some help please

[ac12]

Hey, I'm sorry if this has been posted too many times but I can't find the topic anywhere. I'm already 16 years old and I will be 17 in Feb. I just became interested in joining Army Cadets because my parents said I should join that first instead of joining the reserves. I was just wondering if joining now is worth it? I know that children join at the age of 12 so I am just wondering if joining the Army Cadets now will make me feel behind since other teens will have so much experience. How far will I be ale to get in just 2 years? (and I apologize again if this has been posted a billion times before.)

 

[George Wallace]

Why are you joining the Cadets when you can join the Reserves?

Then you may want to read these to get more info on this site:

***********************************

MSN and ICQ "short hand" -  http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/33247.0.html

Regarding the use of "MSN speak" versus the employment of prose which is correct in grammar, spelling and punctuation, please see: http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/34015/post-260446.html#msg260446

Army.ca Conduct Guidelines: MUST READ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937.0.html

FRIENDLY ADVICE TO NEW MEMBERS - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/24937/post-259412.html#msg259412

Recruiting FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21101.0.html

Infantry FAQ - http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/21131.0.html

Canadian Forces Aptitude Test - http://army.ca/forums/threads/21101/post-103977.html#msg103977

Fitness requirements at enrolment, see page 12 of this brochure:
http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/media/pdf/physical_fitness_en.pdf

Search page - http://forums.army.ca/forums/index.php?action=search;advanced


To summarize. Welcome to Army.ca, start reading.

********************************************************

 

[ac12]

I know that I can join the reserves, but my dad wants me to join cadets first.

 

[ac12]

I was just hoping that someone would maybe have experienced this already.

 

[Burrows]

At age 17 I would advise joining the reserves.  The cadet program would have little to offer you by then and the reserves pays you.

 

[navymich]

The only thing is, as he is under the age of 18, his parents need to sign for him to join the reserves.  And if his father wants him to go to cadets first, that might be hard to get done.

ac12, if that is the case, that you might have difficulty with your parents agreeing for you to join the reserves, keep doing research, both on the boards here and through your local recruiting centre.  Put together your plan with the pros and cons of reserves and cadets and present it to him.  I don't know much about cadets, but I wouldn't think that less than 2 years in a corps will get you very far.  Reserves seems to be the best option for you.

 

[Sig_Des]

I know that I can join the reserves, but my dad wants me to join cadets first.

My dad wanted me to become a doctor, make millions, and then pay for his retirement home....(J/k)

but honestly, cadets would be suited for you if you were younger. The reserves would offer you a lot, including employment, and school benefits if you are going to secondary school.

Do the research, and make your OWN decision. Your family should support you in what you choose to do.

And mich's points are all valid

 

[ac12]

The only thing is, as he is under the age of 18, his parents need to sign for him to join the reserves.  And if his father wants him to go to cadets first, that might be hard to get done

I am a girl. Sorry I did not mention that. Im sure my dad would sign. I think he wants me to join cadets because I know personally I probably can not handle joining the reserves right now. I don't even think I am able to do one pushup haha. 

 

[Roy Harding]

AC12:

It may be worth pointing out to your Dad that Cadets, although affiliated with the military and based on Military hierarchy and structure, are NOT a "military" outfit - they are a youth organization, and a fine one to be sure, but they will not necessarily prepare you for life in the military.  Perhaps you and he could visit this site together:  http://www.cadets.ca/intro_e.asp .

Although I don't know you or your parents, as a parent myself I think I see where they may be going - dip your toe into the water first, then your foot, then your legs, etcetera, and I applaud them for this approach.  That line of reasoning may not be applicable in this particular case - as stated above, Cadets are NOT "Army Lite".  As others here (who probably know more about Cadets than I) have said, you may not get much out of it at your "advanced" (for a Cadet) age.

Regardless what happens, I would encourage you to discuss this with your parents, visit the site above WITH THEM, discuss it some more, and then respect their decision.

Good luck to you.

Roy Harding

 

[ac12]

Thank you guys so much for helping me out. I asked him about it, and he already said I could join the reserves. Now im just not sure if I can handle it personally. We did understand that cadets is not to prepare you for the reserves. But thank you all posting and giving me your opinion, its very appreciated. 

 

[Neill McKay]

It's certanly not unheard of for someone to join cadets at 16, but in my experience it's rare.

However, it's free, and no harm could come from stopping by the local unit some night for a look.

As others have said, cadets won't fill you with useful military knowledge, but it will give you some sense of how a military hierarchy works.  That, in itself, might help you decide how you might like the reserves.  If nothing else, you can learn some drill and how to polish your boots, which would be handy during your BMQ course if you do go on to the reserves.

I suggest visiting a cadet unit for an evening, then thinking about it some more.

 

[navymich]

What do you think that you can not handle about it?  If it is just the pushups that you mentioned before, you have time.  And now you have a goal too, to get working on stuff like that.  Look online first, at www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca.  Then take your dad with you when you visit the recruiting centre, and also visit local reserve units.  All of that should give you more of a background on what will be expected, plus allow you ample opportunities for questions.

Remember your basic requirements:

Q. I would like to join the CF. What are the basic requirements?
A. You must meet the following minimal conditions:
be a Canadian citizen (if you have a permanent resident status, you may still be considered eligible for employment under certain conditions)
be at least 17 years of age (16 for the Reserves and Military College) with parental/guardian consent for minors
have successfully completed Grade 10 (Sec III in Quebec); some entry programs have additional academic prerequisites;

If this (joining the reserves) is something that you really want to do, get working on what you need to overcome "personally".  Good luck.

 

[Sig_Des]

I suggest visiting a cadet unit for an evening, then thinking about it some more.

The same suggestion, but with a Reserve unit.

 

[paracowboy]

if Dad is cool with it, I say go Reserves. At your age, I think it'll be more beneficial for you. Think about what you'd like to do for a living: Reserves will almost certainly have a trade analagous to it, so you will not only learn about the military, you will learn a profession. Most importantly, you will learn about yourself and your capabilities. You will learn that many of the limitations you THINK you have, only exist in your mind.

And, you'll get paid to do some cool stuff!

 

[ac12]

I am interested in Computer Engineering.

 

[paracowboy]

when you go on the Recruiting Site, look into computer related trades (I'd suggest Signals) and be sure to discuss that with the Recruiter when you and Dad go talk to him.

Luck, kiddo.

 

[Sig_Des]

when you go on the Recruiting Site, look into computer related trades (I'd suggest Signals) and be sure to discuss that with the Recruiter when you and Dad go talk to him.

Para,

did you just suggesst Sigs to someone? Don't you feel dirty all over? ;D

 

[George Wallace]

You weren't supposed to be paying that close attention to it.  ;D

 

[paracowboy]

Para,

did you just suggesst Sigs to someone? Don't you feel dirty all over? ;D

you have no idea. At least HoM, GO!!!, or Infidel-6 haven't seen it yet.

 

[Ex-Dragoon]

you have no idea. At least HoM, GO!!!, or Infidel-6 haven't seen it yet.

The operative word being YET.