OT: Joined the Reserves

Nyles

Nyles

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I thought it may be of interest to you all that I passed the last test for enrollment in the Canadian Forces today. I'm joining the reserves. I'll be doing basic this summer at either Shilo or Wainwright (the recruiters unfortunately haven't had a wealth of information on the Intelligence branches activities). I'm excited, I've been wanting to do this for awhile.

So, for those of you who've been through it already, any advice?
 
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Sorry Nyles, but I just can't resist a good natured joke here. As soon as I read "Intelligence company" I couldn't help thinking of the movie Starship Troopers, when Neil Patrick Harris goes into "PSI Corps". You do bear a slight resemblance.:D
 
Oddly enough, I'm actually less insulted than when somebody compared me to Jude Law....

Seriously though, thanks for doing something other than the oxymoron joke. Literaly EVERYONE has used it.
 
Basic

Nyles said:
(The recruiters unfortunately haven't had a wealth of information on the Intelligence branches activities). I'm excited, I've been wanting to do this for awhile.

So, for those of you who've been through it already, any advice?
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As a serving NCO and former recruiter, I hear you. The CFRC can't explain too much about the job - there wouldn't be any fun left after Basic. The words on the pamphlets are true just deliberately vague for civilians.

On Basic, forget you signed up to a particular job. You'll be taught those skills all in good time. Every promotion is the combination of soldiering and trade skills. Never quit. Never be the last guy to finish anything. Don't make big decisions on bad days. Volunteer when you know what is coming, otherwise keep your hand down. Get out of bed at 0600 and put your head down on the clock at 2200. Sleep is not a luxury, it is fuel for your body to rebuild.

To survive Basic - toughen up!! Instead of surfing the net, get into the PT package you were given. Start walking and lightly jogging, your feet and legs will thank you. When you are watching TV, drop down and pump off four or five good push ups when the goes to commercial. (You are trying to get your muscles used to exertion, not to strain them. Hence the very light resistence and high repetitions. Six or seven commercial breaks per hour adds up in an evening.)

The final advice from one who has done it at your stage in life and seen others go down that road, learn not to drink your pay. If I had half the brain cells ....
 
Sgt Striker said:
Gee, I have my Adv Int Op coarse under my belt, in fact I was in the top 3 of my class of about 30..... Do you think they'd take me back, considering I just turned 51 last week.... :D
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Regular Force eligibility is to be able to complete one Basic Engagement before age 55 (after passing the medical and all the other paperwork). That may have changed now that CRA is a maximum of age 60. Reservists have a slightly different set of challenges because the units work almost as independant entities.
 
Thank You for joining Bro.
If you join the Electronics Warfare chaps be prepared to work relatively independent of the main force.

I cannot divilge what these boys and girls are equipped with nor what their armamanet is.

They are a very specialized group and highly sought after.
Be prepared to be sent to afganistan, spend a lot of time behind some earphones.

Richard
 
Sgt Striker said:
Well... when I was first in, at happy hour a beer cost 15 cents (regular price was 30 cents) and a shot would set you back a quarter. I can remember getting drunk on $2.00!!

AHhhhhh..... the good old days. :D
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Did you join up before or after King Edward passed away?:D
Part of "KItcheners Army?";)
 
Nyles said:
I thought it may be of interest to you all that I passed the last test for enrollment in the Canadian Forces today. I'm joining the reserves, the 6 Intelligence Company, here in Winnipeg. I'll be doing basic this summer at either Shilo or Wainwright (the recruiters unfortunately haven't had a wealth of information on the Intelligence branches activities). I'm excited, I've been wanting to do this for awhile.

So, for those of you who've been through it already, any advice?
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Hey,

I am friends with your new Platoon Commander and alot of the other people in the Int Platoon here in the City. I think from looking at the tasking Brique you will probably do basic here in Winnipeg, out of Minto Armouries. I know 90% of the instructors that will be teaching your basic because I tought the City Basic last Summer.

From what Sgt. Striker said, I think that is wrong about the PT. If I were you I would make sure that you can give 30 Push ups and sit ups, 5 Chin Ups and be able to run 5 Km in 35 Min. There will be ruck marches but they will teach you how to properly prepare for that as you go.

All I can say is good luck, keep your mouth shut and make sure that you work as a team at all times.

Cam
 
Anyone know what the different platoons are in BC? And where they are located?

I was thinking of joining the reserves if/when I move back to kanuckistan
 
cool, thanks for the link. (And sorry for the highjack Nyles)

Does anyone know anything about the units in BC. Like which ones to avoid, and which are preferable?
 
Basic in the reserves -- no sleep and no beer for a month.
Since you'll be really tired you won't even be thinking about nookie... :)
 
the pay scale

I looked at the link provided for the reserves and have a question about the pay scale. It states Minus 6 hours = x amount , Plus 6 hours = Y amount.

Is this the hourly rate or based on a day? The privates are worth up to 66 dollars at plus 6 hours. If this is per hour Im in the wrong field of work!

Just wondering.
 
sgt.maj said:
I looked at the link provided for the reserves and have a question about the pay scale. It states Minus 6 hours = x amount , Plus 6 hours = Y amount.

Is this the hourly rate or based on a day? The privates are worth up to 66 dollars at plus 6 hours. If this is per hour Im in the wrong field of work!

Just wondering.
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Reservists are paid at 85% of the daily rate of pay of their RegF equivalents. If you dig through the CF website, you can find the monthly pay rates. Take those and divide by 30. Take that amount and derive 85%. That is your daily rate of pay. For example, the monthly pay for a certain rank and trade might be $3000; 3000/30 = $100 - 15% = $85/day

When my wife (naval reservist) works a part day or an evening, she receives a half-day of pay. When she does a full day of training or is on course, she receives a full-day of pay.
 
I passed all the exams at the beginning of June and I'm still waiting for the answer.

My Regiment will be " Les Voltigeurs de Québec "

Do you guys know how long it is to get an answer? And is it a letter?

Cheers,

Hans
 
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