Captain Iska S. has faithfully served her country in the Reserve Force of the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly 30 years. As a woman who joined the military in the late 1980’s, her experience has been challenging in ways you might not expect. This is her story.

Iska’s Early Military Career

Military blood coursed through Iska’s veins. Her grandfather, uncle and father had all served in Germany during both World Wars and she felt as though military service was, at least in part, her birthright. Still, Iska’s mother wanted her to have nothing to do with the Army. Those protests notwithstanding, Iska tried to join the Regular Force. When that didn’t work out she persisted and ended up joining the Reserves instead.

Iska’s decision to join the military was more than an attempt to honor her grandfather’s legacy. She was in search of deeper meaning, a central purpose toward which she could orient her life. She wanted to feel like she was part of something bigger than herself, and the Reserves gave her the opportunity to do just that.

Iska’s first unit was the 12 Service Battalion. She wasn’t there long, however, before her Officer Cadet status was approved and she was sent to Gagetown for Reserve Entry Scheme Officer (RESO) training. This early course was a key point in Iska’s military career. The Course Officers were mature, knowledgeable, and eager to see their trainees succeed. For the most part, her fellow officer cadets were respectful and supportive. Whatever negativity may have been swirling in the air concerning women in the military at that time, none of it was on display at Gagetown.

After that course, Iska rose to the top of her game. She felt empowered, strong, and confident. A family friend took immediate notice, affirming for Iska that the best thing she ever could have done was get out from under her mother’s thumb and join the Reserves.

Sadly, she was about to learn that not every course or unit would offer an experience as positive as her time at Gagetown had been.