QUÉBEC (Québec) – On the evening of January 24, the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) hosted a solemn and dignified public swearing-in ceremony for 80 new recruits in the Québec Armoury.
"Recruitment is one of the priorities of the Chief of the Defence Staff. We organized this public swearing-in ceremony to show the public that the Canadian Forces is currently hiring new recruits," said Major Serge Coulombe, Quebec's CFRC Commander.
The uncommon thing about the event was that a high-ranking senior officer, Brigadier-General Christian Barabé, commander of Land Force Quebec Area, attended as Honorary President.
"It's like I was back at my own swearing-in. It's a very important moment for them. Maybe they don't realize it yet, but in joining the Canadian Forces, they have made a choice, a commitment to their country," said BGen Barabé.
The 80 new recruits attending the ceremony came from Chicoutimi, Rimouski, Trois-Rivières and Quebec.
Eighty-nine percent of the recruits being sworn-in opted for the Regular Forces while the rest chose the Reserves. Fourteen of them were women.
The choice of trades was wide-ranging, including gunner, infantry soldier, naval communicator, crewman, medical or supply technician, and transmission operator to name just a few.
The ceremonies started with introductions, the inspection of the Royal 22e Régiment Band by BGen Barabé, and the playing of "God Save the Queen". Then, one by one, the recruits raised their right hands and swore allegiance to the Queen in front of a curious but enthusiastic crowd of parents, spouses and friends.
"This evening is more than a symbol. Your actions here tonight have a profound meaning. The CF have values that are not found anywhere else. Serving one's country is a noble cause," said BGen Barabé during his speech.
BGen Barabé encouraged the recruits to persevere in the choices they have made, to carry on when times are tough, and not to give up when things get extremely difficult.
"These people are committing themselves to an organization that is proud and has a rich history. Proud people have worn the Canadian uniform and sacrificed their lives for freedom," he said.
Travel, adventure, discipline, challenges, patriotism, stability and working conditions were just a few of the reasons the recruits gave for enrolling in the Canadian Forces.
Twenty-two year old Valérie Corneau from Chicoutimi chose to become a medical technician. She is extremely familiar with military life, as her spouse is already a member.
"Ever since I was little, I wanted to find a job that would give me the opportunity to travel, learn English, and above all, that would challenge me," she said.
She and her fellow members left on the following Monday for Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, where they began courses at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School.
To learn more about a career in the Canadian military, visit the CF recruitment Web site at http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/engraph/home/index_e.aspx or call the toll free 1-800-856-8488 number.
Article by Yan Bélanger Photos by Corporal François Charest
|