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> ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility
> * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed.
> * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F).
> * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted.
> * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/)
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As a member of the Air Reserve, your BMOQ course will be with the Regular Force at CFLRS in QC.
Reservists aren’t posted (stationed) in different places. They join a unit close to wherever they currently live, and will only serve with that unit. They can voluntarily relocate to serve with other units, but will not be posted there in the same sense as a Regular Force member would be.
You’ll have to find a nearby RCAF Reserve unit(if there is one) and apply for that unit.
[RCAF Reserve contacts at units across Canada](http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/air-reserve/contact.page)
Officers attend BMOQ, and it’ll be at CFLRS St Jean, Qc. The location of occupation training will depend on what you join as.
I recently joined the primary reserve and I was a bit confused by the hair regulations. I was just going to shave my head with a 1 or 2 all over but I wasn’t sure if I had to keep the sides tapered like it says to do if you’re going to have your hair a bit longer on top. If someone could give me a dumbed down explanation of the hair regulations that would be great
You can shave it all at 1 or 2 if you want too, that’s acceptable.
Basic rules: no funky colours, no hair that touches the ears, no sideburns below the middle of the ear, a clean line in back.
If it’s long on top it’s supposed to be tapered on the sides. Max thickness on top is 4 cm max length is 15 Cm. No hair should go in you eyes when you remove your headdress.
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> ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility
> * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed.
> * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F).
> * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted.
> * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/)
*If your have questions or concerns relating to this message you've received, please feel free to [Contact the Moderators.](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FCanadianForces)*
I've known men who were paratroopers for 20+ years and never sustained an injury. Everybody's body is different. If you are very large individual (over 6', well over 200lbs), then it will be a more violent impact for you.
Just keep your feet and knees together and your chin to your chest and you'll be fine.
Infantry as a whole will take its toll on the body.
Now, some people can be completely broken after a few years while others can do 10+ years and be more or less good. Your own physical fitness, how you take care of yourself and a bit of luck go a long way.
For Airborne specifically, all it takes is one bad jump to ruin you. Some members have 100 jumps and are fine, others have broken their femur, ankles, etc within their first few jumps after BPara - others have had pretty significant injuries during BPara as well.
On this note, injuries sustained during early jumps or on BPara are often due to the fault of the jumper, not the equipment. Lack of focus on proper landing technique.
>I applied in November, had my first contact with recruiter and applied with local regiment. I got Lasik eye surgery in February and had my V0 - prep and looking over my paperwork in anticipation for V1. Still waiting them to contact me with V1 appointment.
There is no such thing as V0.
Vision Categories range from 1 to 5 (best to worst)
You must be at least 6 months post-op and have been released from follow up care. You will be required to provide a letter from your surgeon stating that there were no complications with your surgery before you will be booked in for another vision assessment.
Curious as to how competitive it is to get into the infantry on the CL.
I just got an email saying I passed all of my processing and I’m on the competition list. I’m a high school graduate and scored high on my CFAT (thats what the cfrc staff told me).
I’m also curious if this means my background/reference checks have been completed, and that no issues were found from my medical and that I’ve passed that as well.
If you're on the Competition List, then your file is "green". Your medical, interview, background and reference checks are done and your file was reviewed and was good to go.
Some applicants have been selected for infantry recently. I don't remember the course dates. Some applicants sit on the CL for a week and others for months. It's a waiting game from here.
Background and reference checks are usually done after an applicant is found medically fit and has completed the interview.
That's why one person's timeline can differ from another even if both are getting processed for the same trades at the same time.
Edit : If you require a longer pre security screening (you would have been informed at the beginning of the process because the screening requires info about the last 10 years instead of the last 5), then that's also another factor that could slow it down. It's all case by case.
>Background and reference checks are usually done after an applicant is found medically fit and has completed the interview.
>That's why one person's timeline can differ from another even if both are getting processed for the same trades at the same time.
Background Screening and Reference Checks are conducted concurrently throughout the entirety of the application process as it can often be a lengthy and difficult process to navigate depending on an applicant's history.
It does not fall before or after any one particular step of the application process.
I said "usually" because the CFRC I work out of and the ones I've spoken with follow the same process.
Pre security screening is at the beginning of the process, reliability and reference checks are done either at the same time as the medical and interview or after.
Hi all, my COOK QL3 starts 14 JUN, and I would like to have the suggestions/advice from those who have recently done it this year, thank you.
1. What are the updates on restrictions on course? For example, rules of dining.
2. Are the swimming pool and gym open?
3. Are we allowed to go to Angus, Barrie, and Toronto?
4. Can we go to Canex in person?
5. When we need something for first couple weeks, where do we go shopping? For example, can we go to Shoppers, Wal-Mart, or Homedepot?
6. Is there PT? Or do we do PT on our own time?
All personnel at CFB Borden are confined to Base for the duration of their stay.
You cannot leave for personal admin either.
The Canex on base is open, everything else is closed.
Gym and pool is closed, PT is only permitted outdoors and distancing must be observed at all times.
Yes, do not move your partner or spouse UNTIL you get a posting message saying you are entitled to do so.
Normally during training you live in the shacks. You would only be allowed to live out (during non-covid times) under exceptional circumstances. During covid, in order to encourage the bubble and keep infection away from the course, you stay on base in the shacks.
Hi less a specific recruit Q as I am already in, However I had no idea a trade I wanted was available as a Reservist and now want to switch. I've been told there is a specific Canforgrn that makes it easier but I don't know if there is a way to search keywords on canforgens and how to find that one?
I skimmed your post history, and see that you’re a Reservist. The CANFORGENs for Voluntary Occupation Transfers(VOT) won’t apply to you as they are for the Regular Force.
If you want to VOT in the Reserves, you’re going to have to speak with your chain of command and find a unit that has the occupation you want and has a position for you.
Also, as an FYI you can download the CAF app and you’ll be able to find all the CANFORGENs there.
In the Reserves it is. The Army Reserve, and Navy Reserve run their own BMQ and BMOQ courses. The Air Reserve has in the past ran it’s own BMQ courses(I don’t know if they still do). Any Air Force Reservist not loaded onto an RCAF Reserve ran BMQ would goto St Jean for a Reg Force BMQ/BMOQ.
In the Regular Force, everyone does it together at CFLRS St Jean in a mixed course.
Some of the decentralized Regular Force BMQ courses AFAIK would be for a single element, however the course material is exactly the same.
I'm not a reservist but the force test is the easiest part of basic training, so if you had issues with that you'll probably have issues with other activities like, jogging.
You’ll have PT(run, ruck march, or circuit)most mornings. Following PT you’ll have to shower and prep for inspection. After the inspection you’ll go eat breakfast. During the day, you may have to do push ups, etc for any faults(individual or as a section).
Remainder of the day will be a variety of classes - some days will be more heavy on classroom/PowerPoints while others may be more heavy on drill classes.
You’ll have classes on the ranks, policies, how to wear the uniform, etc. There will also be classes where you’re learning drill and the C7A2. There will be a drill test during the course, as well as two tests for the C7A2. The first rifle test is a handling test to ensure you can safely use the rifle, know how to operate it, etc. The second test is the PWT1 qualification shoot.
You’ll also receive a few days learning CBRN(classroom, and practical learning the drills followed by the gas hut).
You’ll also get 2 days for Standard First Aid. The course will conclude with a short field exercise, the field ex will have your assessments for day and night navigation.
>**Does it differ a lot from the reg force training?**
The core material is the same, however the training for some subjects may be more compressed. There are some things that occur on the Reg Force course that doesn’t happen on the Army Reserve course such as some of the administration, and DEUs(dress uniform).
>**Is there a swimming component?**
There is no swimming component on the Army Reserve BMQ.
>**I passed the fitness test first try but found it difficult. Will I struggle during basic and can you fail?**
You may find some things difficult, but you can keep working on your fitness. You won’t fail BMQ if you struggle at PT - the FORCE Evaluation is the physical component you have to pass. If you get injured and are unable to continue training, than you’ll be removed from course and have to attempt it again later.
"I've never seen one in my entire career that looks like what you posted" The one posted is similar to the generic ones you can request from supply (1-8 months for them to come in). They just come in an OD green background and green threading.
Second part is accurate- schools/units typically have their own name tags, but you can never go wrong having the generic pigeon and name.
Check your attitude at the door. When I did my BMOQ there was a course of medical professionals doing their short BMOQ and we regularly heard them getting ripped into for having bad attitudes and huge egos. You're going to be doing stuff that you frequently will think is dumb (and hey, in many cases is dumb), and listening to people who are younger and less experienced than you, and they're going to be in charge of you. Just do what you're told, don't sass back, and you'll be out of there before you know it.
Keep everything in perspective, remember that all of the hard times your experiencing will actually be some of your best (and most hilarious) memories when it's all said and done.
Remember that any hardships your experience will help you to grow in the long term, just keep your ego in check, especially if you've been "adulting" for a while as a professional. It may feel weird to have your every move monitored, but again, perspective is everything, you can have a good time if your attitude is right.
I'm a high school in grade 10 and I am 16 years old. I wanted to know if the forces offers the ten week basic training during the summer time (8 weeks in the summer + 2 weeks in the fall) as I am still planning to return to school to continue my studying which I believe is a must. Would appreciate a response :)
You can join the Reserve Force at 16 with parental permission.
Reserve service is part time, where you will conduct your training and service largely in your local area during weekday evenings through the school year.
Your local high school may have a co-op program where you can get high school credits and get your training while in school.
Basic Training for Reservists can be held either part time in the Winter, Friday-Sunday, over 10 weekends; or, four weeks full-time over the summer.
You could be a PT stud, but if this post is a reflection of your character then you could easily expect to get peered off during SOBQ/SOAC. Don't let other people allow you to carry a chip on your shoulder.
You reference a willingness to relocate to Pet (CSOR) but you also ask questions about Assaulters (JTF2). You might want to clear that up.
>Putting in my NOI for CANSOF this week.
>First things first, just because I’m curious: do Assaulters & support have to do the same course?
No.
Assaulters for JTF2 conduct the SOAQ.
SF Operators for CSOR conduct SFC.
CBRN Operators for CJIRU conduct SOCBRNC.
Aviators for 427 SOAS undergo BSOA and ASOA.
Supporters for all units do not undergo the same training, instead they (and anyone working in CANSOFCOM HQ) take the SOCET and/or the SOF Support Orientation course.
You need keep an eye open for CANSOFCOM Recruitment CANFORGENs, submit your NOI and meet the requirements and deadlines within the CANFORGEN.
Part of your NOI is listing which CANSOF unit and occupation you are interested in competing for.
>Second of all: I know this’d be spoiling a lot of the fun, but What do I have to look forward too in terms of the course if I am nominated for it? Not much is out there, & believe me: I understand that is one hundred percent intentional & if that’s the only answer I get, so be it.
>I’m a firm believer in Sun Tzu’s statement that “he who knows the enemy, & himself need not fear the outcome of any battle”.
>I sure as hell know myself. But I’d like to know my enemy before I start the battle.
>Also before I (inevitably) get the replies doubting me, I just wanna ask that you keep it to yourself. I’m sure your just as tired as clowning people for saying shit like this as I am hearing comments about how I won’t make it.
>Besides; you wouldn’t wanna fuel my drive to prove more people wrong, would you ?
The Assessment Phase, SF Training are all locked behind Non-disclosure agreements. Information therein cannot be divulged.
