Photo supplied.
Pictured is Carter White at his recent graduation from Basic Training with the CAR.
Nineteen-year-old Carter White of Millbrook just graduated from basic training in the Canadian Forces Leadership & Recruit School in St Jean Quebec.
He is now at CFB Borden to continue his studies to become an Aviation Weapons System Technician.
Carter grew up in the area attending St Patrick’s Catholic school and graduating in 2022 from Holy Cross Secondary School in Peterborough. Prior to joining the Air Forces, he volunteered as the Camera and Audio video operator for the Peterborough Petes and Peterborough Lakers Lacrosse, where he developed an interest and expertise in audio visual technology.
His younger brother participated in the local cadet program but Carter was not interested. He was inspired to consider a career with the CAF by his step-father’s stories of the camaraderie he experienced during his five years serving with the Canadian Navy.
Carter’s test scores allowed him to select any specialty. His first choice was to continue in the Audio Visual field, but he was directed to the Air Weapons Systems Technician (AWST) option which was a secondary choice. Air Weapons Systems Technicians install, repair and test complex weapons systems on Canada’s fighter jets, marine helicopters and long-range patrol craft. Incumbents in these position often have the opportunity to travel, as the equipment is usually located in different locations. Carter was placed in this program because it is currently experiencing a shortage of candidates, and while it was not his first choice, the upside is that incumbents for these positions become also eligible for a signing bonus upon completion of their qualifications. Carter also might also admit that the movie Top Gun was somewhat inspirational.
The AWST position requires the completion of a year and a half of studies. Carter will be completing the first two months of training at CFB Borden where students complete the common portion of their curriculum. In July, he will likely be transferred to another base in Suffield, Alberta to begin the specialized training to complete the program.
Each graduate from basic training with the CAF is given a coin that reads “Together We Serve”. The family receives their own coin which says “Beside every uniformed member of the CAF stands a courageous family who loves them with all their hearts”. It’s a statement that only a family of someone in uniform can fully appreciate.
To celebrate his graduation, Carter had a tattoo on his arm that says “Live a Life you will remember”. It sounds like this will not be difficult to achieve. KG