By CHASE MOUNTNEY Staff Writer

The military has been in Justin O’Brien’s blood for as long as he can remember.Because he has Second World War veterans in his family, he grew up listening to war stories.  

Justin O’Brien fires a C-6 GPMG 30cal machine gun in an advanced precision shooting and coaching course at a military base in Ontario. Submitted photo

“You get promoted from private to corporal within two years in the army reserve,” he says. As for training, O’Brien has completed the Basic Training program at the Borden, Ont., training base, making him a trained soldier in accordance with reserve infantry standards. The training consists of theory lectures as well as practical testing and situations.In this program, O’Brien was trained to be a multi-faceted soldier. He was taught to dress, walk and talk like a soldier, as well as to complete drills and study weapons.

“I learned how to handle, maintain and fire the Canadian Forces C-7 assault rifle, C-9 LMGs and C-6 GPMGs [machine guns],” says O’Brien. He has also received training in handling and firing mortars and setting up and deploying anti-personnel explosive devices, such as claymores. “As for tactics, they teach you most of everything you see in the movies,” says O’Brien.

“They teach you how to sneak up on people, watch people without being noticed, assault with surprise elements, urban operations, searching for people, first aid, rappelling and setting up defensive positions.” Once basic training qualifications are met, soldiers graduate and are re-located to their enlisted regiment where advanced combat training begins. O’Brien’s passion for the army can’t be denied. He says his experience with the Canadian military has exposed him to his full potential as a person and a soldier.

“I definitely think I have changed, thanks to my experiences with the military. It is a very effective test of character and interest,” says O’Brien. “It has helped me with anger problems I used to have before I joined. It helps with self-control, without a question. “You learn how to work with all different kinds of people and you learn methods of adapting to problems or situations.” While remaining an army reservist, O’Brien completed the Private Security program at the Welland campus in 2009. He works part time with the army and has a job with Canada Customs in Fort Erie.

O’Brien, however, is eagerly awaiting a tour in Afghanistan. “I would absolutely go to Afghanistan to fight. It is a place that needs us, without a doubt,” exclaims O’Brien. “It is hard to win over a country that is so damaged from war and controlled by the Taliban. Afghanistan will always be in need, and, unfortunately, we [armed forces] aren’t given the time and resources to finish the job.” Last December, O’Brien was in the process of completing his application to fight overseas.

“Unfortunately, the army has had some problems, and a lot of us lost our chance of going over,” says O’Brien. “There are always going to be chances to fight overseas, either in Afghanistan or somewhere else after we pull out.” O’Brien plans to serve at least 12 years in the military. His goal is to complete two tours of duty before he “even thinks about getting out.”

“Serving Canada is awesome,” adds O’Brien. “I am very proud to be serving my country.”