To achieve that, the Pictou Armoury will be the location of an open house on Sept. 30. The open house will be one of several happening in the province – with others taking place in Truro and Springhill – and will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Basically, the open house is being held to raise awareness of the Army Reserves, and to provide the public an opportunity to see, firsthand, what the local units do,” said MacDonald. “Especially here, in the Pictou County area, we want to share how they support the Canadian Armed Forces, and how they are integrated into the community.”
MacDonald said the open house will provide an opportunity for anyone interested in joining the reserves to see what benefits there are – and what members of the reserves do, from day to day.
The open house will offer several activities, including tours of the facility and several demonstrations of the day-to-day activities of reservists.
Information released from the Pictou Armouries stated that the tour will also ensure those who are part of the local community are aware of the role the local army reserves play in the defence and security of Canada – as well as the assortment of skills and training Army Reserve soldiers can bring potential employers.
“The Nova Scotia Highlanders have had a footprint in the community for years and years – and the community has been very supportive of us,” said MacDonald. “The open house is open to everyone in the community – it’s a family event.”
MacDonald said the Pictou Armouries hasn’t conducted an open house in a long time, “so this will be a prominent event. It gives the community an opportunity to see who we are, where we are and what we have to offer.”
According to information released from the Pictou Armouries, the Canadian Armed Forces Primary Reserves constitutes an opportunity for Canadian citizens to belong to the military on a paid, part-time basis, allowing members to commit to careers and personal priorities at the same time.
As members of the military, reservists have the opportunity to learn skills in marksmanship, first aid, WHMIS, military law, traditions and ceremonial parades.
Reservists also learn scenario skills such as searching people at checkpoints; clearing a room; escorting civilians and offensive and defensive operations – in addition to basic leadership, planning, truck driving and communication skills.
