CFSME - Tactics Squadron

[Pieman]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone here could provide me with information on the Tactics Squadron course at CFSME. I am wondering if someone can give me an idea of the general breakdown of the course, what to expect, what to watch out for.

What level of Mathematics and Physics should I expect? I have been doing numerical stuff on computers for the past few years, so I need to brush up on my pen/paper analytical skills. What type of calculations and what type of physics is most dominant?

Thanks.

 

[George Wallace]

Are you sure you have the right information?

 

[Pieman]

My understanding is I will be heading to that school at part of my training at some point.  Engineer Officer (MOC 24)  is supposed to go there according to this website anyway:

http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/cfb_gagetown/schools/cfsme_e.asp

Unless things have changed?

 

[George Wallace]

There is No Tactics Squadron Course; it is an organization (Tactics Squadron).  Mathematics and Physics have little to do with Tactics.  If you have been told that you are going there, you will probably be going as a "Go'fer".  If not, then they are going to be in charge of training you in whatever Phase you are entering into (most likely scenerio).

 

[Pieman]

Gotcha, thanks for the correction & clarification. Getting my info mixed up, sorry about that.

I go to CFSME for the Basic Engineer Officer Course (BEOC), so that is what   I meant to ask about.   I restated my question below.

I was wondering if anyone here could provide me with information on   BEOC. I am wondering if someone can give me an idea of the general breakdown of the course, what to expect, what to watch out for. I don't have a lot of information on it, other than a hand out I got from CFRC and have not had much luck with google.

What level of Mathematics and Physics should I expect? (Lots of class room time? Tests?)
What type of calculations and what type of physics is most dominant?

Any insight is appreciated.

 

[Sapper6]

Pieman,

After you finish your BOQ at CFRLS St Jean you will have to complete Common Army Phase (CAP) which is run as a combined course through CTC Gagetown.  After successfully passing CAP you will cross the street to CFSME Gagetown and start BEOC Ph III and Ph IV.  BEOC Ph III is focused on Engr Sect tactics and Ph IV is focused on Engr Tp tactics.  There is some math but it is pretty basic.  What you can expect is a hard course which is both physically and mentally demanding.  You will need to be "ON" at all times, regardless of whether you are in a leadership or follower role.

You've applied to a great Corps, good luck!

S6

 

[Pieman]

Thanks for the reply.

BEOC Ph III is focused on Engr Sect tactics and Ph IV is focused on Engr Tp tactics.   There is some math but it is pretty basic.

Read up a little on Ph III and IV. WOW, lots of things are covered in that 10 and 1/2 month period.   Sounds like it is going to be intense to say the least!

Sorry, but when you say 'basic math' I am not sure what level of   'basic' you mean. Do you mean at the level of some basic Calculus and Linear Algebra? Solving some basic Ordinary Differential Equations or PDEs?   Or do you mean more general math skills like solving some algebra and applying pre-prepared formulas?

  What you can expect is a hard course which is both physically and mentally demanding.   You will need to be "ON" at all times, regardless of whether you are in a leadership or follower role.

That's what I want to hear I honestly can't wait to roll around in the mud and face these kinds of challenges. These cushy white collar gigs I got are eating away at my soul.   > lol

 

[armyvern]

Do you mean at the level of some basic Calculus and Linear Algebra? Solving some basic Ordinary Differential Equations or PDEs?   Or do you mean more general math skills like solving some algebra and applying pre-prepared formulas?

Ooops. I've already failed!! What the heck are ordinary differential equations? I think if you know what that means...you should pass!!  ;D
Perhaps I need some tutoring. No wonder us Supply Techs can't count right.  ;D

 

[Pieman]

Ooops. I've already failed!! What the heck are ordinary differential equations? I think if you know what that means...you should pass!!  
Perhaps I need some tutoring. No wonder us Supply Techs can't count right.  

Well, I guess that means I don't have to worry so much about the math. That is good because I can then concentrate on other parts of the course, which I am sure where the real challenges are.

 

[Kat Stevens]

You'll be disapointed then, Pieman.  After your Rupert courses are over, you get to tell people to roll around in the mud.  Then you get to stay on the tile floor in the air conditioned part of the building.  PT will be the toughest part of your day, to quote Col. Applehuge.

 

[Pieman]

You'll be disapointed then, Pieman.  After your Rupert courses are over, you get to tell people to roll around in the mud.  Then you get to stay on the tile floor in the air conditioned part of the building.  PT will be the toughest part of your day, to quote Col. Applehuge.