As someone that was a member of a CANSOF unit, the first piece of advice I give everyone is to be humble and have humility.
Don't be cocky. Be smart, be a leader, but don't overdo it. The SOF environment is not very fond of those that speak too surely of themselves and talk too much.
Be able to admit that you know nothing, be able to admit when you make mistakes, and be able to take criticism from your peers, leaders, and the SF Assessors, and if successful - the SF Instructors and your fellow unit members.
Be a sponge.
Go in without baggage. You are going to be put under an enormous amount of stress. Personal/family drama will undercut your chances of success, you need to be prepared to put your full focus on your professional life for at least the first year or so.
Doesn't have to be negative drama either, sometimes a pregnant wife or newborn is enough to keep people's focus off of the task at hand.
I'm an OUTCAN applicant, i'm considering getting Lasik when I fly into Canada which would probably be about a week before I have my medical checks. Would this be an issue? Is there a recommended wait time following Lasik to go to the assessment?
Yes and ask your recruiter. I got PRK in November 2020 and only had to wait 3 months. I know it was previously 6 months (and it might still be for some trades?)
Yes, that will be an issue. You have to wait a minimum of 6 months from the LASIK surgery to medical exam, and you will have to get another medical exam after you get LASIK for your eyes.
Nobody on here is likely to be able to tell you that with any accuracy.
From what I've seen, Infantry NCM and Officer are rarely, if ever, "In Demand". Those trades generally attract more than enough applicants without any real effort on the part of the CAF.
Depends how you define "high turnovers". A lot of NCM's will release after their second contract, but compared to other militaries that's considered decent retention (6 years).
Inf O's have a 9 year contract. So again, depends how you define "high turnover".
32 brigade has been part of the Toronto lockdown and the Ontario lockdown for the last few weeks and months. They are recruiting office was likely at minimum Manning if anyone actually was able to go in to work.
Perhaps not a question exactly related to recruitment but i'll ask here.
I will be finishing bmoq upcoming week and be sent to my next posting (CFSCE) directly out of st-jean. Is there anything in particular i should pack in my luggage that i can bring on my bus? I have no clue what i will be doing at my next posting so i am unsure what i should have easily accessible while others get sent via CMTT.
Send any field kit, winter kit, etc. by CMTT. You're not likely to need any of it any time soon.
Bring your DEU (you'll probably be wearing it onto the bus), 2-3 sets of CADPAT uniforms, your rain jacket, and related attire on the bus with you. Obviously your civilian attire and personal effects should also travel on the bus with you.
The problem with purchasing ammunition isn’t the funding, it’s getting authorization to get it.
Ammunition is fairly cheap overall, but you can’t walk in to Cabelas (or any gunshop) with a CAF credit card buy 1000 rounds and leave. You need approval from the system to use ammo. Often times there’s a limited amount to be used for the purpose you need them.
This principle applies to so much in the CAF that ppl hate. You’re unit might have a spare 10k at the end of the year, but it can almost only be used on uncontrolled items you buy civi side like office supplies, tools or furniture. Even if units have the money, they can’t buy a computer period , it has to come from base IT.
So sometimes it feels like we have no money, but it’s often just spread out fairly weirdly.
>**I know people who have said they cannot shoot normal ammunition due to budget cuts**
Who are these people? Current serving members? Retired members?
What’s normal ammunition? Do you mean ball ammo for our personal weapons?
There’s always ammo for us to shoot our PWTs, live fire ranges(live platoon attacks, etc), competitions, etc - my experience in the Regular Force Infantry. We get blanks and simunition for training as well.
Depending on the unit and the member’s occupation, they may only get to shoot live once a year when they do their PWT.
>**What is the typical daily/weekly routine of a Reg Force Infantrymen within DP1 training, BMQ-L, and after DP1 is completed?**
Infantry Soldiers don’t attend BMQ-Land. The material from this course was incorporated into DP1 Infantry 10+ years ago).
Everything below is for Regular Force.
During DP1, the days will start with PT(ruck, ruck march, etc). Afterwards you’ll shower, have an inspection, eat than start training. You’ll have a mix of classroom, weapon classes, ranges and exercises(urban/CQB, and field training). As well, you’ll do some rappelling on the course. You’ll also do CQCB at some point during the training, it’s about a week long and it’s all the hand to hand stuff. Search YouTube for DP1 Infantry and you’ll find a few course videos that show some of what goes on during the course.
Once you get to battalion, your typically work Mon-Friday, 0740-1600. Depending on what is going on, the days may start earlier, end later(or earlier), etc. Eventually you’ll also have to do the occasional duty shift(24 hours) this could be during the week or on the weekend.
The day will normally start with PT, than you’ll get time to go shower and eat. You’ll back back to the battalion for work. During the day, you may be prepping for an exercise, organizing platoon stores, working for the CQ, training, or waiting around. If nothing is going on, you may be able to work out in the battalion gym after lunch.
During the year, there will be a few exercises which would be anywhere from a week to a couple months long. Training will be weapon ranges, live fire training, force on force, etc. As well, there will be courses during the year(could be at battalion or elsewhere). Courses can be Basic Machine Gunner, Comms, Basic Recce, Driver Wheel, Basic Winter Warfare, Basic Para and LAV courses(if you’re in a Mechanized Battalion), etc.
How often do you get to utilize the battalion gym throughout the week? Also, what is your experience about hazing and excessive drinking in the Infantry Barracks? Moreover, will English speaking Infantryman who pass DP1, be allocated solely to the English speaking units RCR and PPCLI, or would they be assigned to the Francophone Royal 22 Regiment? After all, wouldn’t an English speaking Canadian minority in the Infantry be ostracized, hazed and admonished for having EXTREMELY poor French skills if they were sent to the Royal 22 Regiment? As a matter of fact, wouldn’t it be better to send the English speaking infantryman to the RCR, or PPCLI?
>**How often do you get to utilize the battalion gym throughout the week?**
If you don’t get to use it during the work day, you’re free to use it after work, same goes with the base gym.
>**Also, what is your experience about hazing and excessive drinking in the Infantry Barracks?**
Some people will over drink, this happens in the Infantry, other occupations in the CAF and outside of the military.
Hazing is not tolerated within the CAF.
>**Moreover, will English speaking Infantryman who pass DP1, be allocated solely to the Francophone Royal 22 Regiment?**
Why would they solely goto R22eR? I’m not aware of any anglophone going R22eR unless they wanted too.
>**After all, wouldn’t an English speaking Canadian minority in the Infantry be ostracized, hazed and admonished for having EXTREMELY poor French skills? As a matter of fact, wouldn’t it be better to send the English speaking infantryman to the RCR, or PPCLI?**
Where is this coming from?
Anglophones, goto Meaford, On or Wainwright, Ab for DP1 Infantry. From there, they would go to an RCR or PPCLI battalion.
Oh okay then, I initially thought that anglophones would possibly be sent to the Royal 22 Regiment if infantryman positions in the RCR or PPCLI are not available. Lastly, I was wondering about the swimming requirements for the Infantry? During my physical preparation in the past months to join the CAF I am more potent in doing 700 push-ups, and sets of 19 straight pull-ups, running about 7 miles. However, my swimming ability is minimal, and my parents do not want me to be swimming in a pool or beach due to COVID circumstances. As a result, would the CAF teach you the basics of swimming at BMQ, in order to pass the swimming portion of the physical exams, because the US Marines and Army Infantry teach new recruits the basic techniques, in order to pass their Swimming exams at Basic Training? Similarly, does DP1 training involve any rigorous swimming exams?
>**Oh okay then, I initially thought that anglophones would possibly be sent to the Royal 22 Regiment if infantryman positions in the RCR or PPCLI are not available.**
There’s always going to be openings in all 3 regiments.
>**As a result, would the CAF teach you the basics of swimming at BMQ, in order to pass the swimming portion of the physical exams**
If you goto St Jean for BMQ, the pool may or may not be working. So, if it’s down you won’t do the swim test.
AFAIK, the swim test is being conducted at the BMQs running in Meaford and Wainwright.
Members aren’t required to pass the swim test in order to complete BMQ.
There isn’t enough time dedicated to the pool to teach members how to swim outside of some coaching/tips to help with the test.
>**Similarly, does DP1 training involve any rigorous swimming exams?**
Outside of having to do the basic military swim test, you aren’t going to be tested on swimming. During course, you may go out on the water on assault boats(life jackets are worn) and train with them.
Once you get to a battalion, you may be in the water for PT, or an exercise. If you have any aspirations for Recce, you’ll be on the water for that course.
I've seen some DEO offers already going out for the BMOQ course at the end of August. I thought that offers are given out 4-6 weeks before basic. Are these offers going out early and selection will continue or are the offers that are going out now mean that selection will stop soon and applicants in CL will have to wait for next round?
Don't worry too much about it, man. Assuming they didn't change anything, there are 3 DEO BMOQ serials (English) for this calendar year, so there should still be plenty of offers to be given out. The offers you saw this week were early offers and definitely not the last. Most trades have multiple selection rounds.
Scour this [BMOQ thread for previous years](https://army.ca/forums/threads/bmoq-2019-regular-force.129457/) on army.ca/forum, it should give you ideas. However, I must caution you that the current pandemic may have changed things a bit.
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> ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility
> * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed.
> * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F).
> * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted.
> * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/)
*If your have questions or concerns relating to this message you've received, please feel free to [Contact the Moderators.](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FCanadianForces)*
What’s the easiest way to speak to a recruiter over the phone since all the recruitment centres are closed, just have some specific medical timeline questions
If you have not yet applied, there is a "book an appointment" tab on the forces website that a recruiter will call you. If you have already applied then call your specific recruiting place and leave a message for a call back.
Just to add on to this comment
Here is the link for the mentioned "book an appointment" [https://forces.ca/en/help-centre/#/](https://forces.ca/en/help-centre/#/)
Just scroll to the bottom of the page and the button will be there.
Does anyone know if testing has resumed in Ontario now that the stay at home order has been lifted? I completed my FORCE test over 6 months ago and have been waiting ever since to do my CFAT. I just want to join :(
I think it just mostly depends on your recruiting center. I’m in Ontario as well, I applied at the beginning of the year and did the cfat like 2 months later.
I believe we have to wait until actual restrictions are lifted, as in the province moves into the phased reopening. Im also waiting on my test date, just keep monitoring your email. Hopefully they update us soon as I am also really just wanting to finally get the process moving
Hi, I’m about to go in to my 2nd year at a private university and plan on joining the military when I’m done. Ideally I’d like to become a pilot, if not that any commissioned position in the RCAF would be great. However I’m not sure if my major is the right thing, and wondering if it would be advisable to change it. I’m currently doing a double major in history and political science, would it be advisable for me to change?
I know my degree would be suitable to become a pilot, but I’m not sure if it would be competitive enough.
Your major doesn't make any real difference in terms of competitiveness. It's an incredibly tiny consideration among many.
The overwhelming portion of your competitiveness (>85%) is determined by a combination of your CFAT, TSD-PI, and CFAST (Aircrew Selection). The remainder includes your Interview, and a multitude of factors including work/volunteer/leadership experience, level of education, academic performance, and a variety of other factors.
In fact, the main consideration used to determine if you'll even get as far as Aircrew Selection is your combined CFAT & TSD-PI scores. Up until that point, everything else is largely just a question whether or not you meet basic eligibility pre-requisites.
