“Only a Reservist?” Think Twice Before You Say

“Only a Reservist?” Think Twice Before You Say It

Every so often, a phrase cuts deeper than intended: “You were only a reservist.” It implies second-class service—a lesser effort, a lower tier of patriotism. But history—and reality—prove otherwise.

The Backbone of Canada's Military Heritage

World War II’s Canadian Army was overwhelmingly volunteer-based. Around 10% of Canada’s total population joined the armed forces, and only a small portion were conscripted. At no point was Canada’s victory carried by unwilling soldiers—it was built on the backbone of volunteers, many of whom were reservists from community militias.

General Sir Arthur Currie: a reservist turned renowned commander. Currie began his military career in 1897 as a part‑time soldier in the Canadian militia, working as a teacher and later in insurance and real estate. Yet he rose to command the Canadian Corps and orchestrated the historic triumph at Vimy Ridge. So next time you think “only a reservist,” remember Currie.

Today’s Reservists: Still Essential

Reservists remain vital to modern operations. In Afghanistan, they comprised up to 20% of Canada’s deployed troops.
They remain the flexible, cost-effective citizens-soldiers who help form the foundation for both domestic response and overseas deployments

Volunteer Firefighters: Heroes Without the Overtime

You wouldn’t ask whether your firefighter was only a volunteer, but bear this in mind: Approximately 85% of Canadian firefighters are volunteers. That's tens of thousands of individuals risking their lives—not for a career, but for community—and often with little recognition.

So Next Time…

Whether you’re talking to a reservist, or that volunteer who just salvaged your home, remember this:

Dismissing them as “only part-time” dismisses the very fabric of what Canada is—and what veterans and public safety personnel have always been.

From Currie’s heroic leadership to the troops who fought in WWII and Afghanistan, and the modern volunteers who stand between danger and your doorstep—their value is inseparable from our freedoms.

Worth thinking about. Worth respecting. Worth remembering every Friday.

Saying "only a reservist" or "only a volunteer" dismisses the essential contributions of Canadians—from General Sir Arthur Currie’s militia roots to WWII volunteers and today's reservists and firefighters.


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