Infantry Officer - 2005 Posting Preference

[ProPatria05]

I'm currently doing my Phase 3 (only 10 more weeks to go ;D), and was wondering if anyone out there has heard which regiment has posting preference this year for new Infantry Officers. Apparently last year it was the Van Doos.

Thanks.

Murph

 

[s23256]

Sorry, no info on postings.   I was just wondering who your staff is.   Is capt. D still there?   I did the course this summer so if you need some info let me know.

 

[hoote]

Will the CF send you to the Van Doos if you can speak french but your family (wife, 3 kids) do not?  I can speak french but my wife and kids don't and I wonder how they would adjust should I be sent there.

Hoote

 

[Chags]

USUALLY, the do not force any non-willing Infantry Officers to the Vandoos.  There are usually enough franco officers who want to go there, and fill up all the spots.  If you want to, thats a different story. 

From what I know (being out West now), is that the PPCLI have been backed up with platoon commanders.  A guy I did phase trg with in 2000 just got a pl this year (in 3VP).  In both bns in Petawawa, there has been a slight shortage in pl comds.  Not sure about Gagetown.

 

[Garett]

Theres a website on the DIN where you can look at all the vacant and soon to be vacant positions for pretty well every trade in the CF.  It says what the position is, where it is and who is currently filling it.  I was looking at it this week and it looked like most of the vacant platoon commander positions are in the Patricia's and VanDoos.

I've got two Patricia's working for me right now and the rest are Royals.  For what I've heard from all of them is that advancement is quicker in the Patricia's because there is a higher turnover rate.  I had an Adjt back in my reserve unit that was an RCR, all the guys he graduated from RMC with that went to the Patricia's made Major and all the guys that went Royal never made it past Capt.  That is probably too general a comment though

Score in the Top Third on Phase 3 and 4 and it should raise your chances of getting a platoon right off Phase 4.  A C is a P and your weekends are free but scoring low on Phase trg has the potential to slow you down.  I've been told that people will dig out old course reports from Phase trg at merit boards when they're deciding who to promote to Major.

Try to stay away from 2RCR (Training Aid Bn) unless you want to stay in the area.  They get shafted with too many Coy tours because they support the Inf Sch a lot so your chances of deploying are lower. 

At the same time, I'm the course officer for the PLQ Inf in Gagetown right now and out of the 35 troops on the course from 2RCR probably 80-90 percent have deployed.  Officer wise, I'd bet its a much lower percentage.  This whole "task force" concept might change the whole ballgame though.

When choosing a regiment, choose based on where you would want to live.  As a note, there aint a lot of chicks in Pet and Shilo.

Have fun humping the Lawfield, I think I buried a Snickers under "the tree" at Summer Hill.  Its yours if you can find it.

 

[Garett]

Heres the link to the website.  You probably have to be on a DND computer to access it.

http://hr.dwan.dnd.ca/dgmc/engraph/mFinder_e.asp

 

[RyanNS]

I'm not able to access that link from my Aliant connection so it does look like you need to be on a DND network.

Garret would you say that it's easy to get posted to 2RCR(Gagetown)? I know thats a question that has no easy answer, and many other factors involved in it, but what do you think in your opinion? The reason I ask is because I am considering going Infantry Officer and would want to be as close to the ocean as possible (my other option is Navy MARS, but I think I would enjoy the infantry/Army type of work, lifestyle much more).

 

[Chags]

Hi RyanNS..  I think it may be easy to get posted to 2 RCR..  it isnt the usual first choice, unless they are from the maritimes and want to stay there..  the career managers are having a hard time posting Captains back to 2 RCR (after their 1st ERE)..
That being said.. its different year to year.

Also, that site is all fine and dandy, but many units do not keep it up to date.. give it a couple months (maybe a year) for all the units to be online..  then it might be more accurate. 

Go Royal or Go Home.

 

[Garett]

If you go RCR then theres a good chance you'll spend a portion of your time in Gagetown.  It could be at 2RCR, the Infantry School or somewhere else on base.  There are Reg Force Captains at pretty well every Reserve unit in Canada also.

 

[RyanNS]

Thanks for the replies guys. I write my CFAT next Monday but won't be graduating from uni until the summer some time. Its good to know as much as I can before commiting to a certain MOC.

