Hey recruits,
I'm in first year here at RMC, if you have any questions feel free to send me a message. I know everyone is really excited, I was in your shoes not too long ago. I'd like to give you guys a few tid-bits of advice that will probably make your lives a more bearable now, and easier if and when you get to RMC.
1. Discipline yourself. School is going to be really tough once you start it. You're going to be falling asleep in class, I guarantee it. When you have time to study, STUDY. When you have time to polish your boots/ oxfords, POLISH THEM. When you have time to sleep, SLEEP. I can't emphasize how important it is that you stay focused on school. Academics is your quickest way out of RMC, if you fail enough classes your gone.
2. Exercise, starting today. You don't want to be that one guy or girl always falling behind during morning PT, and trust me morning PT is hard. The third year fyop staff spend thier summers pumping iron and chugging back protien shakes to they can murder you during PT. But not only that, RMC in general has a higher standard for physical fitness, than is required for the Canadian forces (i.e. CF Express). If you cannot pass the PPT( RMC Physical Performance Test) you will be waking up at 5:00 in the morning 5 days a week to go to SPT (Supplementary Physical Training) after FYOP is done. Moreover, you are going to RMC to be an officer in the CF, you will be leading troops, not chugging along in the back of the pack during PT. You set the example.
3. Choose the occupation you want. It's hard to switch your trade when you get here, don't choose something you dislike just to get in.
4. Start learning college knowledge. It's hard to retain information when you're falling asleep mid-sentence. It will make your life a whole lot easier. (Old 18, dimensions of the parade square, date of when buildings were completed, poem over the memorial arch, etc)
5. Shut your mouth and listen. Don't be the smart ass, don't be the giggly one, don't be the bag, don't be the flirt, and don't be the CHIT monster. Shut your mouth, open your ears and always put drive into everything you do.
6. Don't drop off the map once FYOP is done. You will no longer have your fyop staff holding your hand every minute of the day, it will be your responsibility to keep in shape, set aside homework time, and keep on top of all the form-ups and parades. Don't slack off because FYOP is done, don't party every night and spend all your time in buddy's room, but on the same note don't barricade yourself in your own room. Just like everything else in life, it's about maintaining a balance.
That is all for now, expect another post with a general checklist of stuff to bring and not to bring with you.
