TRANSCRIPT

In the 1970s there was a growing technological gap between the Reserves and the Regular Force. Although their official role was to "provide naval personnel and facilities in support of the RCN", there was a disparaging technological gap between the two forces that made it difficult and frustrating for members of the reserves serving on RCN ships.

The late 1970s and early 1980s brought about a major change for the Navy Reserves. Instead of existing to augment the Fleet, and receiving the majority of their training at the unit level, the Navy Reserve became more standardized. They were refocused to have their own role - Maritime Coastal Defence - and training was organized at the national-level. Instead of existing as a sub-component of the Navy, they became a part of the whole.

Local-level training is currently geared towards preparing individuals for training they receive at the national level. This means that while there may be a disparity between the degrees of readiness individuals have going into a course, upon graduation, everyone is equally skilled and qualified. Another change to reserve training is that it became parallel to that of the Regular Navy. For example: Recruits, both regular and reserve force, take the same Basic Training course. For the reserves, this achieved a level of credibility.

As a result of these changes, there are more full-time positions available to reserve personnel, both at the unit level and at sea. For example, in the mid 1990s the Navy acquired twelve Kingston-Class coastal patrol vessels. According to Captain A. Zuliani, former Commanding Officer of HMCS GRIFFON, these ships were, and are still considered to be today, state-of-the-art vessels. Six were allocated to each coast (Pacific and Atlantic), with five of each operational at all times. Each ship is crewed by roughly 30 reserve personnel every day, all day, with space for an additional 15 personnel in training. Their mission includes charting the entrance of harbours, route surveys, aid for other government departments, port visits, and primarily coastal defence. At times this includes search and rescue as well.