Algonquin College Interviews a Recruit

[Sig_Des]

Rice,

try to remember to stay relaxed...Think about your answers, not too long, but don't just blurt them out, especially if they throw you a curveball.

Don't let them push you into a corner. If you feel yourself getting defensive, they're not understanding you, or they're pushing to hear what they want to hear. If you feel that happening, get them to move to a new set of questions.

Try to stay away from the political, and criticism of government. Don't say anything like "The army doesn't let me talk about things like that", but let them know you don't have anything to say about that.

Only talk about your own experience, or things that you know personally. If they press you, let them know, "I'm new to the military, so I haven't learned that yet" make it a joke even.

You'll do fine. Just don't hit the Ob before the interview to "calm your nerves" 

 

[Parked4everuser]

Oh the Ob, many a good time to go round there...
While a few pints between classes may *seem* like a good idea, turns out it really isn't...
Pfffffft, not like that ever stopped me.  :blotto:

Anyways, these are good pointers. I will keep them in mind. I already cleared the interview with my CoC, so there are no surprises coming their way anytime soon. The interview is for an article, it is not being video-recorded. So even if they did take my words out of context, I'm not too sure what I'd even be able to do about it. Maybe wave my arms around and yell?

Though, if there is a question I can't/don't want to answer, what do I say? "No Comment"? Or something more like "I do not want to comment on that?"

 

[Trinity]

I don't have enough knowledge of that area to give an informed opinion

That question doesn't fall within the boundaries of my knowledge of the military

and then refer to the Paffo

just my thought

 

[Parked4everuser]

Just as a last question before I do the interview: How do I find out who the PAffo I would want to refer be?

 

[211RadOp]

If a unit does not have a PAFFO, then usually the Adjt or the Admin O fill the role.

 

[Parked4everuser]

Noted. Thanks.

 

[Remius]

Algonquin College has never impressed me with their "policies" toward the military.  At a recruiting event, The Ch of O weren't allowed to put up their posters because they had a C-7 and a C-9 being carried by soldiers in an "agressive manner" and the GGFG Ceremonial Guard posters had bayonnets on their weapons (apparently that was offensive).  I also know of two cases where reservists were denied exam defferrals, thus preventing them from participating in Rememberance Day ceremonies.  The teachers didn't care what it was for.

Maybe things have changed, and the student newspaper is obviously not the school admin.  But I guess you'll see... 

 

[Parked4everuser]

So far my profs have been very understanding in terms of my responsibilities. I had to miss a couple of labs a few weeks ago when I was getting kitted out. When I told my prof about this he said (these are his words) "well I think serving your country might be a bit more important than a lab". My other prof granted me a free abscence from my lab so long as I had a note signed/written by my CoC.

Everyone has a different perspective on the military. Though as for deferrals, I don't think profs get to sign those, they have to be approved by the uppers (Program Chair or Program Co-ordinator). And once again, whether or not they'd grant the deferral comes down to their view of the military.


PS: The access lab I'm posting in has lots more ladies than the one downstairs. Sweet 8)

 

[Parked4everuser]

So the interview was over. The guy did stick to the questions he outlined when he emailed me, and I have a recording just incase he decides to tailor my words to make him a fancy suit.

I'll go through the recording when I get home and give you guys a summary of what was said. He was reasonable and I think I stayed away from anything I shouldn't have answered.

 

[Parked4everuser]

Alright, here's the update:
the reporter, I guess, didn't like the fuel I was feeding him, so nothing of what I said ended up in the article.

Case closed, meeting adjourned.

 

[Parked4everuser]

Update part deux: Apparently I'm blind or stupid and missed the article that I was supposed to be in. It did happen, and the paper has published my interview. As soon as I have a copy (which I will shortly) I will update this, again.

Update: Ok so here it is. Keep in mind he did cut out some of my better-said stuff, and did ask me a few yes or no questions in here that *sort* of twist a littttle bit. Also, regarding the PT, I just told him some of the stuff we did, I don't recall saying that carrying people and long runs were featured activities, but it is some of the stuff we have done.
(Fair dealings act blah blah blah)

