First year Naval Experience Program participants share their stories

It’s been one year since the first participants joined the Naval Experience Program and now they are sharing their stories and deciding whether to stick with the Navy or move on.

“I joined the Naval Experience Program because my dad, a Chief Warrant Officer, told me about the program after talking to RCN Chiefs,” said Emma Duncan, now a Sailor Third Class (S3) from Winnipeg, Manitoba. “The opportunity to explore the Navy without a long-term commitment was too good to pass up. Serving Canada like my father and brother felt like the biggest honor.”

S3 Duncan’s experience has been fulfilling, she said, from participating in the Battle of the Atlantic Ceremony to being part of the Honor Guard for His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) William Hall’s commissioning.

The Naval Experience Program offers a taste of life in the navy, letting people try different roles to see if they want to make it a career.

But even in the short term, adapting to life in the navy comes with its challenges. S3 Duncan noted that being away from home has been the hardest part. “I am very family-oriented, and not being able to have dinner with my family every night has been tough.” Luckily, the sense of camaraderie helped her overcome this challenge. “The Navy is like one big family,” she said.

“I have made lots of friends here in Halifax, and we spend a lot of time together, making it feel like home.”

For S3 Ulia Wahn, a participant from Brandon, Manitoba, the most significant challenge was adjusting to the fast-paced environment during a three-week sail on HMCS Charlottetown.

“I found myself lagging behind the qualified sailors, hesitant because of the fast-paced environment. It was challenging, but asking questions and taking one step forward helped me find my confidence,” said S3 Wahn.

“I got to participate in the crossing the line ceremony, work with the aircrew, and even sit in the Cyclone’s cockpit,” said S3 Duncan, recalling her three-week sail aboard HMCS Charlottetown during Operation REASSURANCE.

S3 Wahn’s most memorable experience was crossing the Arctic Circle on HMCS Charlottetown and participating in the King Neptune ceremony. It was an unforgettable experience,” said S3 Wahn.

Both S3s Duncan and Wahn plan to pursue full-time careers in the Navy. S3 Duncan has signed on as a Sonar Operator, excited about the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. S3 Wahn, too, looks forward to a long-term naval career, valuing the sense of community and the skills she has gained.

As of June 2024, approximately 1,459 individuals applied to the NEP. 179 sailors have been successfully enrolled, surpassing the initial goal of 144, demonstrating a promising start for NEP. Over 500 applicants are currently in various stages of the recruitment process. Of the first group of NEP participants completing their one-year engagement, 74% have chosen to embark on a career with the Regular Force. The RCN will have more detailed data in the fall of 2024, as most current NEP participants complete their one-year engagement.