Ivan and Yvette Ally from Comox B.C. gain a new perspective on the Canadian Forces during the CFPSA two-week training program for new Bosnia-bound employees.

The two-week training session - organized and administered jointly by CFPSA's Deployed Operations team and Human Resources personnel - is part of an elaborate process to ensure that CFPSA identifies the best possible candidates to fill positions overseas.

"Assessing applications and conducting interviews doesn't cut it for the positions we want to fill in Bosnia," said Yves Rioux, CFPSA Deployed Operations Manager. "CF personnel serving overseas face stressful and potentially dangerous situations. They need to be able to count on our employees for the services they provide and that's why we've taken this extra step and organized this training."

The two-week training camp was no picnic. Candidates learned first-hand about the possible dangers they could face in Bosnia through simulations and in-depth briefings. They also combined team-building activities like wall climbing, canoeing and hiking, with classroom sessions to learn about CF policies, procedures and culture.

"Many of these activities, especially those that involve team building, give us a glimpse of the candidates true nature. They give us a sense of how they interact with other people and how they react in stressful environments," explained Rioux. "The way they integrate within a group is just as important as the skills they bring to the job."

CFPSA began providing services to CF personnel stationed in Bosnia in August 2000, and was part of a move designed to ease the workload for rotating troops. CFPSA now looks after canteen operations, manages welfare equipment, accounts, coordinates rest and relaxation (R&R) activities and handles the Home Leave Travel Assistance (HLTA) program.

Of the 37 candidates who took part in the camp 23 left with an official offer. While Rioux denies that these training camps mirror the television series Survivor, he does admit candidates made an extra effort to prove themselves worthy for the available positions.

Selected employees are hired for a minimum of six months. The next round of training and hiring is scheduled for November 2001.

Brigette Roy of Val-Belair , Quebec - one of the 37 candidates short-listed to fill CFPSA positions at Canadian Forces Camps in Bosnia - hikes to the top of Mont Tremblant.

Ivan and Yvette Ally from Comox B.C. gain a new perspective on the Canadian Forces during the CFPSA two-week training program for new Bosnia-bound employees.