‘This is a great opportunity,’ Corbeil teenager says

BY JENNIFER HAMILTON-McCHARLES

Tyler Aultman, 17, left, and Graham White, 18, both enrolled in Canadore College's two-year aircraft systems technician program, were among seven people to join the Canadian Forces during a small ceremony Friday.

If Canadian troops are still in Afghanistan when privates Tyler Aultman and Graham White graduate, they want to be deployed.

The local teens were two of seven people who joined the Canadian Forces Friday.

This is a great opportunity so I jumped at the chance, said Aultman, 17, of Corbeil.

I would like to do a tour in Afghanistan if Canadian troops are still there. It's an opportunity to help people that really need help.

A small ceremony, attended by military personnel and family and friends, was held at the Canadore College Aviation Campus. Each new recruit pledged an oath of allegiance or made a solemn affirmation. They are joining the forces through a program that provides them with a salary, free education and a job.

Aultman and White, 18, are both enrolled in the two-year aircraft systems technician program at Canadore.

Aultman got his feet wet about a year ago when he enlisted in the reserves.

"It was a really good experience and I learned a lot about the role of a weapons technician, however I wanted more," Aultman said.

Graham said his mother was worried when her told his parents he wanted to join the forces, "but then after hearing about the opportunities and benefits she gave me the OK."

Col. Peter Davies of Ottawa said students will get the chance to work on a variety of aircraft.

"This is a type of employment with a variety of opportunities and postings around the world," he said, identifying examples such as coastal patrols watching for illegal immigrants, protecting sovereignty, responding to hurricanes and delivering supplies to Canadian troops in Afghanistan. 

"This is a team effort. Without people like you who will make our aircraft fly we can't do our job of helping others."

Capt. Tony Turco of the North Bay Recruiting Office said the forces are recruiting and there are more than 100 occupations, including photographers and nurses.