Canadian Forces Questions

[Sudsy15]

To the OP,

I'm in the same boat as you. I finished my application, and have completed the force fit training for the SALH in Medicine Hat. Eventually being trained as a Crewman, they are a Armored Reconicense Unit, part of the 41 Brigade Group. I am currently employed as a Medevac Pilot in Medicine Hat working week on week off schedule. I'm not really sure what to expect either.

I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned, is to be open about it with your employer. I'm lucky because mine is ex Reg Force he's been supportive.

In my interview with the Sergeant Major, he mentioned they weren't interested in messing with my full time job either. As earlier stated the Reserves doesn't pay well. But they do want to see commitment.

If anyone wants to share some experiences from Basic, and BMQ Land I'd be interested in hearing.

I'm currently a Recce Crewman with the BCR, I've been in 5 years. Some of the best experiences of my life by far, and more than likely the reason things have turned out so well for me civvie side as well. The skills and life lessons I picked up have stuck with me since the day I walked in the doors newly sworn in and got roasted for being an idiot. As for BMQ and BMQ-L, BMQ isn't difficult as long as you work as a team and pay attention to the points the course staff is trying to get across. Especially when it seems like they're beasting you for no good reason. BMQ-L is more of the same, but the lessons being learned are more combat oriented and could save your life if you ever end up in the fight. The Crewman course has been condensed at least once since I did it, but is still a good go.

All in all, the best decision I've ever made and when the time comes to hang up the boots, it will be a sad day for me.

If you have more questions I'd be happy to answer them via PM

 

[Percussion]

As a former Duke (BCR) I fixed it for you!!!!

Lmao! Thanks

 

[Jonny_Cannon]

Yep. For years I judged people by how I thought they would do with 6 months of infantry basic training. Most fell short.

When I re-entered civy life, it was a trial to work with clowns with no work ethic, no self discipline, no self respect, etc. I carried a lot of dead wood that would not have had a job were it not for the union. Management and I clashed many times as the military taught me how to deal with sh!theads and petty power trippers. They couldn't fault my work ethic or productivity, so I got away with it.

I hear that. I have the same problem. Zero tolerance for lack of morals, ethics, or integrity. I work at a hydro utility so most of these clowns have never worked in the real world to begin with. I can chase my tail for hours trying to make them accountable. In the end I just want to jam my thumbs in their eyes to make sure they're paying attention but it's all for naught. No scruples here whatsoever. They lie and blame to cover for their own ineptitude. Not to mention - 47 management staff with a TOTAL of 140 employees. Not 47 plus 140. Right there that tells me you could achieve the same with 10 competent management staff as opposed to 47 useless ones. Grrr why I drink.

Cannon

 

[paratrooper777]

Served with the PPCLI for 3 years in the 80's. I can NEVER repay this country for the endlessly valuable lessons I learned while enlisted, hard lessons but worth every damn bit of sweat and blood I gave. Values I use to this day.(from Izzit)

I totally agree with IZZIT s Comments, best and hardest (physically,mentally) 3 years of my life,
leadership training and skills in our Military are far above anything in civie street.
3CDO Airborne Regt (1RCR ) in the 80s,
do it while your young and no kids.
Have a Good One !
paratrooper777

 

[tacfoley]

OH if your looking to make a career , look hard at being bilingual , unless you want to be corporal for life

If you are an officer, you will have to be bi-lingual to get promoted from major to lt col or equivalent in the air force or naval branch - or you are stuck at major for the rest of your time.

tac

 

[Jonny_Cannon]

Man, I remember French immersion at the Mega.

Then again, I probably learned more at Le Club Penthouse on Rue St. Catharine in Montreal, or Le ###y Bonne for that matter, but I'm probably dating myself.

Cannon

 

[points]

Officer or other rank? That was one of your original questions. I had made the dizzy heights of corporal when I was offered a shot at becoming an officer. I only had to think about it for a moment. No!. I am a hands on guy. I love getting my hands dirty. I have my own construction company and the best part is the work. All I saw officers do was admin. Not for me.
My short stint of 7 years was the best of times and the worst of times. I loved being a soldier but hated the army. Some of you guys might get that. I am glad I got out when I did (75) but would do it all over again. I was a gun plumber and got a job 3 days after I got out as a welder mechanic through my trades training.