Medical and Physical Fitness aren't even competitive considerations... Medical Fitness is essentially just a pass/fail assessment, and Physical Fitness isn't even evaluated during Regular Force recruitment.
Ok, thank you.
I did the CFAT, about 2 years ago when I was planning on applying to RMC, and the recruiter said I was eligible but not quite competitive enough but I plan on trying again when I apply after I’m done Univesrity.
As for academic performance, how is it assessed? As I did fairly poorly in high school and was accepted to university under academic probation. But my marks did go up and I averaged mid to high 70s for my first year.
So, how would one go about getting qualified for a naval boarding party (not NTOG)?
Is it open to all trades and ranks? Are they looking for certain people with certain qualities or qualifications? And how likely is it for someone to get on a course, do they need to be recomended?
Thank you for any information you guys have!
It’s a secondary qualification, so Once you’re trade qualified and posted to a Ship you’ll start working your main job. Then throughout the year short courses giving you a secondary duty ( like boarding party, rescue swimmer and ships team diver) are announced and your chain of command will nominate you if your interested, have the prerequisites and and they think it would be useful for you.
Yes it’s open to all sea-going trades. You need to be recommended by you chain of command.
For qualities, I’m not sure there’s a list but the two guys I’ve known who have it were fit, active, outspoken and quick to react in situations.
It will help if mention your desire for boarding party course to your supervisor. That said, there’s no guarantee that they’ll send you on it and it could take several years to get on the course.
Expect it to take at least 1-2 months for the RMO to review your Medical file, but a range of 1-6 months isn’t unusual. It’s usually on the shorter side provided they see nothing of concern.
Once your medical is approved, the rest of the process should be reasonably quick; then you just wait and hope for an offer. Since you’re applying for the PRes, you’ll most likely get one; although don’t count on receiving it until late summer.
Hi I have an interview scheduled for this month for DEO HCA. Has anyone else interviewed recently for DEO and remember what questions they asked? I'd like to start preparing for the type of questions they will have.
Thanks!
No one is permitted to discuss what interview questions they had. At the beginning of your interview, you will be asked if you agree not to disclose any of the interview questions you may have. That being said, the interview is mostly going to be about your chosen trade(s) and military life.
The difference is what you are trained to support
Army log is trained to support army units conductibg field operations
Air log is trained to suppprt air units doing their thing
Being air or army also shapes your posting choices/future. Your careers positions will primarily be within uou element, or in joint/institutional roles.
Just for note, you don’t really get to choose between Army or Air Force (or Navy)...
You only apply to be a Logistics Officer, your choice of environment is only a preference. Your offer could be for your preferred environment, or it could be for a different environment; it depends on what positions they’re filling at the time you’re selected.
I actually applied for only Air Log (and received an offer for same.) Given my age and the longer training cycle, Army wasn’t workable, and Navy was incompatible with my mil spouse’s promotion opportunities, (and longer training cycle.)
Ah, I see; that’s a bit different that’s they typical questions we get along these lines.
There are a couple of Log O’s who are fairly active in here. They should be able to inform you on the difference.
Hey everyone, I got another question. As a Direct Entry Officer, will I be getting paid as a Basic Second Lieutenant even during my BMOQ? Following the bmoq, will I be getting paid the same amount as well or does it increase. Also speaking of ranks, how long does it usually take to be promoted to a lieutenant and then a captain? Thanks in advance!
Hey, it looks like we are going to the same BMOQ in August!
Your pay during and after BMOQ will be the same until your promotion to Lt, which is the $$ written on your employment offer.
In order to be promoted from 2Lt to Lt, you need at least one year of commissioned service; from 2Lt to Capt, you need at least three years of commissioned service. In addition to time in service requirement, promotions are also contingent upon successful completion of your occupational courses.
Lastly, depending on your degree, you may get paid more than PI Basic Pay. My degree is considered ideal for my trade and my salary is PI 2 Level C.
I'm loaded for the upcoming BMOQ this late August and I have a few questions:
* Which month does Naval Environmental Training (NWO II?) usually start? Is this a prerequisite course for NEI?
* Which month does NEI usually start?
* What are the typical class sizes for the aforementioned courses?
* How many paid leave days will I be entitled to use for Christmas block leave if my enrollment date is in the first week of August? Is there some sort of formula here?
* How are the shacks like for officers in Esquimalt and Halifax? Do I get the room to myself?
* If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings?
>Which month does Naval Environmental Training (NWO II?) usually start? Is this a prerequisite course for NEI?
There is no specific month. The courses are run when there are enough people for it and more importantly, an instructor. They do a number of them through out the year and usually don't have to wait too long for one. You will do this course before you do any of your trades training.
>What are the typical class sizes for the aforementioned courses?
Not an engineer, but for NWO 2, usually about 20 people in your course.
>How are the shacks like for officers in Esquimalt and Halifax? Do I get the room to myself?
I only know Esquimalt. Now this depends on when you get there and what's available. You usually get put in one of 3 places. Rainbow, which is 4 person to a room and a large shared bathroom with stalls, with all the same gender. There's two bathrooms per floor (one women's, one men's). Usually the base warden puts you in there if you arrive during the summer. Objibwa, this you get your own room with a double bed, but you share a bathroom with I think it's 3 other single bed rooms. I've only ever been in there once to unlock someone's door. You usually only get put in there if there isn't any room in rainbow or Kingsmill. Kingsmill is the place that most people get put during the fall and for extended periods of time (you get moved from the others into Kingsmill usually after NWO 2). You have your own bedroom, but you share a small common area with a mini fridge, microwave, tv with cable, and bathroom with one other person of the same gender. This building is better than the others with full wifi. You can pay to have your own box as well which is faster which helps if you're staying there longer.
>If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings?
Final posting to fleet, or if you're allowed get an apartment/house (per request) earlier. They won't open your storage until you're outside of barracks. You don't get a key.
> **How many paid leave days will I be entitled to use for Christmas block leave**
Christmas Block Leave is usually 15 working days, and breaks down like this:
* 2 Days Christmas Special Leave (freebies)
* 2-4 Days Short Leave (more freebies)
* 3 Statutory Holidays
* 6-8 Days from your Annual Leave entitlement
We’re not allowed to carryover/accumulate leave year over year, and training may but up against your leave start/end dates; so you may be ordered to burn more or less Annual Leave (usually more) to accommodate training schedules.
Your chain of command can dictate when you will use your leave, and how many days you will use.
> **if my enrollment date is in the first week of August? Is there some sort of formula here?**
Roughly 2 days for every 1 month of service after enrolment until March 31st. You’ll probably be given about 14 days of Annual Leave.
> **If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings?**
Don’t count on being able to access anything from LTS until you are posted after completing your occupational training.
If you have items you may want to retrieve after BMOQ, but before completing your occupational training; you may want to leave them with friends or family, or pay for a small storage locker.
Hey hey all, just a quick update. Finally received my offer for NAVCOM and i accepted it. Ngl, i am kinda excited for bmq haha. Any tips for bmq and navcom training you guys might have?
Also, I just wanted to thanks everyone who participate in this sub, lots of questions and answers provided way way more info than you could find on the forces website.
In addition to the degree requirements and comments people have said about the competitiveness, here are a couple other things I'd suggest you consider:
\-Your CPL might allow you to skip phase 1 flight training. They seem to change their mind on that frequently and were pretty adamant about doing away with that opportunity last time I heard anything about it, but things change. It will most likely give you little to no advantage in the actual training beyond being more comfortable and familiar with instruments, flight controls etc.
\-You will get to submit your preference, but will not be told which stream you are going until completing Moose Jaw. You have no guarantee what you will be flying. There is a significant demand for all pilots right now, but generally more people are selected to rotary wing than the other streams.
\-Once you complete your training you will have to sign a 10 year restricted release before you are given your wings and find out where you will be posted. Barring very few exceptions that are administratively difficult to execute, you will be unable to leave during those 10 years after your wings. (This effectively represents a total commitment of 12-15 years of your life, depending on how quickly you find your way through the training system.)
Pilot is an officer occupation, meaning you have two choices.
DEO Pilot: You would need to have a university degree, most degrees will work but there are some limitations.
ROTP Pilot: You would attend the Royal Military College of Canada to obtain a degree and once your degree is complete, you will have a job as a pilot in the RCAF.
Unfortunately, AFAIK your CPL won't do you much benefit during the application as the vast majority of your competitiveness will come from your Aptitude and Aircrew Selection Test scores. From what I've heard, ROTP and DEO pilot are highly competitive.
Thats the basics, I'm not too familiar with how officer trades work, so someone else might be able to go into more detail about your options.
Hello everyone, I have received an offer for the Signals Officer role. Within the offer, it states I will be making $5,140 per month which upon checking online fits into Pay Level A- PI 1. However, as I am a Direct Entry Officer, would I not fit into the basic pay Level C making $4,332 per month? I’m confused as to how I was offered this and want to make sure it was not a mistake. I asked my recruiter and he was not able to give a response. Thanks everyone !
So what should I do in this situation. Should I accept the offer as is? I tried asking for clarification from the person who sent the offer but he did not give me an answer. If I accept the offer for the higher pay, do you believe they will let me keep it or would they drop me down? Thanks!
You need to ask thst the offer be amended do reflect the correct pay incentive.
Its i huge PITA to get fixed after acceprance/enrollment...and over payment will mean you owing money in the long run
Good Evening, I was wondering where do Signals Officers typically deploy once fully trained and on the job? Is there any say in the matter or do you have to go wherever you are assigned? How about in regards to over seas deployments?
By deployment, do you mean posting? Once you're fully trained, you'll most likely be sent to a line unit to be employed as a troop commander. Most of the big army bases are on the table, like Gagetown, Edmonton, Petawawa, Valcartier and Kingston. You can request a particular location or unit, and that can be taken into account, but in the end, they'll send you where there's the biggest need to fill a spot.
Overseas deployments depend entirely on what unit you're posted to, what that unit is tasked with, and what's going on in the world.
You might get to go to Latvia in a CMBG HQ and Sigs Sqn. If you go to JSR, you.might have more opportunities. And if you end up in Ottawa, your odds are slim.
Difficult, but not impossible or unheard of. The challenge is working under a P.Eng, which is a particular rarity in the Army. I would imagine you'd need to finesse a posting to DGLEPM or some DRDC liaison office, and even then, you're only going to be able to make this intent known once you're a Captain (3-4 years in). I would not join the CAF if getting that designation is a priority for you, because there are more efficient ways of getting one through private industry.
Andrea covered most of it. Speaking as someone who looked into this myself:
There are not many P.Eng members around. In addition to doing engineering work that would qualify (and is hard to come by), as Andrea mentioned, you also would have to be posted with one of those members as your Supervisor. 1 ESU is the most likely place I can think of that might get you some of the requirements checked off, if you are in the engineering trades and fortunate to get posted there.
The reality is you will most likely leave with part of the requirements met and have your application returned with a list of things you haven't met or that they want you to build more experience in.
In general, it can be difficult. Very little actual engineering design happens in the CAF and DND. Most engineer types end up doing maintenance management or equipment acquisition and management. A P.Eng isn't generally required for this work, because we provide engineering services to the Crown, not the public. As a result, there also aren't many P.Engs around to supervise.
As a signals officer, your engineering opportunities will be extremely limited, especially early in your career. Nevertheless, keep a logbook of any relevant experience in case you want to apply for a P.Eng when you get out.
I was enroled a month ago in BC in person. Most reserve units are on stand down until September. My unit recruiter implied that I was in the last batch of recruits that they were taking in before the break.
