TRANSCRIPT

While these changes have been mostly positive, there are a few drawbacks. As all training is done on a national level, to ensure standardization, it means personnel must be available for long-term training which can affect regular employment.

For HMCS GRIFFON, and every other reserve unit in Canada, training has changed accordingly. Instead of crewing a ship and sailing for the weekend to gain seamanship experience, training has become mission specific. This means that weekend training is done in one of two ways. The first is based on trade. This means that individuals of a given trade may receive training separate from their unit. The second type of training is in port security. To meet this need, members of HMCS GRIFFON use Zodiac boats to patrol the Thunder Bay Harbour. Members of the Division from all trades participate in these exercises, often in conjunction with local army reserve units and other emergency services.