Need Help: Reserve Application and Unit Selection

[SteadFast]

Hey,
This may be a long post so please bear with me. I'm currently a student attending a post-secondary institution in the Montreal area. I recently spoke to a friend who was a reservist and instantly realized that becoming a reservist was what I wanted to do. However, after a few calls to the CFRC in Montreal and scanning various online information, I've been left somewhat confused by the process. I understand that to become a reservist, in most cases it's best to apply to the unit directly itself instead of going through the Canadian forces. I know that I am physically fit enough and intelligent enough to pass the tests, but I am not sure of what unit to apply to or how to go about it. I'd prefer to join an English, as my French isn't that strong, unit so I believe that I am left with:

The Black Watch (Infantry)
Canadian Grenadier Guards (Infantry)
Royal Canadian Hussars (Armoured)
34 Combat Engineer (Engineer)
51 Field Ambulance Company (Med Tech)

First off, I'm not sure which unit I should join. I'm leaning towards infantry but if anyone had any strong support or suggestions for joining one of the other ones I'd appreciate hearing it. I would like to know the benefits and downsides of each specialty.

Secondly, how can I get in contact with the unit to join? Just head down there or call them (which is better)?

Furthermore, I have had a tough time getting information about training. I'd hope to do only 1 month of training this summer and complete the BMQ and do the rest during the next school year, but is average summer training two months (that's what I've heard)? Or does it vary by unit? 

Also, is it in any way possible to complete the BMQ with another reserve unit (one in Ontario- though I hear they're full) then switch back to a Montreal unit or is that just wishful thinking? I only think this because I assume (perhaps wrongly) that the BMQ is somewhat standardized.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, hopefully I didn't bore you. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Michael OLeary]

First off, you'll find lots of information about each trade and many unit on the forum by using the search page. You can also try Google using site specific site; add "site:army.ca" to your search parameters. Example:

site:army.ca Montreal units

Call the units, ask them the best time to visit to meet their Recruiters.

BMQs are usually run on evenings and weekends during the school year, rarely during the summer.  You don't get to split the course and take "some now, some later." Sometimes within a Brigade one unit will run a BMQ with candidates from more than one unit - to go to another area (i.e., from Quebec to Ontario) to do it doesn't happen.

 

[kratz]

If you are looking for a spring or summer BMQ and being able to do your BMQ in Ontario, you could consider HMCS Donnacona.
Based on your post, the problem with that solution is that this is a Naval Reserve unit.

 

[sean m]

there is no information on  this site ant the unit has not called. Would anyone here know if CIMIC (Civilian / Military Cooperation Psychological Operations) unit recruit off the street or is it like the int reserve units who recruit only from people with military experience

 

[George Wallace]

there is no information on  this site ant the unit has not called. Would anyone here know if CIMIC (Civilian / Military Cooperation Psychological Operations) unit recruit off the street or is it like the int reserve units who recruit only from people with military experience

:facepalm: 

I have a cold.  I really feel miserable.  Why are you doing this to me?

CIMIC is NOT a Trade.  You have to have a Trade first in order to apply to do the required training to become a CIMIC operator.  For the most part they are looking for experienced and mature officers and Snr NCOs.  They do employ lower ranks as drivers.  If you take the time to read some of the posts here that talk about CIMIC you may have a better idea of what they do.

In the meantime, stop trying to find an "exciting" name to a Trade/Occupation/Employment opportunity as for the most part the only thing exciting about that employment is the name; everything else is mundane.

 

[MikeL]

there is no information on  this site ant the unit has not called. Would anyone here know if CIMIC (Civilian / Military Cooperation Psychological Operations) unit recruit off the street or is it like the int reserve units who recruit only from people with military experience

CIMIC actually stands for

Civil-Military Co-operation.  It is not Psy Ops.. that is something else.

AFAIK there is no actual CIMIC unit Reg or Reserve, it is only a Task Force unit on roto.  Oh an since you have a hard on for INT, I will add this.. CIMIC and Psy Ops aren't a INT only job, lots of Combat Arms guys doing that job.

 

[Container]

there is no information on  this site ant the unit has not called. Would anyone here know if CIMIC (Civilian / Military Cooperation Psychological Operations) unit recruit off the street or is it like the int reserve units who recruit only from people with military experience

I feel like you're running a Psy-Op on everyone here.

 

[sean m]

Thank you for the clarification sirs, one last question... Do the questions in the aptitude test change each year or do they stay the same. For instance if someone were to use a practice aptitude test from 07-08 would the practice test from that year still be compatible with the questions on the test from this year or future tests.

Thank you

 

[dangles]

Thank you for the clarification sirs, one last question... Do the questions in the aptitude test change each year or do they stay the same. For instance if someone were to use a practice aptitude test from 07-08 would the practice test from that year still be compatible with the questions on the test from this year or future tests.

Thank you

I doubt it matters what year the practice test is...as the practice test would never have any questions on it that you will find on the CFAT. The practice test is there to provide you with a reference as to what you may find on the CFAT. So I am willing to put it out there and assume that since the CFAT has not changed drastically in the past few years, you should be fine. As for future tests, how would anyone here know?