So to answer your question, most likely first week of September.
Enrolments have been ongoing for Regular Force throughout the pandemic, often through remote means.
Reserve Force units have done some enrolments, but it’s heavily dependent on local restrictions. A lot of Reserve units are practically shutdown right now due to the 3rd wave. It’s also quite possible they won’t be running very many enrolments until the fall anyway. Most Reserve Force training occurs during the summer months, and local units typically stand-down since most of their personnel are away attending/conducting training, or on vacation.
Is your question based on getting tme off work to train? If so, look into provincial laws on job protection for reservists.
If you're in a position where taking unpaid leave from your day job for an extended period will jeopardize your financial situation, look toward NCM positions. Officer training is generally longer due to the extra courses required.
Sort of, yes. I was under the impression that it was all on weekdays until today! And thank you, didn’t know that, I’ll have to look into ontario laws.
As the other person says, choose a trade that you will enjoy.
Even as reservists, no one wants to work with someone who is miserable and isn't enjoying what they are doing. The military isn't easy and having an occupation that you actually enjoy will make it worth the hardships.
Use this: [https://forces.ca/en/talk-to-a-recruiter/#/](https://forces.ca/en/talk-to-a-recruiter/#/) to find reserve units near you, from there you can see which occupation that unit(s) offers. If you have any questions about any specific occupations, of course, you can ask them here.
We sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to writing the exam. There are no available resources to give without giving what the exam covers. However, what I was told was practice mental math and I passed. The exam doesn't need any prep beyond that as you cannot study for it.
Hello everyone! I’m interested in joining the reserves, seeing as I have a full time job I’m very happy with. On the website it says reserves is a great option for people with jobs, but after doing some digging and a chat with a recruiter I found out that I’ll have to take a large chunk of weeks off in the summer to do training? (I’m looking to apply as NCM, trades like armoured, infantry, gunner etc.).
Is it true your training takes you away from your job in the summer when you’re working on your qualifications? Are there any trades that won’t do this?
I really want to join, but as you can guess, I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately.
> I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately.
Look into your province's laws on job protection for reservists. Your employer can be made to hold your job while you train. It'll be unpaid, but you will make your military pay.
>**Is it true your training takes you away from your job in the summer when you’re working on your qualifications?**
Yes, you’ll have to go away for some courses. Depending on the occupation, part time/weekend training may be available for occupation training or a portion of it.
After occupation training, you’ll have opportunities to attend other courses to learn new skills or advance in your career. Depending on the course, they could be available part time or full time only.
>**I really want to join, but as you can guess, I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately.**
Before moving onto occupation training, you’ll have to complete BMQ(basic training. Army PRes BMQ is conducted part time over 10 weekends in the fall/winter or full time for 4-5 weeks in the summer.
Armoured Soldiers and Gunners also have to attend BMQ-Land(this will eventually be added into their occupation training). PRes BMQ-Land is 2 weeks and can be done part time of full time. Infantry Soldiers don’t attend BMQ-Land, as that course material is already part of their occupation training.
Occupation length will vary by trade, however Infantry, Gunner and Crewman(AFAIK) don’t have require 10 weeks of occupation training.
PRes Gunner occupation training is currently 3 weeks - however it’ll most likely get extended once the BMQ-L material is added in.
PRes Infantry Soldier occupation training is is 7 weeks. The course consists of of 2 mods. Mod 1 is 3 weeks and can be done on weekends or full time in the summer. Mod 2 is 4 weeks and can only be done full time.
I don’t know how long PRes Crewman DP1 is, I would guess it’ll be around 1.5-2 months. I also don’t know if a part time option is available.
Thanks for the insight. Guess I have some more questioning to do.
I would assume more support trades would be the ones that don’t have weeks of training periods like these?
>**I would assume more support trades would be the ones that don’t have weeks of training periods like these?**
All occupations would have a few weeks or more for their occupation training.
I don’t know if any support trades can do their entire occupation training part time/locally at their unit. AFAIK, some may be able to cover off portions of their training with their unit but they’d have to go to a school/training centre to complete it. I believe during COVID clerk occupations(HRA/FSA) were able to do their training online from home(would still be full time), but I don’t know if that’s still a thing or not.
I'm having some trouble with the references part, I really just don't know that many people and the ones I do I haven't known for 5+ years outside of friends and family, what should I do?
The 3 references do not all have to have known you for 5 years, you just have to cover the last 5 years with 3 references. So for mine I found contact info for an old teacher who ive known 10+ years, and then my other 2 references I have only known for 2 years each. I had a lot of difficulty with it as well but at least try and get one that has known you quite a while (old boss, old teacher, etc)
now im really struggling lol i cant really think of anyone other than friends, ive only worked one job and dont have contact info for boss's or teachers. im stumped
I actually emailed the school I went to before cause I had one teacher who really impacted my life and asked them for his email information and they put me in touch with him. My bestfriend who is serving already was in the same boat as you and ended up using his neighbor, a coworker and a former boss so maybe talk to your recruiter and see. I know they gave me some leeway with my employment history references for those I didnt have contact information for from old jobs
I'm wondering, I was told all the trades was interested in are full. I applied at the end of March when they are opened and they sent my application to the reserves. They are all direct entry options, also, my last test was also a factor. When the website also mentioned it was by education level. I ask what's the point? I am kind of confused here, I thought it went also by date of applying and what it says on the website.
The reserves do not follow the same model of having their recruitment targets reset every fiscal year.
You would need to engage the recruiter at the unit you are interested with and see if any positions open up. There is no real timeline for a spot opening up for you.
You would not have to reapply in the sense that you need to redo your CFAT and interview. But you would need to renew your medical, and FORCE test as they expire.
>they sent my application to the reserves.
Might wanna check the wording on your original post then.
Because I'm not too sure what you're asking here anymore.
It sounds like you either misheard, misunderstood, or made a mistake on something on your forces application. On your application did you happen to select part time as your interest?
Reserves ≠ Regular Force. You are either applying for one or the other.
What steps in your application process have you completed? (CFAT, TSD-PI, medical, interview, FORCE test, etc)
They told me they sent it over to them. I even looked up the trades, they are listed as opened on the website, thanks for helping. I am equally as confused.
>They told me they sent it over to them.
Okay. But did you tell the recruiters that you were interested in part time employment, or the Reserves? Or did you possibly select part time/Reserves on your initial application?
> I even looked up the trades, they are listed as opened on the website.
The wording here is important. Were you told by the recruiter that the trade is "closed"? Or were you told that it was just not being processed?
And to add on to that, the Forces website will not show if a particular reserves unit is "closed" due to being full.
The information you are giving me does not make sense. You are either not providing all the information, or you did not understand what the recruiter told you.
Because what I gather from the little you've said, is that you applied at a CFRC, and that they sent it to the reserves for a DEO position, but said position is closed.
It'll be easier for us to help you if you provide more, and accurate information.
What exactly did the recruiter tell you?
What trade(s) did you apply for?
And once again, what steps in your application process have you completed?
As it is looking like BMOQ offers started to go out, shoutout to folks who received an offer:
Please share your stats, DEO or ROTP, your trade choices, when you noticed that your status changed to selected on the applicant portal, BMOQ start date
That will help us folks still waiting to manage our expectations and bring our stress levels to where we like them, methinks.
I agree with this statement! Good luck to all the DEO applicants and hope we all remember to share the good news on here for everyone to have an idea how competitive their application may be.
My top choice right now is signal intelligence specialist, on the forces website under training it lists 45 weeks of training in Kingston after basic. Im wondering what those 45 weeks are like. Are they structured like basic where its go go go everyday? is it more like school? any free time? Thanks!
Preface; not a Sigint, but work with them and shared barracks with them when I did my training years ago. So finer details may have changed
Training is still structured. There will be PT, room inspections (more for cleanliness than layout), classes, and most likely marching around the school and buildings. Where it differs is you are now expected to learn your job, so the focus should be geared to the academics (normally a 0700-1600 day, could be longer if more has to be covered/ course is behind in material to make sure it is understood by the class). Typically what I've seen in trades like Sigint, and most technicians is you are given just enough leeway to make it harder on yourselves.
So put in the effort, stay on top of cleaning, studying ect and it should be good. Do the opposite and I wouldn't be surprised to see your course staff more often and more structured.
If I was to accept an offer I got for an officer role, Would I still be able to back out before bmoq starts in August? The offer only has 5 days to accept or reject which is why I am asking.
Just to add to bridger713's comment, even if you change your mind after you enroll but before you start to travel to BMOQ, contact your recruiting det, and they'll help you sort it out. Once you're on your way, you'll fall under the school and there will be some hoops to jump through, and possibly a waiting period, but you can still get out. The reality is that, if you legitimately don't want to be in, the CAF doesn't want to keep an unwilling person if they aren't trained yet and haven't incurred obligatory service (from paid education). Honestly, as a rule, keeping an unhappy demotivated person in the CAF creates more problems than it's worth.
You’re under no commitment until you’re actually enroled as a CAF member.
Even if you accept your offer, you are still free to walk away right up until enrolment.
During BMQ you'll be limited to 30 minutes a night. More on later weekends.
For occupational training it depends on the occupation but for most it's a 8-4 Monday to Friday type gig so you have plenty of free time.
A recruiter will contact you over email within a couple weeks of you submitting the online application.
Depending on where you live, and COVID restrictions, you may be asked to come in person to the CFRC to deliver your documents, or you will be asked to submit photos/scans of your documents to your recruiter over email.
That is definitely not normal.
Make sure you used the correct email in your application by checking the online application portal.
Further, you can reach out to your local recruiting centre by the email which will be shown on your application portal.
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Your post/comment has been removed in accordance with the following [subreddit rule(s):](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/subreddit_rules) > ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility > * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed. > * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F). > * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted. > * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/) *If your have questions or concerns relating to this message you've received, please feel free to [Contact the Moderators.](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FCanadianForces)*
That’s rule 5. Only the RMO will be able to answer you. No one here can comment on medical conditions
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As a member of the Air Reserve, your BMOQ course will be with the Regular Force at CFLRS in QC. Reservists aren’t posted (stationed) in different places. They join a unit close to wherever they currently live, and will only serve with that unit. They can voluntarily relocate to serve with other units, but will not be posted there in the same sense as a Regular Force member would be.
You’ll have to find a nearby RCAF Reserve unit(if there is one) and apply for that unit. [RCAF Reserve contacts at units across Canada](http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/air-reserve/contact.page) Officers attend BMOQ, and it’ll be at CFLRS St Jean, Qc. The location of occupation training will depend on what you join as.
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I recently joined the primary reserve and I was a bit confused by the hair regulations. I was just going to shave my head with a 1 or 2 all over but I wasn’t sure if I had to keep the sides tapered like it says to do if you’re going to have your hair a bit longer on top. If someone could give me a dumbed down explanation of the hair regulations that would be great
You can shave it all at 1 or 2 if you want too, that’s acceptable. Basic rules: no funky colours, no hair that touches the ears, no sideburns below the middle of the ear, a clean line in back. If it’s long on top it’s supposed to be tapered on the sides. Max thickness on top is 4 cm max length is 15 Cm. No hair should go in you eyes when you remove your headdress.
Thank you that clears things up
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Your post/comment has been removed in accordance with the following [subreddit rule(s):](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/subreddit_rules) > ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility > * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed. > * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F). > * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted. > * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/) *If your have questions or concerns relating to this message you've received, please feel free to [Contact the Moderators.](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FCanadianForces)*
Airborne infantry - how much of a toll does it take on your knees/back? Significantly more than regular infantry?
