Reserves and School...should I do it?

[future medic]

Just a quick question for reservists in College. I'm heading into a very demanding course next year and am wondering if it is still worth it to go forward with my goals of being in the CF as a reservist. I would very much like to be in the QOR but I'm wondering how other reservists in college are handling both school life and being in the CF. I would very much like to know if it's to much for you trying to lead both lives and how does your unit treat your other schooling needs (understanding if you can't make a night?)

any information on this will greatly help
Cheers

 

[navymich]

I personally have not been in the situation of being in college and parading with reserves at the same time.  However, my home unit was in London, ON and therefore the majority of the members of the unit were students at UWO.  Yes, they found it difficult at times with a heavy course load.  And the unit was understanding during exam weeks (with advance notice of course).  But they also found that the break of 3-4 hours once a week was exactly that, a break.  A time to take a breather from schoolwork and pursue their goals, the military.  You will also find that every little bit of money helps too.  And schooling works well with being a reservist because there are many more employment opportunities available for May to August.

My opinion for you is to continue forward with your goats to be a reservist.  Schedule your parade nights into your school life as much as possible, and be open and honest with your unit about what else you have on your plate.

Good luck!

 

[William Webb Ellis]

Time management is the key.  School and the reserves is a great fit.  You will find the time require for the reserves is not as demanding as it appears, at least that was my experience.

 

[Trinity]

I have 3 diplomas.. and a Masters Degree

Been in the reserves while doing all of them.

Its easy.  Unless your dumb.  Then life is just hard no matter what you do. 

 

[William Webb Ellis]

Unless your dumb.  Then life is just hard no matter what you do. 

Ah yes, the wisdom of age....

 

[future medic]

Thanks alot, every little bit of advise helps. Anything eles I should be concerned about?

cheers

 

[Trinity]

Thanks alot, every little bit of advise helps. Anything eles I should be concerned about?

cheers

oh..  i could write a book on things you should be concerned about.

But what fun would that be, not letting you fall flat on your face like everyone else
has going through the army, or school, or life.

Your life has just become our personal amusement. 

 

[HCA123]

It's definitely a balancing act, but doable all the same. I was able to complete the week end warrior QL2 during 1st year university. It wasn't easy, but having taught the new reserve BMQ, I know it is less demanding and shorter than the old QL2. Once you find your comfort level, you will know when you have to take a night off work to study or a week end off training to complete training. Every unit I've been involved with has placed the importance of school VERY high... it's the new army afterall. Reserve units are generally very supportive to soldiers who have to take a night or 2 off (make sure you know the minimum requirements to avoid trouble). I've had good experiences dealing with my profs at university (extensions if needed or missing a class for an exercise or parade), but I've heard horror stories about prof's being jerks - so that is definitely a wildcard and school/prof dependant (ie: out of the military's control).

If you can't handle the pressure and can't make the commitment at first, you can always go on an education leave for a couple of months to get yourself settled in school, then go right back to the reserves (called ED&T leave).

From my experiences, I was able to juggle it all, get a couple of degrees, go on ED&T for 4 months to complete an international work-term, go on a few ex's and even doing a rappel master course during the university term. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I was able to fund my 7yr university career with THE BEST PART TIME JOB IN CANADA. I just can't write that large enough. It also set me up nicely for a career in the regs (experience, pension, higher pay incentive, etc).

 

[Trinity]

MOST IMPORTANTLY, I was able to fund my 7yr university career with THE BEST PART TIME JOB IN CANADA. I just can't write that large enough. It also set me up nicely for a career in the regs (experience, pension, higher pay incentive, etc).

Yes folks... only the finest officers in our army.

Why complete a 4 year degree in 4 years... when you can do it in 7.

The Canadian Armed Forces - higher education standards.  ;D







HCA - I'm kidding.. I'm assuming you did a Masters after your initial Degree. 
You just left it open for fun.  For the record, I was thrown out of Carleton
after 2 years... but now have my Masters. So I can mock myself just as well. 

 

[HCA123]

Touché. You had me going for a second there... yes 7 years - 5 for business co-op/work term degree then 2 for an MBA. I didn't include my year of hooked on phonics or underwater basket weaving.

