 On 15 June 1866, he joined the 14th Battalion Volunteer Militia Rifles, Canada, and immediately thereafter he was appointed drill instructor.In 1868, he was elected adjutant and later captain with that corps and successfully assumed each position until his next commission in 1870 as a brigade major.In 1871, Reed was transferred to Fort Garry where he assumed garrison duties along with the troops stationed there and remained until its disbandment in 1878.