successful and about 80% of its participants have decided to continue serving.

Also, the Navy has organized tours in different areas to introduce people to the military lifestyle. However, Admiral Robinson emphasizes that the recruitment and training process is still time-consuming and needs improvement.

**Schnob's personal experience**
Shnoob, whose wife has been a member of the armed forces for more than 15 years, first joined the army for job stability. But now, this decision has a deeper meaning for him:
"I am very proud to wear this uniform. "I didn't know how it would affect me, but now I'm very happy that I chose this path."

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