2nd Annual Reserve Force Academic Conference – Opportunities for Canada’s Reserve Force

November 6, 2024 - Defence Stories

27 September 2024 saw participants from across Canada, and across the world come together for the Second Annual Reserve Force Academic Conference, held in Gatineau, Quebec. Hosted annually by the Director Reserve Force Knowledge Management, part of Chief of Reserves within Canada's Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Group, this conference brough together over 200 academics, reservists and other interested, affected or relevant parties to discuss the unique opportunities for Reservists both in Canada and around the world.

Major-General Darcy Molstad, Chief of Force Development for the Canadian Armed Forces provided the opening address. "Many of our allies in NATO, and close partners, are closely examining how to better prepare their reserve forces for mobilization and beyond mobilization, we must reimagine what role the Reserve Force will have in a true Joint Force major combat operation or Defence of Canada mission." Timely remarks given the recent publication of A New Vision for Canada's Reserve Force – The Canadian Armed Forces strategy to achieve fundamental change for the Reserve Force as outlined in Canada's Defence Policy.

Presenters for the day covered a wide range of topics, from building on the picture of "the typical reservist", to drawing on lived experiences from reservists who contribute unique capabilities to Canada's defence. One such inspiring contribution was from Sergeant Judy Meekis - Patrol Sergeant from the Sandy Lake Canadian Ranger Patrol. Sgt Meekis is not only a Canadian Ranger but also a full-time family support worker within her community. She also works with the Board of Education, is a volunteer firefighter and volunteer with the local Junior Canadian Ranger Patrol, a youth organization within the community. For everyone in attendance, it was clear that she embodies the spirit of reserve service – to her country, and her community.

The conference included an academic panel chaired by Dr. Irina Goldenberg from Canada's Director General Military Personnel Research and Analysis, which prompted several questions from audiences both in person and online. Presentations were also punctuated throughout the day with breakout groups, underscoring the two-way communication that is critical to collaboration and the sharing of ideas. These included presentations from Colonel Roger Margetts and Maj Megan McKenna from the New Zealand Defence Force on their unique approach to low-cost, scalable transformation.

Said best by Col. Meghan Setter, Director Reserve Force Knowledge Management: "Reservists show up, work hard, and stick around." Now we must answer the question – how best to capitalize on the unique benefits reservists bring to the fight and translate them into full-time capabilities that can be realized through part-time service.

Interested in the conference presentations or participation in future conferences? Join the Reserve Force Research Network today!