April 6, 2012: The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) has been experiencing problems recruiting military pilots. Noting that Britain was laying off thousands of military personnel, including 170 pilots and pilot trainees, Canada advertised for British military pilots and trainees (some of whom had almost completed their training before they were fired). So far, the Canadian Air Force has inducted one British pilot and is expecting to take on over twenty more before the end of the year, plus eight non-flying specialists.
Canada has a long history of allowing foreigners to join its armed forces. This happened on a large scale with Americans in the years before the United States entered World War I and World War II. But Australians and British recruits continue to be welcomed, as well as those from other parts of the old British Empire.
Recruiting the Royal Air Force (RAF) personnel includes bringing in experienced personnel at higher rank, with recognition of time already served in the British military. The British recruits will also be able to become Canadian citizens, which is what many British citizens have been doing regularly since Canada became independent in 1867.