 

[DrSize]

I just signed on as a DEO infantry officer and the only real place I don't want to end up is petewawa........I am not too worried where I end up though plus I won't be posted for a few years anyways (IAP/BOTP then SLT then Gagetown for Infantry school)

 

[ZipperHead]

Maybe it isn't my place to comment (but I will  ;D), but I think that "being close to the ocean" isn't what I would consider to be a prime factor in choosing a career in the CF (the old song "I joined the Navy to see the world, and what did I see? the sea, the sea, the sea...." springs to mind). I know that most people usually want to join a trade that gives them a chance to be close to where they grew up, usually for family, or to be close to their friends. Having said that, I'm from BC, and the closest I got posted to BC was Edmonton (I'm Armour Corps, so that's the furthest "normal" posting West there is). I've spent 10 of my 17 years out East (2 in Petawawa and 8 in Gagetown), and although I'd prefer to be out West, "home is where the Army sends you.....".

I find that people are too hung up on being in one place for too long, and for the wrong reasons. It's nice to be comfy and cosy, and grow roots, but that is what retirement is for. People tend to get it in their head that the CF is there to cater to their whims (damn QWL (Quality of Working Life) or whatever the policy is called), and if they are told to pack up and move on, the excuses for not going are fast and furious. I can't speak for officers, but it has been my experience that they move around the most, with WO's (and higher) being on the move almost the same amount.

BTW, when I first joined I asked to go to the Strathcona's, when they were in Calgary, but I ended up in Petawawa, because that is where the need was. That's something that needs to be in the back of your mind when you sign up. Moral of the story: choose a trade that you will enjoy doing, perhaps in a place (or places) that you don't like, rather that hating the job you are doing, in a location that is suitable to your personal preference. Odds are, the reasons that you want to be there, won't be important a few years down the road (friends move on and away, and a plane ticket isn't really that expensive (plus, you are eligible for the LTA (Leave Travel Assistance) once a year.... if you are single, you can travel to your next of kin, and if you are married and away from your family, you can go to them, or them to you.... it's not 100% paid for, but if you drive, it's pretty much 100%, unless you have a Dodge RAM V12 or HUMMER, and if you can get a seat sale, it's pretty decent..... I may be talking out of my ass, as I haven't taken LTA (other than overseas) in 8 years, so if it's changed that much, someone please correct me....)

Anyway, hope that helps (or rains on your parade..... sorry....)

Al

 

[RyanNS]

Maybe it isn't my place to comment (but I will   ;D), but I think that "being close to the ocean" isn't what I would consider to be a prime factor in choosing a career in the CF.....Al

It's not really one of my prime factors at all. I would have no problem going wherever the Army needed me and staying there as long as necessary. My reasons for joining the CF are mainly about serving my country, offering what skills I have and doing all this in a career that I would enjoy. I should have made this clear from the start, sorry I didn't. The only reason I want to be close to the ocean is because I surf and it's one of my favorite ways to stay in shape. Living in Gagetown I could surf Maine in my time off. Anyways none of that matters really, like I said, when I commit to the CF my number one priority will be serving them and my country, whether that is in the desert, Arctic or Edmonton.


Ryan

 

[ProPatria05]

Thanks for the info, all.

Spinaker - Capt D is still there. He is the SME Officer. Capt L is the course Officer. Other officers are Capt M (the new Aussie), Capt C, Capt W (not sure if spelled right). Warrant A is Course WO, and other Warrants are WO R, R, B, and F. Pretty good staff, actually. The new Aussie is an excellent instructor and very approachable.

Lt Hallman - we were just at Summer Hill the other day doing a woods clearing TEWT. If we go back I will definitely look for that Snickers bar.

Murph

[Edited for Persec - keep the name swapping to the PMs - Infanteer]

 

[Chags]

So Murph??  What Regiment (or location) have you been leaning towards?? 

Good luck on couse..  Phase 3 is a lot more fun after your done.

 

[SeanNewman]

No offense, but if you still have 10 weeks of phase 3 left, let alone phase 4, now is not the time to be thinking of where you're going to get posted.

Several of my peers and I went through what you're going through in the last few years, and here is what you need to know:

The last three phase 3 courses have had a 60% failure rate.  I wish you the best of luck.  I tell you this not to discourage you, but to get your mind on passing your POs, not choosing a regiment.

