Have I missed the boat?

[Pugnacious]

Over the years I have felt drawn the Army, but stupid stuff always got in the way from me joining, and now with current world events, I'm kind'a feeling left out, and not sure what to do...  I feel I have 20 good years to offer, and I'm dedicated when I get into something.

Without giving too much personal info...I'm 35-36 (too old?) In good shape, can bench 220lbs.  I have 5+ years of Modern Arnis, and Kali, and combat knife training.  I work in security etc.

The problem number 2...is there seems to be nothing on the west coast Army wise (am I wrong?).
I'm married with a house in BC (VAN ISl), and like to stay here.
Should I drop the whole thing, and get on with life or what?
Any suggestions?

Cheers!

 

[drebk]

You definitely haven't missed the boat, there's a post somewhere of someone who just got sworn in at 38, and from what i've read its not rare, There are plenty of Military options on the West Coast (I live in New Westminster, BC). I suggest you drop into the CFRC (Canadian Forces Recruiting Center) in downtown Vancouver, By sky-train its about a 3min walk from burrard station. They'll answer all your questions, off the top of my head, I believe in the West coast they have Armoured Recon, Infantry, and I think Field artillary, but don't quote me, the information is all on the web aswell but nothing beats talking to em in person. I'll get the exact address of the CFRC for you in 2 shakes, gotta jet atm.

 

[jutes85]

The problem number 2...is there seems to be nothing on the west coast Army wise (am I wrong?).

Well, there is that base in Comox.

I'm married with a house in BC (VAN ISl), and like to stay here.

If you'd like to stay in your area, I'd suggest looking into the reserves. If you join the regular force, you can be sent anywhere at anytime.

 

[combat_medic]

If you are considering joining the reserves, there are plenty of options. You mentioned living on Vancouver Island. As such, you have the following units in close proximity:

5th Field Regiment Artillery - Victoria
Canadian Scottish Regiment (Infantry) - Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay/Campbell River
11 Medical Company - Victoria
11 Service Battalion - Victoria

There's also a recruiting centre in Victoria where you can ask them all your questions about joining:

CFRC Det Victoria
827 Fort St., Main Floor
Victoria, BC
V8W 1H6
Phone : (250) 363-3717
Fax : (250) 363-0484
Email : [email protected]

However, there are no regular force army units in BC any longer, but there is an air force base in Comox and a Naval Base in Esquimalt, if Regular Force is/was something you're considering. As for your age, I know a half dozen people offhand who joined in their late 40s/early50s so you'd hardly be the only one. If it's something you really want, then go for it.

 

[drebk]

Here's the locale of the local CFRC:

CFRC Det Victoria
827 Fort St., Main Floor
Victoria, BC
V8W 1H6
Phone : (250) 363-3717
Fax : (250) 363-0484


Aye, if you want to stay with your current living arrangements etc. Reserves is really the only way to go, but mind you, its only Part-time, and the pay...well, its part time pay, most people who join the reserves don't do it for the money.

The regular force is a career path not to be taken on lightly, its a way of life, its a commitment.

 

[Pugnacious]

Wow good info..you guys have been very helpful.

I'll look into the stuff you posted..hmm Armour recon, those have the Coyotes?
A few year back I so wanted to drive on home when I saw them at a Canada day celibration. 

Also I'm glad to know I'm not too old...that kind'a sneeks up on yah.

I feel I have lots more experince and common sense to offer then I would have back when I was 17.
I know my wife and family will  be supportive..father in law is a Retired Officer from the PPCLI.
I've waited this long because I don't take this lightly.

Thanx again and I'll keep yah posted.
BTW: this is my first time here..nice board good info...I'll be a lurking. ;D

Cheers!
P

 

[ZipperHead]

Pugnacious,

I don't think that you are too old to join the "army", however there are a few caveats: you would be getting in on the ground floor, and the possiblility of having a "boss" (corporal or Master Corporal) who wasn't even born the first time you, er, um, procreated can be a bit of a kick in the ego. The fitness issue doesn't sound like a problem who sounds as active as you do, and in fact, you sound in better shape than most soldiers that I know.

As for Reg or Reserve: you can only serve to 55 (60 in some cases) in the Reg's, so you wouldn't be able to get a "full" 20 year pension (and I believe they are now doing the 25 year pension business (not a good idea IMO, but what do I know....). It is a big commitment, and there are no guarantees that you would actually do any good stuff, like tours, as it is very much a "right place, right time" situation. I know guys with only 6 or 7 years in that have been to Kosovo, Bosnia and Afghanistan, and guys with over 20 years that have never left Canada (in the same trade). The Reserves might scratch your army "itch" without having to disrupt your whole family situation (I'm from Campbell River, and I know that I can never get back to the Island while I'm still wearing green.....). You can still do some good training with the Reserves, and there is always the possibility of getting tours overseas (slimmer than in the Reg Force, by my estimation, but still a chance).

I hope that helps, and if you want any more info, feel free to PM (private message) me.

Take care,

Al