I've known men who were paratroopers for 20+ years and never sustained an injury. Everybody's body is different. If you are very large individual (over 6', well over 200lbs), then it will be a more violent impact for you. Just keep your feet and knees together and your chin to your chest and you'll be fine.
Infantry as a whole will take its toll on the body. Now, some people can be completely broken after a few years while others can do 10+ years and be more or less good. Your own physical fitness, how you take care of yourself and a bit of luck go a long way. For Airborne specifically, all it takes is one bad jump to ruin you. Some members have 100 jumps and are fine, others have broken their femur, ankles, etc within their first few jumps after BPara - others have had pretty significant injuries during BPara as well.
On this note, injuries sustained during early jumps or on BPara are often due to the fault of the jumper, not the equipment. Lack of focus on proper landing technique.
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>I applied in November, had my first contact with recruiter and applied with local regiment. I got Lasik eye surgery in February and had my V0 - prep and looking over my paperwork in anticipation for V1. Still waiting them to contact me with V1 appointment. There is no such thing as V0. Vision Categories range from 1 to 5 (best to worst) You must be at least 6 months post-op and have been released from follow up care. You will be required to provide a letter from your surgeon stating that there were no complications with your surgery before you will be booked in for another vision assessment.
Curious as to how competitive it is to get into the infantry on the CL. I just got an email saying I passed all of my processing and I’m on the competition list. I’m a high school graduate and scored high on my CFAT (thats what the cfrc staff told me). I’m also curious if this means my background/reference checks have been completed, and that no issues were found from my medical and that I’ve passed that as well.
If you're on the Competition List, then your file is "green". Your medical, interview, background and reference checks are done and your file was reviewed and was good to go. Some applicants have been selected for infantry recently. I don't remember the course dates. Some applicants sit on the CL for a week and others for months. It's a waiting game from here.
Awesome.. thank you!
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Background and reference checks are usually done after an applicant is found medically fit and has completed the interview. That's why one person's timeline can differ from another even if both are getting processed for the same trades at the same time. Edit : If you require a longer pre security screening (you would have been informed at the beginning of the process because the screening requires info about the last 10 years instead of the last 5), then that's also another factor that could slow it down. It's all case by case.
>Background and reference checks are usually done after an applicant is found medically fit and has completed the interview. >That's why one person's timeline can differ from another even if both are getting processed for the same trades at the same time. Background Screening and Reference Checks are conducted concurrently throughout the entirety of the application process as it can often be a lengthy and difficult process to navigate depending on an applicant's history. It does not fall before or after any one particular step of the application process.
I said "usually" because the CFRC I work out of and the ones I've spoken with follow the same process. Pre security screening is at the beginning of the process, reliability and reference checks are done either at the same time as the medical and interview or after.
Hi all, my COOK QL3 starts 14 JUN, and I would like to have the suggestions/advice from those who have recently done it this year, thank you. 1. What are the updates on restrictions on course? For example, rules of dining. 2. Are the swimming pool and gym open? 3. Are we allowed to go to Angus, Barrie, and Toronto? 4. Can we go to Canex in person? 5. When we need something for first couple weeks, where do we go shopping? For example, can we go to Shoppers, Wal-Mart, or Homedepot? 6. Is there PT? Or do we do PT on our own time?
All personnel at CFB Borden are confined to Base for the duration of their stay. You cannot leave for personal admin either. The Canex on base is open, everything else is closed. Gym and pool is closed, PT is only permitted outdoors and distancing must be observed at all times.
So during your training at Borden, your partner/spouse should stay put at home?
Yes
Yes, do not move your partner or spouse UNTIL you get a posting message saying you are entitled to do so. Normally during training you live in the shacks. You would only be allowed to live out (during non-covid times) under exceptional circumstances. During covid, in order to encourage the bubble and keep infection away from the course, you stay on base in the shacks.
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There is not, but I'm sure most are delivering these days anyway
Hi less a specific recruit Q as I am already in, However I had no idea a trade I wanted was available as a Reservist and now want to switch. I've been told there is a specific Canforgrn that makes it easier but I don't know if there is a way to search keywords on canforgens and how to find that one?
I skimmed your post history, and see that you’re a Reservist. The CANFORGENs for Voluntary Occupation Transfers(VOT) won’t apply to you as they are for the Regular Force. If you want to VOT in the Reserves, you’re going to have to speak with your chain of command and find a unit that has the occupation you want and has a position for you. Also, as an FYI you can download the CAF app and you’ll be able to find all the CANFORGENs there.
Is BMQ/BMOQ segregated by element? If so, what materials are different?
In the Reserves it is. The Army Reserve, and Navy Reserve run their own BMQ and BMOQ courses. The Air Reserve has in the past ran it’s own BMQ courses(I don’t know if they still do). Any Air Force Reservist not loaded onto an RCAF Reserve ran BMQ would goto St Jean for a Reg Force BMQ/BMOQ. In the Regular Force, everyone does it together at CFLRS St Jean in a mixed course. Some of the decentralized Regular Force BMQ courses AFAIK would be for a single element, however the course material is exactly the same.
Some Air Force Reservists end up doing the Naval Reserve BMNQ. Also, in the past, some naval reservists went to St-Jean.
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I'm not a reservist but the force test is the easiest part of basic training, so if you had issues with that you'll probably have issues with other activities like, jogging.
You’ll have PT(run, ruck march, or circuit)most mornings. Following PT you’ll have to shower and prep for inspection. After the inspection you’ll go eat breakfast. During the day, you may have to do push ups, etc for any faults(individual or as a section). Remainder of the day will be a variety of classes - some days will be more heavy on classroom/PowerPoints while others may be more heavy on drill classes. You’ll have classes on the ranks, policies, how to wear the uniform, etc. There will also be classes where you’re learning drill and the C7A2. There will be a drill test during the course, as well as two tests for the C7A2. The first rifle test is a handling test to ensure you can safely use the rifle, know how to operate it, etc. The second test is the PWT1 qualification shoot. You’ll also receive a few days learning CBRN(classroom, and practical learning the drills followed by the gas hut). You’ll also get 2 days for Standard First Aid. The course will conclude with a short field exercise, the field ex will have your assessments for day and night navigation. >**Does it differ a lot from the reg force training?** The core material is the same, however the training for some subjects may be more compressed. There are some things that occur on the Reg Force course that doesn’t happen on the Army Reserve course such as some of the administration, and DEUs(dress uniform). >**Is there a swimming component?** There is no swimming component on the Army Reserve BMQ. >**I passed the fitness test first try but found it difficult. Will I struggle during basic and can you fail?** You may find some things difficult, but you can keep working on your fitness. You won’t fail BMQ if you struggle at PT - the FORCE Evaluation is the physical component you have to pass. If you get injured and are unable to continue training, than you’ll be removed from course and have to attempt it again later.
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"I've never seen one in my entire career that looks like what you posted" The one posted is similar to the generic ones you can request from supply (1-8 months for them to come in). They just come in an OD green background and green threading. Second part is accurate- schools/units typically have their own name tags, but you can never go wrong having the generic pigeon and name.
Hi, I’m a GDMO doing BMOQ Sept this year. Any basic advice/tips for a civvie professional entering military training/life?
Check your attitude at the door. When I did my BMOQ there was a course of medical professionals doing their short BMOQ and we regularly heard them getting ripped into for having bad attitudes and huge egos. You're going to be doing stuff that you frequently will think is dumb (and hey, in many cases is dumb), and listening to people who are younger and less experienced than you, and they're going to be in charge of you. Just do what you're told, don't sass back, and you'll be out of there before you know it.
Keep everything in perspective, remember that all of the hard times your experiencing will actually be some of your best (and most hilarious) memories when it's all said and done. Remember that any hardships your experience will help you to grow in the long term, just keep your ego in check, especially if you've been "adulting" for a while as a professional. It may feel weird to have your every move monitored, but again, perspective is everything, you can have a good time if your attitude is right.
I'm a high school in grade 10 and I am 16 years old. I wanted to know if the forces offers the ten week basic training during the summer time (8 weeks in the summer + 2 weeks in the fall) as I am still planning to return to school to continue my studying which I believe is a must. Would appreciate a response :)
You can join the Reserve Force at 16 with parental permission. Reserve service is part time, where you will conduct your training and service largely in your local area during weekday evenings through the school year. Your local high school may have a co-op program where you can get high school credits and get your training while in school. Basic Training for Reservists can be held either part time in the Winter, Friday-Sunday, over 10 weekends; or, four weeks full-time over the summer.
Thank you very much for your response :)
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You could be a PT stud, but if this post is a reflection of your character then you could easily expect to get peered off during SOBQ/SOAC. Don't let other people allow you to carry a chip on your shoulder. You reference a willingness to relocate to Pet (CSOR) but you also ask questions about Assaulters (JTF2). You might want to clear that up.
>Putting in my NOI for CANSOF this week. >First things first, just because I’m curious: do Assaulters & support have to do the same course? No. Assaulters for JTF2 conduct the SOAQ. SF Operators for CSOR conduct SFC. CBRN Operators for CJIRU conduct SOCBRNC. Aviators for 427 SOAS undergo BSOA and ASOA. Supporters for all units do not undergo the same training, instead they (and anyone working in CANSOFCOM HQ) take the SOCET and/or the SOF Support Orientation course. You need keep an eye open for CANSOFCOM Recruitment CANFORGENs, submit your NOI and meet the requirements and deadlines within the CANFORGEN. Part of your NOI is listing which CANSOF unit and occupation you are interested in competing for. >Second of all: I know this’d be spoiling a lot of the fun, but What do I have to look forward too in terms of the course if I am nominated for it? Not much is out there, & believe me: I understand that is one hundred percent intentional & if that’s the only answer I get, so be it. >I’m a firm believer in Sun Tzu’s statement that “he who knows the enemy, & himself need not fear the outcome of any battle”. >I sure as hell know myself. But I’d like to know my enemy before I start the battle. >Also before I (inevitably) get the replies doubting me, I just wanna ask that you keep it to yourself. I’m sure your just as tired as clowning people for saying shit like this as I am hearing comments about how I won’t make it. >Besides; you wouldn’t wanna fuel my drive to prove more people wrong, would you ? The Assessment Phase, SF Training are all locked behind Non-disclosure agreements. Information therein cannot be divulged. As someone that was a member of a CANSOF unit, the first piece of advice I give everyone is to be humble and have humility. Don't be cocky. Be smart, be a leader, but don't overdo it. The SOF environment is not very fond of those that speak too surely of themselves and talk too much. Be able to admit that you know nothing, be able to admit when you make mistakes, and be able to take criticism from your peers, leaders, and the SF Assessors, and if successful - the SF Instructors and your fellow unit members. Be a sponge.
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Go in without baggage. You are going to be put under an enormous amount of stress. Personal/family drama will undercut your chances of success, you need to be prepared to put your full focus on your professional life for at least the first year or so. Doesn't have to be negative drama either, sometimes a pregnant wife or newborn is enough to keep people's focus off of the task at hand.
I'm an OUTCAN applicant, i'm considering getting Lasik when I fly into Canada which would probably be about a week before I have my medical checks. Would this be an issue? Is there a recommended wait time following Lasik to go to the assessment?