Here's the real kicker: You can ask for your preference all you want, but that guarantees nothing.  Most people got the general area they requested, but in the middle of August, four of the best RCR prospects got "drafted" into the VanDoos because they had good language profiles.

We got our posting messages in late August, at the end of course.

While 90% or so got their requested regiment, battalion postings within the regiment were scattered everywhere.  Guys asking for 1 got 3, asking 3 got 2, etc etc.

PS - I really do wish you luck, and for the love of god, MEET YOUR THIN OUT TIMINGS in withdrawal week.

 

[Royal76]

Murph,
The posting plot will depend on what unit is in high readiness.  Units entering the high readiness phase are "pri 1" for manning.  You are correct in saying that it was the VanDoos last year because they were entering the high readiness cycle.  Generally, there are enough francophones to fill the VanDoo requirements, but when they're aren't.....better brush up on you french just in case! 
During Phase IV, the staff will ask you what your preference is (3 choices) and a list will be sent to the Career Manager.  He will then post you based on the priority for manning.  Generally it is balanced out based on need.  It is a good idea to start thinking about where you want to go now and start educating yourself on the different regiments and battalions.  Each battalion has its own unique personality!  I can't speak for the other regiments but for the RCR the priority for phase IV graduates will be to 2 RCR in preparation for the Task Force 07 tour.  Most people coming off phase training want nothing to do with Gagetown ever again, therefore, those that ask to go to 2 RCR usually get it!  You will find that the majority of your peers, perhaps even yourself, are keen to get in a jump company in a light battalion.  My advice to you, having recently instructed phase IV and been in a mech bn for 6 years, is to go to a mech bn first.  I think it's important to get a good base of experience with the LAV as a Jr Officer- it will pay off in the long run.  Mech operations are faster, over larger distances and more difficult to command and control- as you will find out this summer on phase IV!  Get this down early in your career and you will find it easier to convert from mech to light than the other way around.  Furthermore, in a mech bn, you will get to do light infantry stuff anyways.  In my Bn, every year we run a Bn level airmobile ex, patrol school, dismounted winter warfare training (3 weeks) and we generally run CasPara jumps every year- not too bad for being in a LAV Bn.

 

[MdB]

Murph,
The posting plot will depend on what unit is in high readiness.   Units entering the high readiness phase are "pri 1" for manning.   You are correct in saying that it was the VanDoos last year because they were entering the high readiness cycle.   Generally, there are enough francophones to fill the VanDoo requirements, but when they're aren't.....better brush up on you french just in case!  
During Phase IV, the staff will ask you what your preference is (3 choices) and a list will be sent to the Career Manager.   He will then post you based on the priority for manning.   Generally it is balanced out based on need.   It is a good idea to start thinking about where you want to go now and start educating yourself on the different regiments and battalions.   Each battalion has its own unique personality!   I can't speak for the other regiments but for the RCR the priority for phase IV graduates will be to 2 RCR in preparation for the Task Force 07 tour.   Most people coming off phase training want nothing to do with Gagetown ever again, therefore, those that ask to go to 2 RCR usually get it!   You will find that the majority of your peers, perhaps even yourself, are keen to get in a jump company in a light battalion.   My advice to you, having recently instructed phase IV and been in a mech bn for 6 years, is to go to a mech bn first.   I think it's important to get a good base of experience with the LAV as a Jr Officer- it will pay off in the long run.   Mech operations are faster, over larger distances and more difficult to command and control- as you will find out this summer on phase IV!   Get this down early in your career and you will find it easier to convert from mech to light than the other way around.   Furthermore, in a mech bn, you will get to do light infantry stuff anyways.   In my Bn, every year we run a Bn level airmobile ex, patrol school, dismounted winter warfare training (3 weeks) and we generally run CasPara jumps every year- not too bad for being in a LAV Bn.

Royal, do you get the choice of Regiment or Regiment and battalion? After needs are meeted, I know...  In my mind, you choose the Regiment, either RCR, PPCLI or R22eR. Could you precise?

