Some questions about joining the army

[Kaplan]

Hi all 

Well I guess I should start by explaining my situation:

My girlfriend and I are moving out (from Ottawa to Hamilton) and she will be attending school at McMaster while I work. I've really looked at joining the army as a possible career, except I haven't been able to get some information (I work 70 hours a week as it is right now and can't visit the recruiters office). Here are some questions hopefully you all can answer:

1. If I join will I have to move?
2. Do I have to live on a base?
3. How long from signing my first paper to seeing my first paycheque?
4. Will past cadet (4 months or so) experience help my process?
5. Is it hard to get full time? (I have no doubt as to my mental or physical ability)

My friend just went to apply to be a pilot, he made it to a waiting list where I think only 7 people were ahead of him. Sounds pretty hard. My girlfriends Dad is in the army, I think he just went up to Alert Bay.

Thanks for the help.

 

[neuromancer]

There are probably a lot of people on this site who can answer those
questions, but the best way to go about it would be just to head down
to your nearest office and ask one of the on-duty personel.

Those questions are going to lead to more questions, and more questions,
go talk to someone face to face, it will be a lot quicker.

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

1. If I join will I have to move?
2. Do I have to live on a base?
3. How long from signing my first paper to seeing my first paycheque?
4. Will past cadet (4 months or so) experience help my process?
5. Is it hard to get full time? (I have no doubt as to my mental or physical ability)

1.  Yes if reg force
2.  No but near by
3.  As soon as you start BMQ I believe.
4.  Hard to say, 4 months isn't really a lot of experience
5.  It all depends on what you want. 

I believe there is a FAQ on here somewhere that can help you out better then I.

 

[Kaplan]

Are there any bases in or around Hamilton? When I was there looking for an apartment I saw a Drill Hall with Hamilton Argyles on it. Any branches of service have a base in or around?

 

[paracowboy]

Kaplan, have you tried the offical CF website?
http://www.recruiting.forces.gc.ca/

 

[Kaplan]

I've looked around the DND site but I didn't find it very helpful.

 

[Kaplan]

Oh, also I don't really have time to talk to a recruiter. I work 7 days a week and by the time I get to the office it's closed.

 

[Warvstar]

The Recruiting office may be open late wednesdays.

 

[Kaplan]

I guess I'll have to bolt over after work. Hopefully they'll be open

 

[paracowboy]

I believe the website has an 800 number on it, as well, does it not? Perhaps the mountain can come to Mohammed.

 

[45506445210414924]

Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre: 1 800-856-8488

haha i've had that number burried in my head since week two  :

Cheers, and good luck

 

[Scoobie Newbie]

There is the Argyles and the RHLI both of which are Res Infantry.  If you want to go regs you will have to move, Borden I believe is the closest.

 

[DrSize]

Just to add, if you are offered a position in RegF you go wherever the Army wants to send you.....so in your situation(girlfriend just starting at MAC) I don't think the RegF is for you unless you are able to live far away from her until she graduates and can move to where you are located.

 

[Fry]

4 months cadet experience is worth nothing, sorry. I think to be credited, you need at least 3 years, maybe 4 and you have to attend at least 1 six week camp or 2 2-week camps.