This applies mostly to the reserve but take from it what you will.
1) The army is not here to guarantee anybody summer employment in the location of your choice. You go where the army needs you. Remember, you’re in the “Service”. That doesn’t mean service to you; it’s service to the country.
2) Someday, you are going to get shot at by someone who doesn’t care who you are, what sex, religion, ethnic background you are, how much education you have or if their actions will hurt your feelings.
3) Someday, you may have to kill someone in the course of your duties.
4) You will have to take orders from someone who has more rank or authority than you do. Most likely, they have that rank or authority because they have earned it by taking more training or have more experience than you.
5) You will have to pull your own weight. In this part of Canadian society, you are judged by your performance, nothing else. It does not matter who you know, where your family is from or how much money they have.
6) You never quit. Whether on course or operations, you keep going because other people are counting on you and their life, as well as yours, may depend on it. If you are having a hard time with the training, it’s up to you to get yourself into shape, not the army.
7) You are responsible for your actions.
8) This is not a social club. There is nothing wrong with having friends and a good time but when it’s time to do the job, you do it.
9) Sometimes, despite all of the safety procedures, some people get hurt during training or operations. If it happens while you’re there, use the first aid training you received and help out.
10) The more experience you get from courses, exercises, reading and asking questions may save your life or the life of someone else. Get all the experience you can.
11) You will need to lean to trust the people you are working with. Be honest in everything you do. If you make a mistake, for whatever reason, own up to it.
12) If you don’t know what you’re talking about, keep your mouth shut unless you’re asking questions. But be smart enough to try to figure out the solutions to the problems first.
13) Taking courses is great but don’t be afraid to use the lessons you are taught, go on tour. The army needs you.
14) During the course of training and operations, you can expect to be uncomfortable. There will be many times when you’ll be hungry, wet, cold, hot, dry, sweaty, dirty, stinky, thirsty, and be surrounded by people who are in the same condition. Work through it.
15) You’ll have to do the job regardless of the weather. There is no time off for bad weather.
16) During the course of your time in the military, you will be put into dangerous situations. Your training will carry you through.
17) You may be a member of an old and distinguished regiment who have had many heroes in the ranks. Your regiment may have many battle honours. What matters is what you do from today forward. No adversary gives a **** and the deeds of the past will not win a war today.
18) If you think you have it bad, remember those soldiers who fought for our country in the Great War, World War 2 and the Korean War. Read some of our military history and talk to some veterans.
19) We have a small army and if you stay in long enough, you’ll meet almost everyone in it. How do want people to remember you? Always be professional.
20) Don’t stand when you can sit, don’t sit when you can lie down and don’t just lie there if you can get some sleep. After the work is finished, that is.
21) Wear your uniform with pride.
22) Be proud of whatever rank you have, you earned it. If you don’t like the rank you have, do something about it. Take the courses and get the experience necessary for promotion.
23) This will not be easy but it will be rewarding. You’ll take from this experience what you want. If your time in the army won’t be fondly remembered, it’s your fault, not the army’s. You’re offered the same thing as every other recruit that walks through the door. What you do with it is up to you.
24) You won’t like everyone you meet and not everyone will like you. Get over it and get the job done.
25) Courses are never as bad as the real thing. If you can’t take the hardship of courses, maybe the army isn’t for you.
26) Remember, you work for the people of Canada. If there is a need for troops in Canada for a disaster or some other emergency, volunteer. That’s what you’re here for.
27) Take criticism as it is intended, not personally. Whoever is talking to you is trying to help you to become better then you are currently.
28) Listen to the advice of those soldiers that have been around a while. They should be smart enough to know that making the team stronger is the only smart thing to do.