Thx,

 

[Royal76]

MdB,
You chose both.  You will be asked to chose your regiment and battalion (ex. you can say PPCLI 1,2,3 Bn as your choices or 1 RCR, 3 PPCLI and 2 Vandoo).  A few years ago, they actually used to badge people at the end of Phase III, but I think that they have changed it to the end of phase IV again.  Are you getting badged at the end of phase 3 or 4?  I got badged at the end of phase 3.
Just for the record, as mentioned in a previous post, how well you do on phase training does not reflect what regiment/battalion you will go to and what job you will get!  Just because you top the course does not guarantee your posting preference or what you will do when you get to battalion.  The top candidate on the course I taught a few years ago did not get his first choice of battalions!
It may seem that your entire career hinges on how well you do on phase training when you are going through it but believe me, it's really not that big a deal once you enter the real world!  Everyone has to go through it.  I finished 19/23 candidates on my phase IV and I got the regiment and battalion I wanted, deployed overseas within 4 months of graduation of pahse IV and did an advanced course the year following!  When you get to battalion, perform well wherever you are and whatever job you are in- that's where it counts!  Once you finish pahse IV, your course report will go to the unit, the CO might read it and then it's shoved deep into your pers file never to be seen again.  As for it re-appearing in future merit boards, forget about it.  If you are a complete moron on phase IV, you may be under close observation for the first few months in Bn, but every new platoon commander is!  Whether you are bottom third or top dog, the bottom line is that you will be a platoon commander.  It's how well you do as a platoon commander in battalion that will progress your career, get you loaded on courses, etc......but I digress.........
Hope that helps!
Good luck on phase training and good luck with your posting.  I think that once you get into a battalion (and out of the training system!), you will like whatever Bn you end up in.

 

[Royal76]

I've got two Patricia's working for me right now and the rest are Royals.  For what I've heard from all of them is that advancement is quicker in the Patricia's because there is a higher turnover rate.  I had an Adjt back in my reserve unit that was an RCR, all the guys he graduated from RMC with that went to the Patricia's made Major and all the guys that went Royal never made it past Capt.  That is probably too general a comment though.

Actually, promotions to major are infantry-corps wide.  You compete with all captains in the infantry corps for promotion to major.  Regimental affiliations have nothing to do with it as the merit board is chaired by 5 Colonels (1 infantry, 1 arty, 1 armour, 1 engineer and the chairman)
Try to stay away from 2RCR (Training Aid Bn) unless you want to stay in the area.  They get shafted with too many Coy tours because they support the Inf Sch a lot so your chances of deploying are lower. 
At the same time, I'm the course officer for the PLQ Inf in Gagetown right now and out of the 35 troops on the course from 2RCR probably 80-90 percent have deployed.  Officer wise, I'd bet its a much lower percentage.  This whole "task force" concept might change the whole ballgame though.
Actually, your comments about 2 RCR are not entirely true.  Yes we do support the infantry school alot, but 1,3 RCR support LFCA TC Meaford and you will find that the PPCLI will get shafted with CMTC! It doesn;'t matter where you go, you will get tasked.  The advantage to 2 RCR is that because of our proximity to the school, if you do get tasked to the school, you aren't away from home.  With the FEC concept, every bn will be a training bn until they enter high readiness.

Furthermore the force employment concept will see a hell of alot more company deployments.  Keep in mind that when a bn deploys a coy, they are usually tasked to fill out the NSE/NCE.  I've been on 2 "Coy" deployments that ended up taking about 250-400 pers from the battalion.

In the past 7 years, 2 RCR has deployed as a battalion once (Bosnia 99) but has sent a "coy" (250 pers) to Eritrea (ROTO 0 tour), a coy (130 pers) to Afghanistan (ROTO  0 tour), 3 Pls (total of 120 pers) to Camp Mirage, 2 Coys (400 pers with the NCE/NSE) to Haiti (ROTO 0 tour), is sending a coy to afghanistan this summer and the bn is deploying with TF 07 wherever that will be.  So we don't get battalion tours as much as 1 and 3 RCR, but every officer in the bn has at least 1 tour and we have pl comds with 2 tours in as many years.  Another advantage as well has been that we have seen alot of "roto 0" tours.  From the outside, it certainly appears that 2 RCR doesn't deploy (which we don't- as a bn- as often as other RCR Bns) however, we have deployed troops every year since 1999.

The bottom line is wherever you end up, chances are you will deploy somewhere in your first regimental tour.  It's rare to see an infantry officer without an operational deployment these days.