Question regarding status as reservist after acceptance

[w1ldebeast]

Hello,

I am currently in the application with the Black Watch in Montreal and have a quick question about when I would become a full member of the regiment.

When speaking to the recruiter he mentioned that it is only after recruits have completed their trade course that they can wear the red hackle and I assume the other regimental dress. I am currently in engineering and will be balancing the reserves with internships so it will take at least two summers for me to complete all the courses.

Finally my question is, does this mean that I am not a full member of the regiment or that I will simply have to wear standard kit until I have completed all of the courses?

If anyone could shed some light on this it would be great.

Thanks

 

[AgentSmith]

You won't get your first chevron until you do your DP1 Infantry and as a result you won't  be able to do much with the unit  until you're qualified.

 

[Bluebulldog]

Agentsmith has it right.

However, once you're done your BMQ, ( Basic Military Qualification) you will be able to function with the regiment as a soldier, and participate in training. You will also be able to perform GD ( General Duties) while in the field. Inglorious details like dishes, and ditches, but you will be employed, and every opportunity to be with your regiment will allow you to learn things. It wouldn't be the first time that a soldier while not being trade qualified was allowed to draw a weapon and participate in training in some capacity. Heck, I've seen medics assisting on the guns.

Being a cornflake Pte. may not be the best, but you'll get out of it, what you put in, and a positive attitude will do wonders.

 

[brihard]

An untrained private in an infantry reserve unit is not particularly useful. You should not expect to be employed in an infantry platoon until you have your full trade qualification, which means BMQ, and the full DP1 Infantry course. Prior to that they *may* find work for you to do - my unit uses our recruits, for instance, as enemy force in some circumstances on exercises - but you probably won't find yourself doing too much that will be particularly cool.

I hope you have been completely forthcoming with the regiment about the fact that you do not expect to be able to get fully qualified within a year.

 

[w1ldebeast]

Thanks for the insight.

I have been forthcoming with the regiment and they understand the situation. However I didn't really understand how useless I would be until fully trained. I am going to look into ways where I can get all the courses done as quickly as possible instead of balancing stuff so I can become a contributing member and also get on with my eng work.