Mountie Makers: Putting the Canadian in RCMP

by Robert Gordon Teather

The RCMP Division Depot, in Regina, Saskatchewan is where new recruits go to receive their basic training. Go along with Corporal Teather as he takes you into this secret society and the basic training of thirty-two individuals and how they became Troop 18. This is the story of six young men from different parts of Canada and from different walks of life and how with the rest of the group, they learn to work together and become a proud troop. Read as these young recruits go through torturous instruction techniques and brain moulding. It is the basic training that puts the Canadian in RCMP and makes it a force capable of policing our diverse country.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Ian Donnelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Slice of Depot Life

The author is a great storyteller. It’s written in a very casual language, and progresses quickly. I finished most of the book within an afternoon. There’s a very personal focus on his troop mates, which was quite emotional at times. I became so interested in their experiences, that I couldn’t wait to get home and continue reading - not many books inspire that level of dedication from me.

The troop mates, and himself, were all very relatable folk. I’d bought the book out of interest in RCMP training. He does state that the training has changed dramatically in recent years. It does seem that they were brutalised on several occasions, and I wonder if that was necessary for good people to endure, as they volunteer to serve their country, and do a job their families could be proud of. Still, the transition from the old-school to the modern Mountie is seen as bittersweet.

I’d recommend the title to anyone with interests ranging from police work to Canadian history. The story does an excellent job of placing the reader alongside the Depot troops, and creating genuine emotion throughout their triumphs and failures.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is about the 6-months' training program for Canadian Mounties. The bookis written by a retired mountie about his own training in 30 years ago, but I imagine it hasn't changed significantly. (no women in the mounties at that time, though) I thought the book was really interesting--different thoughts and culture--, but I was less invested than I was in "Making a Marine." I suppose because Canada is nt my country!!