Questions about joining the Reserves

[Nobody_Important]

4. These days- not so hot. Getting into regular force infantry is hard, and a lot of guys with considerably more experience are trying to transfer in. It's by no means impossible, but these days it's not likely or easy.

Would it be a smarter move to think about a different occupation? Say one that's in demand? I've also been looking at Combat Engineer, Ammunition Technician, or perhaps something in the intelligence department.

On a totally unrelated note, I see that the chances of me getting accepted are slim to none because of my peanut allergy and asthma (Although my doctor said my asthma isn't a problem anymore and i'm going to see an allergist because I haven't had a reaction in over ten years)

Also, forgive my total ineptness at figuring out how to use this website.

 

[mariomike]

On a totally unrelated note, I see that the chances of me getting accepted are slim to none because of my peanut allergy and asthma (Although my doctor said my asthma isn't a problem anymore and i'm going to see an allergist because I haven't had a reaction in over ten years)

Some discussions of allergies and asthma you may find helpful.

Allergies in the CF 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/12898.0/nowap.html
8 pages

Peanut allergy 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/72342.0

Peanut allergies are ruining my life.
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/87882.0

Unreactive peanut allergy - appeal?
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/81097.0

Asthma & the CF (merged thread)
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/1567.0/nowap.html
14 pages

Recruiting Success Story (asthma related)
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/54871.0

My (ongoing) Adventure .... re: asthma 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/34551.0/nowap.html

Light Asthma and CF ?! 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/94661.0

Asthma...Situation 
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/52013.0

 

[Eowyn]

Would it be a smarter move to think about a different occupation? Say one that's in demand? I've also been looking at Combat Engineer, Ammunition Technician, or perhaps something in the intelligence department.

FYI, Ammunition Technician is not a PRes trade.  Although Int Op is a PRes trade, they do not have of a presence in Calgary.  You would be looking at 6 Int Coy in Western Canada.

 

[brihard]

I need to make a correction on my original reply. I stated incorrectly that 'part time reservists living on base just doesn't happen'. I've since been told that there are actually some bases with enough base housing that Cl A reservists have been able to get spots in base housing at the bottom of the priority list.

So, I stand corrected. But you will not be made to stay in military quarters except in certain instances of being on courses or takings that necessitate it.

 

[Nobody_Important]

I've since been told that there are actually some bases with enough base housing that Cl A reservists have been able to get spots in base housing at the bottom of the priority list.

So, I stand corrected. But you will not be made to stay in military quarters except in certain instances of being on courses or takings that necessitate it.

Cl A reservists? Hate to be such a rookie, but what does Cl A mean? Class A?

 

[dangerboy]

That is what it means, Cl A is Class A.

 

[dapaterson]

Reserve classes of service, simplified:


Class A = part time

Class B = full time for 14 days or longer

Class C = full time, for operational reasons (ice storm, floods, deployed for an overseas operation)

 

[Nobody_Important]

So, hypothetically, if I was accepted into the reserves I could live off base? Would I be paying to do so? I've heard that there is rent to be paid, but i'm not quite sure whether that's fact or fiction.

 

[Robert0288]

I have a friend who lives on base as a class A reservist and does pay rent.  However living on base as class A, by everything I've heard, is extremely rare (and in his case special circumstance).  I would not count on any housing to be available.

 

[Nobody_Important]

I see. Well, it's worth seeing about. I'm seeing a recruiter this friday and hope to clear up some stuff. What special circumstances are we talking about? If that isn't too personal, that is.

 

[Smirnoff123]

If you are a reservist it is 99% likely you will live exactly where you do now, pay the same bills as you do now. The only thing that will change is one night a week will be dedicated to the CF and every now and then you will run around in a forest for a weekend.

I am thinking you are reading a lot of information that generally applies to the regular force (full time).

 

[Nobody_Important]

Sounds like the reserves are far more relaxed than full time. What do you mean by running around in a forest for a weekend? War games or something like that?

 

[Eowyn]

As you want to join the Calgary Highlanders, I am going to assume that you live in Calgary.  There is not a base in Calgary, so you will not be living on base.  If you do a weekend BMQ, you will be sleeping at Mewata Armouries.

You could in the outdoors on weekends during a field training exercise.  There you practise the skills you learned in the classroom in a more realistic setting.

 

[Bzzliteyr]

To add to the "running around in a forest" point:

This past weekend, the Calgary Highlanders went on exercise (what we call a training event ) in Wainwright Alberta and enhanced their shooting skills.  Another weekend mightr be dedicated to field skills (tent installations, trench digging, camouflage and concealment, map and compass, etc).

As you are looking to join the army, you will most likely do army training to remain current after you have done your courses to be qualified in the trade you choose.

Reservists in Canada are different from reservists in other countries.  Do not mix the two up.  I would definitely recommend you not looking at the reserves as a full time job prospect.  It can be used to supplement what you do during the week.  If you are interested in the full time military, apply and join the regular forces, shold you pass the recruiting stages.

Write questions down and have them ready for when you do get to the recruiting center.

 

[Waters81]

Here is a question that I have asked many times in recent weeks and have received as many answers.

I am a recent graduate of the regular force BMQ course. I graduated January. 31st of this year but due to health issues with my fiance I was unable to continue on to my SQ in Wainwright and was released (4C) from the forces on February.14th. As I explained to my instructors I was planning on joining the reserves when I got back to Toronto (No one told me that I could have transferred into the reserves from there until it was too late, so lets not get into that). Last night I went down to speak with someone at the unit I wish to enrol with but was told that the 14 weeks of BMQ that I had just completed are no longer valid and that I would have to join the sup-res and redo my BMQ. Can anyone confirm as to whether or not this is at all accurate?

Responses are much appreciated

Cheers

 

[Nfld Sapper]

IIRC in order to get on the Supp List you must be DP1 complete (BMQ+SQ+Trades)......

 

[MikeL]

If you are a released member and wish to join the Primary Reserve I don't know why they would tell you to join the Supplementary Reserves.  Also,  if you completed Reg Force BMQ recently I would think a PLAR done during the recruiting process would grant you the BMQ qualification/recruit school by pass unless there is a OFP issue?

Try talking to the unit recruiter  again and/or clerks to confirm.

 

[Waters81]

Exactly, and these are my questions. I tried to contact CFRD Toronto ask someone there but no one answered and I've always received great help from this site in the past.

 

[DAA]

Because you did NOT reach the OFP (ie; finished QL3), your BMQ should be valid for the same amount of time after your release date, as you actually served.  So if you completed and graduated from BMQ and served say 8 months total time in the CF Reg F, your BMQ would be valid for 8 months from the date of release.
I will check the Matrix in the morning just to confirm.

Nevertheless, you need to submit an application to the CF, just like anyone else inorder to join the Reserves.

 

[Waters81]

I'm all over it like white on rice.