From 2001 to 2014, Canada contributed to international efforts in Afghanistan, a mission that saw thousands of Canadian Armed Forces members deploy, including a significant number from the Reserve Force. Among them were many soldiers from the 48th Highlanders.
The 48th, like other Canadian Army Reserve units, played a crucial role in sustaining Canada’s commitment in Afghanistan. While the regiment didn’t deploy as a complete unit, its members volunteered individually or in small groups to augment Regular Force units. Throughout the mission, reservists comprised a substantial portion of Canadian Army personnel deployed to Afghanistan, often making up 20% to 25% of the total force. This vital contribution underscored the “Total Force Concept,” where reservists are integrated to meet operational requirements alongside their full-time counterparts.
For reservists from the 48th Highlanders, deployments typically lasted around 9 – 12 months. This included 3 -4 months pre-deployment training in Canada, 6 – 7 months in Afghanistan and 2 -3 weeks post deployment leave in locations like Cyprus or Kuwait. Reservists on full time duty are paid at a rate equal to the Regular Force and have the same financial allowances, medical and other benefits. Soldiers from the 48th Highlanders in Afghanistan found themselves integrated into various Regular Force units, serving in a wide array of roles across different phases of the mission. Many contributed to Battle Groups, undertaking combat and security operations. Others served in Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), focusing on security and nation-building initiatives, or as part of Operational Mentor and Liaison Teams (OMLTs), training and mentoring the Afghan National Army and Police. Their duties ranged from dismounted patrolling and intelligence gathering to force protection and supporting humanitarian efforts.
Deploying to Afghanistan presented unique difficulties and challenges for these reservists. Unlike their Regular Force colleagues, who are full-time soldiers, reservists balance military service with civilian careers, education, and family lives. The decision to deploy meant putting their civilian lives on hold for nearly a year. While the aim is for reservists to receive the same high standard of individual training as Regular Force members, army units deploying to places like Afghanistan need extensive “collective” training to ensure sections, platoons and companies operate effectively together as a team.
Beyond the challenges of training and integration, reservists faced the same arduous conditions as all Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan: extreme heat, long hours, constant vigilance, and the psychological toll of operating in a complex and dangerous environment. Upon their return, reservists often faced the added complexity of transitioning back to civilian life while simultaneously processing their military experiences, sometimes with less robust post-deployment support mechanisms than those available to Regular Force members.
The dedication and sacrifices of the 48th Highlanders reservists were indispensable to the Canadian mission in Afghanistan. Their willingness to volunteer, adapt, and serve alongside their Regular Force comrades ensured the continuous operational effectiveness of the Canadian contingent. Their story is a testament to the enduring commitment of Canada’s part-time soldiers, who answered the call when their country needed them most.
