Deployed ops hopefuls get “no holds barred” training for Op ARCHER
By Kristina Davis
May 04, 2006
 Le Sgt Rob Peyton, du G3 Instruction de la BFC Kingston, a donné la formation sur la chambre à gaz et a dirigé l’exercice de formation du 4 mai. |
CFB KINGSTON — It’s a mouthful— 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile—and it’ll make you cry.
For the nearly 70 deployed operations hopefuls, it was just one more test to see if they were ready to “Serve Those Who Serve”. Held at CFB Kingston in early May under the auspices of the Canadian Forces Personnel Family Support Services(CFPFSS), the two-week deployed operations training was the last stage in a selection process to hire civilian employees for Operation ARCHER.
Ranging from mine briefings to both military and Afghani cultural awareness to gas hut training—including the 2-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile or better known CS gas—candidates were tested on their suitability for overseas employment.
With a variety of positions available, including fitness, sports and recreation co-ordinators, barbers, clerks, and most recently Tim Hortons posts, CFPFSS offers civilians the opportunity to work in-theatre. It’s an opportunity that appeals to many.
Mélanie Ouellet, a bartender at the Officers’ Mess at CFB Borden, was intrigued by the possibility. She even asked some of her customers about Afghanistan. They all said it was the best experience they had ever had. She was sold.
 Le 4 mai, des candidats souhaitant participer à une opération de déploiement applaudissent en sortant d’une chambre à gaz, à la BFC Kingston. En tout, 51 employés civils – le nombre le plus élevé à servir dans une seule mission – participeront à l’Op ARCHER. |
Applying for a cashier’s position, she hopes her experience, coupled with her bilingualism, will win her the job. And while she’s aware of the risks, she’s far more concerned with the creepy crawlies, like the camel spider. “We’re well trained to shake our boots,” she says.
And the training she’s received has also gone a long way to alleviate any of her other fears. “The training is the best,” she exclaims. “All our fears disappear because of the training offered to us.”
David Coulter is another hopeful. He’s from Middleton, N.S., and says he heard of the opportunities from a neighbour who is in the Air Force. He says he was first and foremost interested in the job—he has worked in the travel industry for many years and applied for the travel co-ordinator’s position—rather than the location.
And while Afghanistan may have only been a secondary draw for Mr. Coulter, he’s excited to see if he was selected and to simply “get at it”.
Mr. Coulter describes the training as “no holds barred”, and says the instructors, many from the Peace Support Training Centre at CFB Kingston, have they themselves been to Bosnia and Afghanistan.“This is not desk jockey stuff,” he says. “These guys have been on the ground.” Importantly, he adds, realistic training means the candidates have a good idea of what to expect, something which not only benefits them, but also concerned family and friends.
Nadine Charron, whose husband has himself been to Afghanistan, says he is one of her biggest supporters. And while she didn’t know if she would go overseas, she was excited and honoured by the prospect. There’s even the possibility, however slight that their deployments might overlap, if only for a month or two. “The way I feel right now,” she explains, “I have not even been selected yet, but I feel so proud. It’s more of a privilege than a job.”
Gord Wells, deployed operations manager at CFPFSS, says many of the candidates have expressed similar sentiments.
 Gord Wells |
Ranging in age from early 20s to late 50s and from right across the country, he says many simply want to do their part. “What I’m hearing,” he says, “is that we all can’t be soldiers, but they want to do their part to serve Canada and serve the soldiers.”
Of the 51 positions, the most ever deployed on a single mission, 15 of them will work for Tim Hortons. Mr. Wells anticipates soldiers will be enjoying their first cup of jo by June 1. The outlet will not only feature coffee, but also doughnuts, and will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Randy Helgason, director personnel support programs resources at CFPFSS, says more than 800 people applied for the positions. He says CFPFSS is looking for team players and those who can adapt to potentially stressful situations. Employees are also expected to work long days and often live and work alongside their colleagues. But the pay is good, there’s the potential for travel and, says Mr. Helgason, something more.
“For many, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Visit www.cfpsa.com for more on deployed ops and upcoming opportunities.
