Sgt. Arnold Parris, recruiter Rural Canadians are more apt to join the Canadian Forces because of their family background, according to Sergeant Arnold Parris at the Orangeville recruiting station.

Sgt. Parris said the Canadian Forces established a local recruiting booth in 2004 as there tends to be more interest in rural communities. The army has considered opening a full office, but at the moment has limited means to do so. Currently it operates out of the Dufferin Community Service office.

He said local interest in joining the military is about a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10, mostly with people aged 17 to 30.

Sgt. Parris is in the office building every Thursday to answer questions and provide residents with information on what opportunities exist in the military, including trades training and schooling.

Currently they are looking for young adults who are more inclined to have a good knowledge of technology.

In order to join you must be at least 18 years of age, or 17 with your parents' permission, and be a Canadian citizen with a minimum of a Grade 10 education.

The entire process takes about one week to complete. It begins with an aptitude test to determine what area you would be best suited for, followed by a medical exam, fitness evaluation, reliability check, an interview and finally a job offer, if you are selected.

The fitness evaluation consists of four components. The first is a step test to measure your aerobic fitness level, then a push-up and situp test to test your muscular endurance and a hand-grip to measure your muscular strength.

To help applicants decide which area they would be best suited for they can view videos that describe various jobs for the navy, arm or air force. For more information call Sgt. Parris at the Mississauga office at 905-803- 2474 or stop in locally on a Thursday.

The Dufferin Community Services building is located at 229 Broadway.