My brochure says I would  spend about 2/3 of my time in the office and 1/3 of my time in the field (per year I assume). Are those figures realistic?

I hope that is true as I would consider that to be great! Currently I spend almost 100% of my time in my office...

All I ask is that they don't lock me in some kind of 'think tank' in the basement of NDHQ.  lol

 

[aesop081]

My brochure says I would   spend about 2/3 of my time in the office and 1/3 of my time in the field (per year I assume). Are those figures realistic?

I hope that is true as I would consider that to be great! Currently I spend almost 100% of my time in my office...

All I ask is that they don't lock me in some kind of 'think tank' in the basement of NDHQ.   lol

You'll get one of those postings don't you worry  ;D

 

[McG]

Sorry, but when you say 'basic math' I am not sure what level of 'basic' you mean. Do you mean at the level of some basic Calculus and Linear Algebra? Solving some basic Ordinary Differential Equations or PDEs?   Or do you mean more general math skills like solving some algebra and applying pre-prepared formulas?

It would be the third of your two options (solving some algebra and applying pre-prepared formulas).   You will be fine if you can do "Ï r2" and "C=(x + y) ÷ z" You will not see any differential equations.  Most math is done while trg with MWD (mine warfare & Demolitions) Tp in FETS (Fd Engr Trg Sqn) or when determining a bridge load class.

 

[043]

It would be the third of your two options (solving some algebra and applying pre-prepared formulas).   You will be fine if you can do "Ï r2" and "C=(x + y) ÷ z" You will not see any differential equations.   Most math is done while trg with MWD (mine warfare & Demolitions) Tp in FETS (Fd Engr Trg Sqn) or when determining a bridge load class.

Hey, don't forget about the 45 page NSB design that is all math or the Design of a Elevated Cable or calculating how much beer to get for a Troop party!!!!!!!!

If you have any tactics questions, pm me, I work there.

Chimo

 

[aesop081]

Design of a Elevated Cable

Thankfully i never have to do that stuff again........the 6A was enough

 

[SprCForr]

[quote author=2023]
...calculating how much beer to get for a Troop party...
[/quote]

That is too important a decision to be leaving with an Officer! 

Do not pass Go, do not collect your next incentive.  ;D

Somehow or another I've got a Willyism zipping around my noggin about "professionalismness" yeek!

 

[Sapper6]

My brochure says I would   spend about 2/3 of my time in the office and 1/3 of my time in the field (per year I assume). Are those figures realistic?

I hope that is true as I would consider that to be great! Currently I spend almost 100% of my time in my office...

All I ask is that they don't lock me in some kind of 'think tank' in the basement of NDHQ.   lol

Pieman,

The brochure is accurate for an average year in a Fd unit for an officer.  However, if you are preparing for deployed operations you can expect to spend more time in the field.  Finally, it should go without saying that if you do "deploy", I would consider that "in the field 100% of the time."  AESOP is right, your time in a field unit is, unfortunately, short for an officer.  You can expect to do 2-3 yrs in a fd unit immediately after graduating from BEOC Ph IV, then you need to head off on an Extra Regimental Employment (ERE) position which is often a staff position.  Then, if you have made the right impression on your first tour you may be invited back to take a more senior Captain's position (ie. Battle Capt, Sqn 2IC or Adjt/Ops O).  There's more, but I recommend you concentrate on the first 2-3 yrs as a junior officer in a unit.  Further, I recommend you lead from the front, seek out and listen to your Sr NCO's advice, make the hard decisions and use as much common sense as you can muster.

S6 

 

[Pieman]

Thanks for the advice to all who answered.

   AESOP is right, your time in a field unit is, unfortunately, short for an officer.   You can expect to do 2-3 yrs in a fd unit immediately after graduating from BEOC Ph IV, then you need to head off on an Extra Regimental Employment (ERE) position which is often a staff position.

I see, I will be sure to make the up most of the 2-3 years in a Field unit. Really, It looks like I will see almost 2 years of training, plus another 2-3 years with field unit. So that's 4-5 years (possibly more) where I will be in the mud at least some of the time. That's pretty good.

For my long term career goals, I have a key interest in simulations, namely battle simulations and training simulations. I will most certainly be behind a desk if I land a posting like that, but that is ok.   Hopefully that will be much later in my career, after my hair starts to sprout a little grey.    ^-^

There's more, but I recommend you concentrate on the first 2-3 yrs as a junior officer in a unit.   Further, I recommend you lead from the front, seek out and listen to your Sr NCO's advice, make the hard decisions and use as much common sense as you can muster.

Will do.