Soldier Apprentice

Many graduates made the military their lifelong career and obtained promotions well beyond the goals of the initial program and became officers, up to the rank of lieutenant-general in charge of Canadian Land Forces. Many artillery apprentice graduates changed their corps during their military careers and pursued very successful careers in other corps such as the Engineers, Dental Corps, Signal Corps, Intelligence Corps, Service Corps and the Royal Canadian Air Force among others. ==Benefits==

The two-year portion of the apprentice training program molded the minds and formed the discipline of these young men to face life with a very positive approach and to achieve the goals that they set for themselves. It also formed a union that has lasted over 50 years that one can relate to when two apprentices meet again, even among other intakes formerly unknown. ==Graduates==

Most graduates of the program are emphatic in stating that they would do it all over again, and would recommend such a program for their children and grandchildren. Many members feel that they were well trained and given discipline and courage to face life even under the most trying of times. In 2003, 36 years after the last graduating class graduated and 49 years after the first Artillery Apprentices appeared in Shilo, Manitoba, the first ever all-intake reunion was held with great success. Another Artillery Apprentice all-intake reunion is planned in 2006. Apprentices from several other corps also hold reunions. The RCASC Soldier Apprentices conduct a tri yearly exercise aptly named "Operation Greenflash" in Camp Borden Ont in Late August. This year "Op Greenflash" will be held the weekend of Aug 25, 2012. A book 418 Pages dedicated to the Soldier Apprentices of Canada is now in The Canadian War Museum, The Regina Military Museum and the Camp Borden Base Library. It is available on amazon.ca the full title is: "Soldier Apprentice Memories 1953-1967 and beyond" Canadas FIRST soldier Apprentice Harold Swain of Saskatchewan was sworn in December 1952, he went on to become a helicopter pilot, a further testament to the outstanding success of this program for young boys of Canada during the Cold War years. ==External links==