LAC LA MARTRE - After a sneak peak of what military life would be like, Shaun Moosenose has signed on to join the Canadian Forces (CF).

Moosenose was sworn into the military at the Joint Task Force North Headquarters in Yellowknife Feb. 28.

Lt. Col. Adele Donaldson swore in Shaun Moosenose Feb. 28, who joined the Canadian Forces as a Combat Engineer. From Whati, Moosenose is happy to join the CF as an alternative to working for the mines. - Christine Grimard/NNSL photo

"I guess I was bored," said Moosenose about why he joined the military, "I didn't want to end up like everyone else, working in the mines."

As a combat engineer, Moosenose will be facing another kind of mine, those planted during combat. He will also learn to construct obstacles, booby traps and set explosives.

Moosenose has already seen a bit of military life during a two-week Pre-Recruit Training Course in Victoria, B.C. last fall. The course is designed to give aboriginal people a chance to see if they are interested in joining the military.

"It was actually fun," said Moosenose about the course. "Meeting new people from different backgrounds, making new friends."

Lindsay Smallwood, a recruiter for Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Detachment Yellowknife, said that recruits like Moosenose are vital in ensuring accurate representation in the Canadian Forces.

"Canadian Forces preaches diversity," said Smallwood. "We like to see the forces reflect the Canadian population. We do a lot of time in the communities and it's good that those fruits of labor are paying off."

Moosenose noted that it isn't common for people from the communities to join the military.

"Everybody's pointing at the mines as a way of life, as a dream," said Moosenose.

"I didn't see the Canadian Forces as an opportunity. Now I see it as an opportunity to travel, to get an education."

Moosenose will head off to a Basic Recruit Training course in Victoria, where he will learn CF drill and deportment, field survival skills, and handing the C7 semi-automatic rifle.

While basic training might be tough, Moosenose said he imagines it'll be a lot like the course he's already completed.

What helped him get through that course, he said, was the thought of failing and having to go back to his community.

With the possibilities open to him in the Canadian Forces, he's confident he'll make it through.