Overseas fighting a concern for students today
By Thierry Black

The Canadian military said on Oct. 25 that it is short of personnel in Afghanistan and is looking for ways to prevent another combat rotation for the troops stationed there.
For Algonquin Student Lucas Rice, this could have a real impact on his life in the next couple of years.
That's because Rice is a new infantry recruit with the local Cameron Highlanders based in downtown Ottawa. One of the methods adopted by the military will be to prevent new recruits from specializing before serving on the front lines.
A computer systems technician student, Rice was born and raised in Ottawa. He was recruited in February 2006 and was sworn in Sept. 14. At this point his service with the unit is on a volunteer basis.
"I don't have to do anything against my will," he said.
When asked if he would someday want to serve in a potential combat zone over-seas such as Afghanistan, Rice said, "I haven't been through basic training yet, so I can't say yes and I can't say no. If I wanted to I could."
The 20 year-old said that although his grandfather served in the merchant marine during WWII, family history in the military didn't have an effect on his signing up.
Although now an infantry recruit, he said he originally wanted to join up for a more technical trade like signal operator, but that the physically challenging side of the infantry work is something he enjoys.
What Rice can say to the media is limited by what he calls his lack of necessary expertise, and did not wish to comment on the Canadian military's current role in Afghanistan. He did say that, ideally, he would like to serve with Canadian forces in a UN sanctioned peacekeeping mission, where he said our Forces have a good track record.
"I want to make a difference where it counts," he said. "Whether it's Habitat for Humanity or peacekeeping, its all for a good cause - it's all about helping out society."
Honouring veterans on Nov. 11 is something Rice said he's always had a lot of respect for, but that this year could feel a little different. "It's possible there will be greater identification for me this year," he said.
Life as both a recruit and an Algonquin student is slightly different for a regular student.
"As a recruit, maybe there's a little more pressure to do well in school and stay organized," he said. "I'll have a lot less free time once training starts."
Currently, his work with the unit includes drills and physical training every Thursday.
Rice said it's a lot like going to gym only with carrying people and long runs as the featured activities. "Once basic training starts, it will be tough, that's for sure," he said.
Rice said he hasn't experienced any negative reactions from his peers at the college about his decision to join the military.
"I've never been on the end of someone's uninformed opinion, so I can't say for sure."

 

[BKells]

ideally, he would like to serve with Canadian forces in a UN sanctioned peacekeeping mission, where he said our Forces have a good track record.

I see..

Lucas, you don't know the meaning of the term "grey man", do you?

Learn it and live by it.

 

[Parked4everuser]

The guy asked me for an interview, the C of C ok'd it, I said why the hell not.
Keep in mind I'm a recruit and still don't know anything, remember? Not yet, anyways.
Also keep in mind that when he asked me if I'd do UN sanctioned peacekeeping I said I would consider it, so half of this is what he said, half of it is what I ...tried to say. Heh.

Anyways point is no harm done, I don't think. I also let him know I was a recruit before he interviewed me and that I really didn't have very much expertise in what he was asking about. He didn't seem to mind.

 

[armyvern]

The guy asked me for an interview, the C of C ok'd it, I said why the hell not.
Keep in mind I'm a recruit and still don't know anything, remember? Not yet, anyways.
Also keep in mind that when he asked me if I'd do UN sanctioned peacekeeping I said I would consider it, so half of this is what he said, half of it is what I ...tried to say. Heh.

Anyways point is no harm done, I don't think. I also let him know I was a recruit before he interviewed me and that I really didn't have very much expertise in what he was asking about. He didn't seem to mind.

So, now you also have the option of a Letter to the Editor....to correct whatever the reporter got wrong or misinterpreted.

Vern

 

[Parked4everuser]

Naw, nothing really worth mentioning. What he reported I did say. I'm not concerned because there's nothing worth being concerned about. The only part I would have liked to see worded a little differently is the part where I said I can't go against my will because it implies I am not willing to go overseas. I said something more along the lines of "In the reserves, overseas taskings are voluntary. I don't have to do anything against my will." So he didn't really take it out of context, but it was a little edited. But he did mention it in the previous sentence anyways.

Overall I'd say I'm happy with the results. Though all the military types can tell by what I say that I'm such a newbie. But that's the way it is until I get some more experience under my belt.

 

[Trinity]

Rice

You did fine.  You did good.

Don't second guess, don't beat yourself up.

Good job.

 

[BKells]

The questions he asked you seem more like something you would ask an experienced soldier.

If he wanted to do a focus piece on recruits in the army, he should have asked questions more along the lines of why you joined, what's your motivation, what are your career goals, etc.

 

[pbi]

You did fine on your first time out. Congratulations. That wasn't so bad, was it?. None of us, not even the CDS, has any control over what finally gets published. Not even the reporter controls that: it's up to the Editors. That said, IMHO it's 100 times a better thing that we are the ones out there informing the public and the media, vice the "usual suspects" whose names shall not be mentioned, but who seem to pop up whenever the CF leaves an info vacuum.

If you do decide to challenge this piece in your school paper or any article in a journal, the letter to the Editor is the way to go. I've written a few and I'd  be happy to help you out.

Cheers