For all those beginning the enlistment process

[Sh0rtbUs]

OK, I‘ve just completed all my stuff, and my files off to Borden. After that, its off to my desired unit for acceptance. here was my experience...

First off, Talk to a recruiter to get a feel for what your interested in. I didnt have to, solely because im joining through a CO-OP program and im required to be an Armoured Soldier for now.

Your aptitude test, isnt very hard. I cant let you in on wha tht etest actually is, obviously..but dont worry. its just common sense and basic knowledge. And remember, if somehow u get a horrible score on it, you can retake it at a later date to get your score up.

2nd, is Medical and Physical test (I had mine on the same day). They‘ve taken out the running, now its a step test which is a cake walk so dont worry about it. Some guys had trouble with the grip test and push-ups, but if you prepare before hand, you‘ll do fine.

last was my interview, that went great. its mostly meant for the Army to get an idea of what you want to do (career wise) and your goals. Of course, theres paper work to fill out (Like every test). I found everything quite easy, solely because the staff was extremely friendly, and helpful. (save for one mouthy Corporol i ran into). But you run into alot of those in life..


I made the mistake of thinking i was going to be drilled and yelled at. not the case, if your nervous, you have no reason to worry.

remember, mind over matter. if you dont mind, it dont matter.

 

[nbk]

Good to know...and good to know thats CFRC Toronto as well...

 

[Caz]

Running is not done at the CFRC. You run on Basic, if I‘m not mistaken. The step test evaluates your aerobic ability, and it is recommended that you train by running to build your aerobic level.

The recruiters aren‘t there to rag you out. They run a job-fair, 365 days a year. Their job is to make the CF an attractive employer to Canada‘s skilled work force. Do you want to work for someone that yells at you in an interview?


Shortbus - hope everything comes back from Borden, soon

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

yah....only beef i have is, a clerk told me I could leave without an escort throughout the office area. i got half-way through, and got chewed out for it. but other than that, it all went fine. They used to have a 2 km run (which is what i prepared for, and my time was within the superior range) but when i came in, the Cpl. assessing us announced the Army had recently changed it, much to my frustration!

My files should be in the hands of my unit in 3 weeks to a month but oh well, Im patient

 

[Spartan]

could you expand on the step test for us? *just to know what to expect wrt it?

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

umm....well, First off....almost everybody can do it. your placed before 3 steps, and a tape is played. The tape does this "1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4" rhythm over and over at different levels. I was at level 5. another guy, who was 33 did it at level 3. level just matters on your age. basically, walk up the stairs, and back down facing the same way along with the rhythm. keep that up for a few minutes, and the person assessing you will measure your heart rate. your heart rate determines whether you pass or fail. Which is why its important to get active before your test, because just because you can do it, doesnt mean you will pass. its a matter of how well your body can cope with it.

personally, i dont like it. Solely, because i know that i can run 3 kms at a flat out run. Afterwards, if my heart rate were to be checked, it would be perty high up there, but that doesnt mean i cant do it and do it well.

if you prepare WELL in advance for it, you‘ll find the entire Physical Assessment a breeze.


Just to end my reply, the medical will make you feel like a total idiot, but everyone has to do it. Cant say i ever had to strip to my boxers and waddle like a duck across the floor before...

 

[Caz]

Ed - start running. It‘ll help you on basic. And then get on the recumbent bike to build the cardio strength.

Being in the CIC branch, we don‘t do the PT test when we enrol , but if you can acheive your target heartrate and keep it without having a hernia, you should be fine.

 

[girlfiredup]

Originally posted by Sh0rtbUs:
[qb]
Your aptitude test, isnt very hard. I cant let you in on wha tht etest actually is, obviously..but dont worry. its just common sense and basic knowledge. And remember, if somehow u get a horrible score on it, you can retake it at a later date to get your score up.
[/qb]

Someone I know recently completed the apptitude test and she told me that you are sworn not to reveal the contents of the test. Did they make you do the same?

 

[Sh0rtbUs]

they make every applicant swear to keep the contents of the aptitude test hush hush for obvious reasons, so yah..I did the same.

 

[chalk1]

Hey- anyone have any experience as an assault pioneer?

 

[Roger]

You can prepare for the stress test at home, go up and down two steps, right foot step one, left foot step one, right foot step two, left foot step two, right foot step one, left foot step one,
right foot step floor, left foot step floor. You can start with the left foot. It tests your cardio. I did two 3 minute sessions every day then went to three, then four. The reason is I am older than 40 and returned after being out for ten years and failed the first test. I passed them second with flying colors.

 

[Meridian]

It is a fairly generic aptitude test covering spatial reasoning, vocabulary skills, math skills, etc all under a compressed time frame to simulate stress.

You dont have to get it all right, nor do you even have to answer every question.

Depending on the trade specific skills will be necessary (ie Spatial Reasoning for Pilots/Aircrew).


As for running.. the army did not "recently change" it to the step test. It was the step test a year ago, and longer before that.

It is safer on an initial test to keep it controlled and to extrapolate the data, as the army has no idea of the fitness level of the entrants coming in... the running comes later... in basic, you will /not/ do the step test, you will do the 20 m shuttle run.