By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Current Recruitment & Training In 20th Independent Battery

Nov 9, 2016 | 4:53 AM

LETHBRIDGE – “We’ve had no problem attracting people to the reserves here and have maxed out enrolment for the last two year,” says Captain Robert Mein with the 20th Independent Field Battery in Lethbridge.

Captain Mein credits constant interest in the unit to the rich, extensive history and reputation created by the Lethbridge Gunners.

“We have a long, historic connection with the community, even before WW1 we had the 25th Battery that went overseas. It is still in people’s mind, serving your country as a part-time soldier; you can come to the Lethbridge Armory and sign up.”

Walking through Henderson Park, evidence of Canadian Armed Forces participation is easily found, in the large WW2 German guns, and silver poplars that were planted in honour of WW1 soldiers from Lethbridge.

“Were in kind of a unique situation, because if you were in Edmonton or Calgary there are several reserve trade units that you could join, but in Lethbridge there is only one trade — artillery.”

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Captain Mein says Lethbridge armory’s offerings will soon expand as the 20th Battery welcomes the Southern Alberta Light Horse Armoured unit for training, creating a new option for those in the Lethbridge area who are interested in working with military vehicles.

In the spring of 2017, the 20th Independent Battery will also see exciting digital upgrades that will assist in the streamlined application process.

“Soon, more of the work will be done on site. Until then if you wanted to complete an aptitude exam or needed an approval for something you had to go up to Calgary and beyond. Now individual units will take it on with more software.”

What is holding Canadians back from considering the reserves as a viable job option?

“The public might not know much much about the Canadian military. We (the public) only see the American military, but the Canadian military is a different kettle of fish.”

Captain Mein explains that unlike U.S. reserve units who are required by duty to respond when they are called to war, Canada has not demanded oversea service from reservists since 1939, during the Second World War.

“Canada Reserves recognize that you have a family and commitments and that the army is second. In peacekeeping missions we have an option to participate, but it is not required.”

Enterance training is also an area that is riddled with misconceptions thanks to Hollywood blockbuster portrayals that show artificial, high stress environments and military hazing.

“The first course you take is the basic military qualification course. You learn how to march, wear a uniform, the ethos of the military, how we conduct yourself, rank structure and more. It’s the military you Sergeants will yell but it is much more humane and purposeful.”

What exactly do the reserve units do?

Canadian reserve units are frequently called upon to help with disaster management, rescue operations and threats to national security.

For example, the 20th Independent Battery assisted in 2013 Calgary flood relief, filling sand bags, handing out information and working community centers.

This year, two reservists have been sent to B.C. to help with avalanche prevention.

As reservists prepare to help in more peacekeeping missions, Captain Mein says that he has seen a wide variety of changes in training.

“For Afghanistan we were prepared for all the different types of warfare. We went back to conventional training and looked at the peer enemy not just an insurgent type force, but also someone who is well armed and wants to fight against our interest. We have had to work at the way we deal with civilians and civilian agencies and non-governmental agencies to solve problems with nations.”

Along with training in all types of warfare, Captain Means says that Canada continues to focus on training with improvised explosive devises associated with lower level terrorist conflicts.
For more information on Canada’s reserves visit www.forces.ca

On the days leading up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11, Lethbridge News Now will deliver an “11 Days of Remembrance – Did You Know” feature segment discussing topics of interest which illustrates Lethbridge’s direct and indirect involvement in military pursuits.

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