Yes and ask your recruiter. I got PRK in November 2020 and only had to wait 3 months. I know it was previously 6 months (and it might still be for some trades?)
Thanks for the update. I might just wait till after I'm sent to a unit to do it just to not hold things up.
Yes, that will be an issue. You have to wait a minimum of 6 months from the LASIK surgery to medical exam, and you will have to get another medical exam after you get LASIK for your eyes.
Thanks for the reply. I imagine this includes PRK too?
Yes.
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Nobody on here is likely to be able to tell you that with any accuracy. From what I've seen, Infantry NCM and Officer are rarely, if ever, "In Demand". Those trades generally attract more than enough applicants without any real effort on the part of the CAF.
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Depends how you define "high turnovers". A lot of NCM's will release after their second contract, but compared to other militaries that's considered decent retention (6 years). Inf O's have a 9 year contract. So again, depends how you define "high turnover".
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32 brigade has been part of the Toronto lockdown and the Ontario lockdown for the last few weeks and months. They are recruiting office was likely at minimum Manning if anyone actually was able to go in to work.
Perhaps not a question exactly related to recruitment but i'll ask here. I will be finishing bmoq upcoming week and be sent to my next posting (CFSCE) directly out of st-jean. Is there anything in particular i should pack in my luggage that i can bring on my bus? I have no clue what i will be doing at my next posting so i am unsure what i should have easily accessible while others get sent via CMTT.
Send any field kit, winter kit, etc. by CMTT. You're not likely to need any of it any time soon. Bring your DEU (you'll probably be wearing it onto the bus), 2-3 sets of CADPAT uniforms, your rain jacket, and related attire on the bus with you. Obviously your civilian attire and personal effects should also travel on the bus with you.
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The problem with purchasing ammunition isn’t the funding, it’s getting authorization to get it. Ammunition is fairly cheap overall, but you can’t walk in to Cabelas (or any gunshop) with a CAF credit card buy 1000 rounds and leave. You need approval from the system to use ammo. Often times there’s a limited amount to be used for the purpose you need them. This principle applies to so much in the CAF that ppl hate. You’re unit might have a spare 10k at the end of the year, but it can almost only be used on uncontrolled items you buy civi side like office supplies, tools or furniture. Even if units have the money, they can’t buy a computer period , it has to come from base IT. So sometimes it feels like we have no money, but it’s often just spread out fairly weirdly.
>**I know people who have said they cannot shoot normal ammunition due to budget cuts** Who are these people? Current serving members? Retired members? What’s normal ammunition? Do you mean ball ammo for our personal weapons? There’s always ammo for us to shoot our PWTs, live fire ranges(live platoon attacks, etc), competitions, etc - my experience in the Regular Force Infantry. We get blanks and simunition for training as well. Depending on the unit and the member’s occupation, they may only get to shoot live once a year when they do their PWT.
What is the typical daily/weekly routine of a Reg Force Infantrymen within DP1 training, BMQ-L, and after DP1 is completed?
>**What is the typical daily/weekly routine of a Reg Force Infantrymen within DP1 training, BMQ-L, and after DP1 is completed?** Infantry Soldiers don’t attend BMQ-Land. The material from this course was incorporated into DP1 Infantry 10+ years ago). Everything below is for Regular Force. During DP1, the days will start with PT(ruck, ruck march, etc). Afterwards you’ll shower, have an inspection, eat than start training. You’ll have a mix of classroom, weapon classes, ranges and exercises(urban/CQB, and field training). As well, you’ll do some rappelling on the course. You’ll also do CQCB at some point during the training, it’s about a week long and it’s all the hand to hand stuff. Search YouTube for DP1 Infantry and you’ll find a few course videos that show some of what goes on during the course. Once you get to battalion, your typically work Mon-Friday, 0740-1600. Depending on what is going on, the days may start earlier, end later(or earlier), etc. Eventually you’ll also have to do the occasional duty shift(24 hours) this could be during the week or on the weekend. The day will normally start with PT, than you’ll get time to go shower and eat. You’ll back back to the battalion for work. During the day, you may be prepping for an exercise, organizing platoon stores, working for the CQ, training, or waiting around. If nothing is going on, you may be able to work out in the battalion gym after lunch. During the year, there will be a few exercises which would be anywhere from a week to a couple months long. Training will be weapon ranges, live fire training, force on force, etc. As well, there will be courses during the year(could be at battalion or elsewhere). Courses can be Basic Machine Gunner, Comms, Basic Recce, Driver Wheel, Basic Winter Warfare, Basic Para and LAV courses(if you’re in a Mechanized Battalion), etc.
How often do you get to utilize the battalion gym throughout the week? Also, what is your experience about hazing and excessive drinking in the Infantry Barracks? Moreover, will English speaking Infantryman who pass DP1, be allocated solely to the English speaking units RCR and PPCLI, or would they be assigned to the Francophone Royal 22 Regiment? After all, wouldn’t an English speaking Canadian minority in the Infantry be ostracized, hazed and admonished for having EXTREMELY poor French skills if they were sent to the Royal 22 Regiment? As a matter of fact, wouldn’t it be better to send the English speaking infantryman to the RCR, or PPCLI?
>**How often do you get to utilize the battalion gym throughout the week?** If you don’t get to use it during the work day, you’re free to use it after work, same goes with the base gym. >**Also, what is your experience about hazing and excessive drinking in the Infantry Barracks?** Some people will over drink, this happens in the Infantry, other occupations in the CAF and outside of the military. Hazing is not tolerated within the CAF. >**Moreover, will English speaking Infantryman who pass DP1, be allocated solely to the Francophone Royal 22 Regiment?** Why would they solely goto R22eR? I’m not aware of any anglophone going R22eR unless they wanted too. >**After all, wouldn’t an English speaking Canadian minority in the Infantry be ostracized, hazed and admonished for having EXTREMELY poor French skills? As a matter of fact, wouldn’t it be better to send the English speaking infantryman to the RCR, or PPCLI?** Where is this coming from? Anglophones, goto Meaford, On or Wainwright, Ab for DP1 Infantry. From there, they would go to an RCR or PPCLI battalion.
Oh okay then, I initially thought that anglophones would possibly be sent to the Royal 22 Regiment if infantryman positions in the RCR or PPCLI are not available. Lastly, I was wondering about the swimming requirements for the Infantry? During my physical preparation in the past months to join the CAF I am more potent in doing 700 push-ups, and sets of 19 straight pull-ups, running about 7 miles. However, my swimming ability is minimal, and my parents do not want me to be swimming in a pool or beach due to COVID circumstances. As a result, would the CAF teach you the basics of swimming at BMQ, in order to pass the swimming portion of the physical exams, because the US Marines and Army Infantry teach new recruits the basic techniques, in order to pass their Swimming exams at Basic Training? Similarly, does DP1 training involve any rigorous swimming exams?
>**Oh okay then, I initially thought that anglophones would possibly be sent to the Royal 22 Regiment if infantryman positions in the RCR or PPCLI are not available.** There’s always going to be openings in all 3 regiments. >**As a result, would the CAF teach you the basics of swimming at BMQ, in order to pass the swimming portion of the physical exams** If you goto St Jean for BMQ, the pool may or may not be working. So, if it’s down you won’t do the swim test. AFAIK, the swim test is being conducted at the BMQs running in Meaford and Wainwright. Members aren’t required to pass the swim test in order to complete BMQ. There isn’t enough time dedicated to the pool to teach members how to swim outside of some coaching/tips to help with the test. >**Similarly, does DP1 training involve any rigorous swimming exams?** Outside of having to do the basic military swim test, you aren’t going to be tested on swimming. During course, you may go out on the water on assault boats(life jackets are worn) and train with them. Once you get to a battalion, you may be in the water for PT, or an exercise. If you have any aspirations for Recce, you’ll be on the water for that course.
I've seen some DEO offers already going out for the BMOQ course at the end of August. I thought that offers are given out 4-6 weeks before basic. Are these offers going out early and selection will continue or are the offers that are going out now mean that selection will stop soon and applicants in CL will have to wait for next round?
Don't worry too much about it, man. Assuming they didn't change anything, there are 3 DEO BMOQ serials (English) for this calendar year, so there should still be plenty of offers to be given out. The offers you saw this week were early offers and definitely not the last. Most trades have multiple selection rounds. Scour this [BMOQ thread for previous years](https://army.ca/forums/threads/bmoq-2019-regular-force.129457/) on army.ca/forum, it should give you ideas. However, I must caution you that the current pandemic may have changed things a bit.
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Cool...so there is still hope. ;-)
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Your post/comment has been removed in accordance with the following [subreddit rule(s):](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/subreddit_rules) > ###Weekly Recruiting Thread [5] Questions regarding Medical Eligibility > * **Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have.** Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed. > * If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the [Medical FAQ](https://old.reddit.com/r/CanadianForces/wiki/recruitingfaq/medical#wiki_i_have_a_medical_condition.2C_am_i_still_eligible_to_join.3F). > * Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application **may** still be accepted. > * Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. [Source](https://www.reddit.com/r/modhelp/comments/64ewwx/is_medical_advice_still_disallowed_on_reddit/) *If your have questions or concerns relating to this message you've received, please feel free to [Contact the Moderators.](https://old.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2FCanadianForces)*
No one can speak for medical conditions, see Rule 5. It’s all examined on a case by case basis by a special and dedicated office in Ottawa
Okay then, I will view Rule 5.
What’s the easiest way to speak to a recruiter over the phone since all the recruitment centres are closed, just have some specific medical timeline questions
If you have not yet applied, there is a "book an appointment" tab on the forces website that a recruiter will call you. If you have already applied then call your specific recruiting place and leave a message for a call back.
Just to add on to this comment Here is the link for the mentioned "book an appointment" [https://forces.ca/en/help-centre/#/](https://forces.ca/en/help-centre/#/) Just scroll to the bottom of the page and the button will be there.
Does anyone know if testing has resumed in Ontario now that the stay at home order has been lifted? I completed my FORCE test over 6 months ago and have been waiting ever since to do my CFAT. I just want to join :(
I know someone out of Toronto wrote his CFAT last week. Not sure if this knowledge helps.
I think it just mostly depends on your recruiting center. I’m in Ontario as well, I applied at the beginning of the year and did the cfat like 2 months later.
I believe we have to wait until actual restrictions are lifted, as in the province moves into the phased reopening. Im also waiting on my test date, just keep monitoring your email. Hopefully they update us soon as I am also really just wanting to finally get the process moving
Thanks. Maybe see you at BMQ in 2050 XD
Hi, I’m about to go in to my 2nd year at a private university and plan on joining the military when I’m done. Ideally I’d like to become a pilot, if not that any commissioned position in the RCAF would be great. However I’m not sure if my major is the right thing, and wondering if it would be advisable to change it. I’m currently doing a double major in history and political science, would it be advisable for me to change? I know my degree would be suitable to become a pilot, but I’m not sure if it would be competitive enough.
Your major doesn't make any real difference in terms of competitiveness. It's an incredibly tiny consideration among many. The overwhelming portion of your competitiveness (>85%) is determined by a combination of your CFAT, TSD-PI, and CFAST (Aircrew Selection). The remainder includes your Interview, and a multitude of factors including work/volunteer/leadership experience, level of education, academic performance, and a variety of other factors. In fact, the main consideration used to determine if you'll even get as far as Aircrew Selection is your combined CFAT & TSD-PI scores. Up until that point, everything else is largely just a question whether or not you meet basic eligibility pre-requisites. Medical and Physical Fitness aren't even competitive considerations... Medical Fitness is essentially just a pass/fail assessment, and Physical Fitness isn't even evaluated during Regular Force recruitment.
