I, too, am wondering what BOTC is like for CIC ... having gone through the infantry version I am assuming it's a lot different, but searching through this forum I can't find anywhere that someone has described what it was like beyond the very basics that can be found on places like Wikipedia which say:
The aim of the Basic Officer Training Course (BOTC) is to introduce course candidates to the military environment, teach basic military and leadership skills common to all CF officers, guide the development of officer-like qualities and provide opportunities to apply leadership. Phase 1 is delivered by four weeks of computer based distributed learning (DL) and on the job training that must be completed before moving on to the inhouse Phase 2 that involves eight days classroom training (10 days if Standard First Aid is included for those not qualified already). The BOTC Course content includes:
Adhere to CF Regulations and Values
Lead Subordinates
Comply with Safety, Security and Environmental Protection Policies
Communicate Orally and in Writing
Plan Activities
Conduct Activities
Perform Basic Drill Movements at the Halt and on the March
Maintain Personal Health and Fitness
I don't know if it is like the BOTC I did back in they day where it's what you'd expect from basic training: getting up at oh-dark-thirty for some intense PT, inspections and getting yelled at by Warrant Officers, struggling to stay awake during class, and spending the evening cleaning the heck out of the barracks, polishing boots, and ironing stuff? Or is it more easy going?
People will say "ask your CO" but at my unit the CO did her BOTC so many decades ago she can't offer much, and the only other officer is an OCdt who has not done his BOTC yet.
So I'm interested to see what comes up in this thread or, nbello, if you get your BOTC before I do, please share your experience!