Trinity, you've been on quite a role with the burns... keep up the good work. I'll just have to be a bit more careful with my posts now that I know God's 'aide de campe' for the forces is watching over my shoulder. I don't know if I've ever met a padre that didn't have a sense of humour. One of the reasons they contribute so much to the morale of the CF (one of the reasons, as there are many more).

Cheers

 

[Trinity]

Trinity, you've been on quite a role with the burns... keep up the good work.

Kidney stones + nasty flu = grumpy padre

So I've been surfing a lot...  and being a little more sarcastic than usual. 

But this was too tempting.  Especially since I've seen many a 7 or 8 year graduate
from Carleton or even U of T recently.  I just try to raise the morale a little here and
there as I can.  (hence, my Headlines thread)...

 

[winchable]

Kidney stones

owwwwwwwwwwww

 

[Trinity]

owwwwwwwwwwww

God has a sense of humour too.... 

 

[geo]

One of the things you will learn in the CF is how to do time appreceations and manage your time. This is something that will help you in school & the futur.

Reservists receive between 32 and 39 class "A" training days between Sept and Apr (7.5 months).  During the summer you will have an oportunity for full time employment during the remaining 4 months......

You will benefit from the break in your regular school schedule, the Physical fitness training AND the camaraderie that the CF offers you..... and you get paid for your troubles - not too shabby if you ask me

 

[future medic]

Again thanks a lot for the great information. So it seems that Units are pretty lenient towards students and there studies. What the longest you can take a educational leave?

 

[future medic]

So I just found out that in the Month of May next year I'll have to do my practical or preceptership with Toronto EMS. So a question that I have is how long do the training years usually go for....I just wanna see if it will interfere with my ride outs being that this is a mandatory part of my course.

cheers,Scott

 

[geo]

FM
not sure about your question........
Fall, winter, Spring training for Reserve units is +/- Labour day to Dec 18th & 10  Jan to May 15th.... this time period is reserved for Weekend & tuesday night training. After your recruit course, expect basic attendance to provide some 32 to 37 training days.

Summer training can be anything between May 15th and August 30th.... hard to project what you'll be looking for and what is available.

 

[Trinity]

So I just found out that in the Month of May next year I'll have to do my practical or preceptership with Toronto EMS. So a question that I have is how long do the training years usually go for....I just wanna see if it will interfere with my ride outs being that this is a mandatory part of my course.

Well, check with your unit.. but.. if you're in a medical unit and you were out doing medical training
for a qualification they really want you to have, I would think some leeway could happen.  However,
you would still need to make some commitment to the regt.  (assuming you're becoming a medic)

 

[vangemeren]

I was planning on joining last year, but at that time I was having a tough second year, so I had to stop the process so that I could do my schoolwork. I didn't want to commit to something and not finish (that's just me). This fall when I get back to school (hopefully in shape, that was my stumbling block) I plan on starting the process again. I will have to do everything again except for the CFAT test. The recruiters were very good to me last time. I just hope that now I'm trying again that they will be just as helpful. (my worry is that since I quit the process and haven't been in touch with them that they would write me off when I go back again)

 

[future medic]

I was planning on joining last year, but at that time I was having a tough second year, so I had to stop the process so that I could do my schoolwork. I didn't want to commit to something and not finish (that's just me). This fall when I get back to school (hopefully in shape, that was my stumbling block) I plan on starting the process again. I will have to do everything again except for the CFAT test. The recruiters were very good to me last time. I just hope that now I'm trying again that they will be just as helpful. (my worry is that since I quit the process and haven't been in touch with them that they would write me off when I go back again)

Sounds like my situation. I was at Humber College last year taking Pre-Health to get into my Paramedic program, however for financial needs I needed to return home (home being 2 hours away) and make a little cash first. The unit I was joining up with was the QOR at Moss Park. I told them the story and I was to the point where they were calling me to come down to get sworn in, however it was at this time where I told them the news about my situation. I recently yesterday made a trip down to CFRC Toronto and re-opened my file, and now testing wise all I have to do is my medical and PT test over again ( a lot can change in a year).  SO IT LOOKS LIKE I'M GOING TO DO IT.

-cheers!