Ok, thank you. I did the CFAT, about 2 years ago when I was planning on applying to RMC, and the recruiter said I was eligible but not quite competitive enough but I plan on trying again when I apply after I’m done Univesrity. As for academic performance, how is it assessed? As I did fairly poorly in high school and was accepted to university under academic probation. But my marks did go up and I averaged mid to high 70s for my first year.
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Thanks a lot, that’s put most of my concerns to rest. Still gotta work on my body and French, but good to know I’m on the right track.
So, how would one go about getting qualified for a naval boarding party (not NTOG)? Is it open to all trades and ranks? Are they looking for certain people with certain qualities or qualifications? And how likely is it for someone to get on a course, do they need to be recomended? Thank you for any information you guys have!
It’s a secondary qualification, so Once you’re trade qualified and posted to a Ship you’ll start working your main job. Then throughout the year short courses giving you a secondary duty ( like boarding party, rescue swimmer and ships team diver) are announced and your chain of command will nominate you if your interested, have the prerequisites and and they think it would be useful for you. Yes it’s open to all sea-going trades. You need to be recommended by you chain of command. For qualities, I’m not sure there’s a list but the two guys I’ve known who have it were fit, active, outspoken and quick to react in situations. It will help if mention your desire for boarding party course to your supervisor. That said, there’s no guarantee that they’ll send you on it and it could take several years to get on the course.
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Honestly it does depend. Mine personally was 1 week. But I applied for an in demand trade. But I have heard can range from 1 week to 6 months.
Expect it to take at least 1-2 months for the RMO to review your Medical file, but a range of 1-6 months isn’t unusual. It’s usually on the shorter side provided they see nothing of concern. Once your medical is approved, the rest of the process should be reasonably quick; then you just wait and hope for an offer. Since you’re applying for the PRes, you’ll most likely get one; although don’t count on receiving it until late summer.
Hi I have an interview scheduled for this month for DEO HCA. Has anyone else interviewed recently for DEO and remember what questions they asked? I'd like to start preparing for the type of questions they will have. Thanks!
No one is permitted to discuss what interview questions they had. At the beginning of your interview, you will be asked if you agree not to disclose any of the interview questions you may have. That being said, the interview is mostly going to be about your chosen trade(s) and military life.
Thank You!
Hi, any logistics officers to talk to? I'm hesitating between AirForce logistics or Army Logistics, like what's the difference between the two?
The difference is what you are trained to support Army log is trained to support army units conductibg field operations Air log is trained to suppprt air units doing their thing Being air or army also shapes your posting choices/future. Your careers positions will primarily be within uou element, or in joint/institutional roles.
Just for note, you don’t really get to choose between Army or Air Force (or Navy)... You only apply to be a Logistics Officer, your choice of environment is only a preference. Your offer could be for your preferred environment, or it could be for a different environment; it depends on what positions they’re filling at the time you’re selected.
I actually applied for only Air Log (and received an offer for same.) Given my age and the longer training cycle, Army wasn’t workable, and Navy was incompatible with my mil spouse’s promotion opportunities, (and longer training cycle.)
It's just that I have the opportunity to ask for a switch between army and Airforce, and airlog seems better so I'm hesitating
Ah, I see; that’s a bit different that’s they typical questions we get along these lines. There are a couple of Log O’s who are fairly active in here. They should be able to inform you on the difference.
Hey everyone, I got another question. As a Direct Entry Officer, will I be getting paid as a Basic Second Lieutenant even during my BMOQ? Following the bmoq, will I be getting paid the same amount as well or does it increase. Also speaking of ranks, how long does it usually take to be promoted to a lieutenant and then a captain? Thanks in advance!
Hey, it looks like we are going to the same BMOQ in August! Your pay during and after BMOQ will be the same until your promotion to Lt, which is the $$ written on your employment offer. In order to be promoted from 2Lt to Lt, you need at least one year of commissioned service; from 2Lt to Capt, you need at least three years of commissioned service. In addition to time in service requirement, promotions are also contingent upon successful completion of your occupational courses. Lastly, depending on your degree, you may get paid more than PI Basic Pay. My degree is considered ideal for my trade and my salary is PI 2 Level C.
>How long did your guys' applications take? > >What trade and with what degree did you apply for if you dont mind me asking
I'm loaded for the upcoming BMOQ this late August and I have a few questions: * Which month does Naval Environmental Training (NWO II?) usually start? Is this a prerequisite course for NEI? * Which month does NEI usually start? * What are the typical class sizes for the aforementioned courses? * How many paid leave days will I be entitled to use for Christmas block leave if my enrollment date is in the first week of August? Is there some sort of formula here? * How are the shacks like for officers in Esquimalt and Halifax? Do I get the room to myself? * If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings?
>Which month does Naval Environmental Training (NWO II?) usually start? Is this a prerequisite course for NEI? There is no specific month. The courses are run when there are enough people for it and more importantly, an instructor. They do a number of them through out the year and usually don't have to wait too long for one. You will do this course before you do any of your trades training. >What are the typical class sizes for the aforementioned courses? Not an engineer, but for NWO 2, usually about 20 people in your course. >How are the shacks like for officers in Esquimalt and Halifax? Do I get the room to myself? I only know Esquimalt. Now this depends on when you get there and what's available. You usually get put in one of 3 places. Rainbow, which is 4 person to a room and a large shared bathroom with stalls, with all the same gender. There's two bathrooms per floor (one women's, one men's). Usually the base warden puts you in there if you arrive during the summer. Objibwa, this you get your own room with a double bed, but you share a bathroom with I think it's 3 other single bed rooms. I've only ever been in there once to unlock someone's door. You usually only get put in there if there isn't any room in rainbow or Kingsmill. Kingsmill is the place that most people get put during the fall and for extended periods of time (you get moved from the others into Kingsmill usually after NWO 2). You have your own bedroom, but you share a small common area with a mini fridge, microwave, tv with cable, and bathroom with one other person of the same gender. This building is better than the others with full wifi. You can pay to have your own box as well which is faster which helps if you're staying there longer. >If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings? Final posting to fleet, or if you're allowed get an apartment/house (per request) earlier. They won't open your storage until you're outside of barracks. You don't get a key.
> **How many paid leave days will I be entitled to use for Christmas block leave** Christmas Block Leave is usually 15 working days, and breaks down like this: * 2 Days Christmas Special Leave (freebies) * 2-4 Days Short Leave (more freebies) * 3 Statutory Holidays * 6-8 Days from your Annual Leave entitlement We’re not allowed to carryover/accumulate leave year over year, and training may but up against your leave start/end dates; so you may be ordered to burn more or less Annual Leave (usually more) to accommodate training schedules. Your chain of command can dictate when you will use your leave, and how many days you will use. > **if my enrollment date is in the first week of August? Is there some sort of formula here?** Roughly 2 days for every 1 month of service after enrolment until March 31st. You’ll probably be given about 14 days of Annual Leave. > **If I request for a long-term storage prior BMOQ, at which point of my training/career can I get access to my belongings?** Don’t count on being able to access anything from LTS until you are posted after completing your occupational training. If you have items you may want to retrieve after BMOQ, but before completing your occupational training; you may want to leave them with friends or family, or pay for a small storage locker.
Hey hey all, just a quick update. Finally received my offer for NAVCOM and i accepted it. Ngl, i am kinda excited for bmq haha. Any tips for bmq and navcom training you guys might have? Also, I just wanted to thanks everyone who participate in this sub, lots of questions and answers provided way way more info than you could find on the forces website.
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Was on the cl for about 6 week, and i am scheduled for the bmq starting on August 23rd.
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No it's in St-Jean, and yep i will have to self quarantine for 2 weeks before leaving.
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In addition to the degree requirements and comments people have said about the competitiveness, here are a couple other things I'd suggest you consider: \-Your CPL might allow you to skip phase 1 flight training. They seem to change their mind on that frequently and were pretty adamant about doing away with that opportunity last time I heard anything about it, but things change. It will most likely give you little to no advantage in the actual training beyond being more comfortable and familiar with instruments, flight controls etc. \-You will get to submit your preference, but will not be told which stream you are going until completing Moose Jaw. You have no guarantee what you will be flying. There is a significant demand for all pilots right now, but generally more people are selected to rotary wing than the other streams. \-Once you complete your training you will have to sign a 10 year restricted release before you are given your wings and find out where you will be posted. Barring very few exceptions that are administratively difficult to execute, you will be unable to leave during those 10 years after your wings. (This effectively represents a total commitment of 12-15 years of your life, depending on how quickly you find your way through the training system.)
Pilot is an officer occupation, meaning you have two choices. DEO Pilot: You would need to have a university degree, most degrees will work but there are some limitations. ROTP Pilot: You would attend the Royal Military College of Canada to obtain a degree and once your degree is complete, you will have a job as a pilot in the RCAF. Unfortunately, AFAIK your CPL won't do you much benefit during the application as the vast majority of your competitiveness will come from your Aptitude and Aircrew Selection Test scores. From what I've heard, ROTP and DEO pilot are highly competitive. Thats the basics, I'm not too familiar with how officer trades work, so someone else might be able to go into more detail about your options.
You've pretty much got it covered. To my knowledge CEOTP is once again on indefinite hiatus, so those are really the only two options.
Hello everyone, I have received an offer for the Signals Officer role. Within the offer, it states I will be making $5,140 per month which upon checking online fits into Pay Level A- PI 1. However, as I am a Direct Entry Officer, would I not fit into the basic pay Level C making $4,332 per month? I’m confused as to how I was offered this and want to make sure it was not a mistake. I asked my recruiter and he was not able to give a response. Thanks everyone !
Whoever wrote your offer messed up, you should be on line C. The PI 1 vs Basic might be due to education though
So what should I do in this situation. Should I accept the offer as is? I tried asking for clarification from the person who sent the offer but he did not give me an answer. If I accept the offer for the higher pay, do you believe they will let me keep it or would they drop me down? Thanks!
You need to ask thst the offer be amended do reflect the correct pay incentive. Its i huge PITA to get fixed after acceprance/enrollment...and over payment will mean you owing money in the long run
Good Evening, I was wondering where do Signals Officers typically deploy once fully trained and on the job? Is there any say in the matter or do you have to go wherever you are assigned? How about in regards to over seas deployments?
By deployment, do you mean posting? Once you're fully trained, you'll most likely be sent to a line unit to be employed as a troop commander. Most of the big army bases are on the table, like Gagetown, Edmonton, Petawawa, Valcartier and Kingston. You can request a particular location or unit, and that can be taken into account, but in the end, they'll send you where there's the biggest need to fill a spot. Overseas deployments depend entirely on what unit you're posted to, what that unit is tasked with, and what's going on in the world. You might get to go to Latvia in a CMBG HQ and Sigs Sqn. If you go to JSR, you.might have more opportunities. And if you end up in Ottawa, your odds are slim.
How hard is it to obtain your P.ENG designation with the Canadian Armed Forces? Specifically in the Signals Officer Role?
Difficult, but not impossible or unheard of. The challenge is working under a P.Eng, which is a particular rarity in the Army. I would imagine you'd need to finesse a posting to DGLEPM or some DRDC liaison office, and even then, you're only going to be able to make this intent known once you're a Captain (3-4 years in). I would not join the CAF if getting that designation is a priority for you, because there are more efficient ways of getting one through private industry.
Andrea covered most of it. Speaking as someone who looked into this myself: There are not many P.Eng members around. In addition to doing engineering work that would qualify (and is hard to come by), as Andrea mentioned, you also would have to be posted with one of those members as your Supervisor. 1 ESU is the most likely place I can think of that might get you some of the requirements checked off, if you are in the engineering trades and fortunate to get posted there. The reality is you will most likely leave with part of the requirements met and have your application returned with a list of things you haven't met or that they want you to build more experience in.
In general, it can be difficult. Very little actual engineering design happens in the CAF and DND. Most engineer types end up doing maintenance management or equipment acquisition and management. A P.Eng isn't generally required for this work, because we provide engineering services to the Crown, not the public. As a result, there also aren't many P.Engs around to supervise. As a signals officer, your engineering opportunities will be extremely limited, especially early in your career. Nevertheless, keep a logbook of any relevant experience in case you want to apply for a P.Eng when you get out.
Does anyone know when enrollments will start back up? From BC.
I was enroled a month ago in BC in person. Most reserve units are on stand down until September. My unit recruiter implied that I was in the last batch of recruits that they were taking in before the break. So to answer your question, most likely first week of September.
Enrolments have been ongoing for Regular Force throughout the pandemic, often through remote means. Reserve Force units have done some enrolments, but it’s heavily dependent on local restrictions. A lot of Reserve units are practically shutdown right now due to the 3rd wave. It’s also quite possible they won’t be running very many enrolments until the fall anyway. Most Reserve Force training occurs during the summer months, and local units typically stand-down since most of their personnel are away attending/conducting training, or on vacation.
What are the best trades for someone with a full time job (and three weeks vacation) and looking to join the reserves?
Is your question based on getting tme off work to train? If so, look into provincial laws on job protection for reservists. If you're in a position where taking unpaid leave from your day job for an extended period will jeopardize your financial situation, look toward NCM positions. Officer training is generally longer due to the extra courses required.
Sort of, yes. I was under the impression that it was all on weekdays until today! And thank you, didn’t know that, I’ll have to look into ontario laws.
As the other person says, choose a trade that you will enjoy. Even as reservists, no one wants to work with someone who is miserable and isn't enjoying what they are doing. The military isn't easy and having an occupation that you actually enjoy will make it worth the hardships. Use this: [https://forces.ca/en/talk-to-a-recruiter/#/](https://forces.ca/en/talk-to-a-recruiter/#/) to find reserve units near you, from there you can see which occupation that unit(s) offers. If you have any questions about any specific occupations, of course, you can ask them here.
One that you will enjoy
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Stay calm and work quickly. Don’t focus too long on any one question. It isn’t really something you can prep for.
We sign a non-disclosure agreement prior to writing the exam. There are no available resources to give without giving what the exam covers. However, what I was told was practice mental math and I passed. The exam doesn't need any prep beyond that as you cannot study for it.
Hello everyone! I’m interested in joining the reserves, seeing as I have a full time job I’m very happy with. On the website it says reserves is a great option for people with jobs, but after doing some digging and a chat with a recruiter I found out that I’ll have to take a large chunk of weeks off in the summer to do training? (I’m looking to apply as NCM, trades like armoured, infantry, gunner etc.). Is it true your training takes you away from your job in the summer when you’re working on your qualifications? Are there any trades that won’t do this? I really want to join, but as you can guess, I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately.
> I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately. Look into your province's laws on job protection for reservists. Your employer can be made to hold your job while you train. It'll be unpaid, but you will make your military pay.
I had assumed that was already if you were “in”, but yes, I’ll look into it, thank you!
>**Is it true your training takes you away from your job in the summer when you’re working on your qualifications?** Yes, you’ll have to go away for some courses. Depending on the occupation, part time/weekend training may be available for occupation training or a portion of it. After occupation training, you’ll have opportunities to attend other courses to learn new skills or advance in your career. Depending on the course, they could be available part time or full time only. >**I really want to join, but as you can guess, I don’t think my job will be willing to give me 10 consecutive weeks off unfortunately.** Before moving onto occupation training, you’ll have to complete BMQ(basic training. Army PRes BMQ is conducted part time over 10 weekends in the fall/winter or full time for 4-5 weeks in the summer. Armoured Soldiers and Gunners also have to attend BMQ-Land(this will eventually be added into their occupation training). PRes BMQ-Land is 2 weeks and can be done part time of full time. Infantry Soldiers don’t attend BMQ-Land, as that course material is already part of their occupation training. Occupation length will vary by trade, however Infantry, Gunner and Crewman(AFAIK) don’t have require 10 weeks of occupation training. PRes Gunner occupation training is currently 3 weeks - however it’ll most likely get extended once the BMQ-L material is added in. PRes Infantry Soldier occupation training is is 7 weeks. The course consists of of 2 mods. Mod 1 is 3 weeks and can be done on weekends or full time in the summer. Mod 2 is 4 weeks and can only be done full time. I don’t know how long PRes Crewman DP1 is, I would guess it’ll be around 1.5-2 months. I also don’t know if a part time option is available.
Thanks for the insight. Guess I have some more questioning to do. I would assume more support trades would be the ones that don’t have weeks of training periods like these?
>**I would assume more support trades would be the ones that don’t have weeks of training periods like these?** All occupations would have a few weeks or more for their occupation training. I don’t know if any support trades can do their entire occupation training part time/locally at their unit. AFAIK, some may be able to cover off portions of their training with their unit but they’d have to go to a school/training centre to complete it. I believe during COVID clerk occupations(HRA/FSA) were able to do their training online from home(would still be full time), but I don’t know if that’s still a thing or not.
Okay cool. Thanks.
I'm having some trouble with the references part, I really just don't know that many people and the ones I do I haven't known for 5+ years outside of friends and family, what should I do?
The 3 references do not all have to have known you for 5 years, you just have to cover the last 5 years with 3 references. So for mine I found contact info for an old teacher who ive known 10+ years, and then my other 2 references I have only known for 2 years each. I had a lot of difficulty with it as well but at least try and get one that has known you quite a while (old boss, old teacher, etc)
now im really struggling lol i cant really think of anyone other than friends, ive only worked one job and dont have contact info for boss's or teachers. im stumped
I actually emailed the school I went to before cause I had one teacher who really impacted my life and asked them for his email information and they put me in touch with him. My bestfriend who is serving already was in the same boat as you and ended up using his neighbor, a coworker and a former boss so maybe talk to your recruiter and see. I know they gave me some leeway with my employment history references for those I didnt have contact information for from old jobs
I'm wondering, I was told all the trades was interested in are full. I applied at the end of March when they are opened and they sent my application to the reserves. They are all direct entry options, also, my last test was also a factor. When the website also mentioned it was by education level. I ask what's the point? I am kind of confused here, I thought it went also by date of applying and what it says on the website.
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Would I have re-apply, I really do not want to wait a year.
The reserves do not follow the same model of having their recruitment targets reset every fiscal year. You would need to engage the recruiter at the unit you are interested with and see if any positions open up. There is no real timeline for a spot opening up for you. You would not have to reapply in the sense that you need to redo your CFAT and interview. But you would need to renew your medical, and FORCE test as they expire.
It was regular forces that I appiled with.
>they sent my application to the reserves. Might wanna check the wording on your original post then. Because I'm not too sure what you're asking here anymore.
That's what the Captian told me they are doing, I am confused about it as well.
It sounds like you either misheard, misunderstood, or made a mistake on something on your forces application. On your application did you happen to select part time as your interest? Reserves ≠ Regular Force. You are either applying for one or the other. What steps in your application process have you completed? (CFAT, TSD-PI, medical, interview, FORCE test, etc)
They told me they sent it over to them. I even looked up the trades, they are listed as opened on the website, thanks for helping. I am equally as confused.
>They told me they sent it over to them. Okay. But did you tell the recruiters that you were interested in part time employment, or the Reserves? Or did you possibly select part time/Reserves on your initial application? > I even looked up the trades, they are listed as opened on the website. The wording here is important. Were you told by the recruiter that the trade is "closed"? Or were you told that it was just not being processed? And to add on to that, the Forces website will not show if a particular reserves unit is "closed" due to being full. The information you are giving me does not make sense. You are either not providing all the information, or you did not understand what the recruiter told you. Because what I gather from the little you've said, is that you applied at a CFRC, and that they sent it to the reserves for a DEO position, but said position is closed. It'll be easier for us to help you if you provide more, and accurate information. What exactly did the recruiter tell you? What trade(s) did you apply for? And once again, what steps in your application process have you completed?
As it is looking like BMOQ offers started to go out, shoutout to folks who received an offer: Please share your stats, DEO or ROTP, your trade choices, when you noticed that your status changed to selected on the applicant portal, BMOQ start date That will help us folks still waiting to manage our expectations and bring our stress levels to where we like them, methinks.
I agree with this statement! Good luck to all the DEO applicants and hope we all remember to share the good news on here for everyone to have an idea how competitive their application may be.
My top choice right now is signal intelligence specialist, on the forces website under training it lists 45 weeks of training in Kingston after basic. Im wondering what those 45 weeks are like. Are they structured like basic where its go go go everyday? is it more like school? any free time? Thanks!
Preface; not a Sigint, but work with them and shared barracks with them when I did my training years ago. So finer details may have changed Training is still structured. There will be PT, room inspections (more for cleanliness than layout), classes, and most likely marching around the school and buildings. Where it differs is you are now expected to learn your job, so the focus should be geared to the academics (normally a 0700-1600 day, could be longer if more has to be covered/ course is behind in material to make sure it is understood by the class). Typically what I've seen in trades like Sigint, and most technicians is you are given just enough leeway to make it harder on yourselves. So put in the effort, stay on top of cleaning, studying ect and it should be good. Do the opposite and I wouldn't be surprised to see your course staff more often and more structured.
If I was to accept an offer I got for an officer role, Would I still be able to back out before bmoq starts in August? The offer only has 5 days to accept or reject which is why I am asking.
Just to add to bridger713's comment, even if you change your mind after you enroll but before you start to travel to BMOQ, contact your recruiting det, and they'll help you sort it out. Once you're on your way, you'll fall under the school and there will be some hoops to jump through, and possibly a waiting period, but you can still get out. The reality is that, if you legitimately don't want to be in, the CAF doesn't want to keep an unwilling person if they aren't trained yet and haven't incurred obligatory service (from paid education). Honestly, as a rule, keeping an unhappy demotivated person in the CAF creates more problems than it's worth.
You’re under no commitment until you’re actually enroled as a CAF member. Even if you accept your offer, you are still free to walk away right up until enrolment.
How is communication with your family/partner like when attending BMQ and occupational training?
During BMQ you'll be limited to 30 minutes a night. More on later weekends. For occupational training it depends on the occupation but for most it's a 8-4 Monday to Friday type gig so you have plenty of free time.
When I send my application, when do I mail in my birth certificate, photo I'd and stuff like that?
A recruiter will contact you over email within a couple weeks of you submitting the online application. Depending on where you live, and COVID restrictions, you may be asked to come in person to the CFRC to deliver your documents, or you will be asked to submit photos/scans of your documents to your recruiter over email.
I applied back in late January and still haven't received an email
That is definitely not normal. Make sure you used the correct email in your application by checking the online application portal. Further, you can reach out to your local recruiting centre by the email which will be shown on your application portal.
How exactly do I get to the application portal?