The Reserve Thread- A Merged Collection of Q & A's

[Macc989]

What to expect. Well I joined back in 1994 and didn‘t have a damn clue what I was getting into. I thought it would be the best damn job on earth, and it was. It was a rough go on QL2/QL3 I wasn‘t in shape and wasn‘t sure what to expect but it was worth it. I served for three and a half years before leaving the forces and in that time I met some of the best people (and a few of the worst people) on earth. I did things I never thought I would and walked away from the whole experience with some of the coolest memories on earth. I was lucky enough to get a machine course when they still offered the 50 cal to reservists (which was just awsome) I rappeled, I participated in live fire ambushes, I fired all kinds of interesting weapons (I had never fired a rifle before in my life), and I met some of the greateset people ever. Be warned though, the public will not appreciate what you do. Many (so called Canadians) will mock what you do, some Reg force members will make of you for being a part time soldier (granted some reservists make fun of Reg force members) your unit will be underfunded, there will be Garrison soldiers in your regiment that only show up for the "fun stuff" and for the parties but never seem to get kicked out for never showing up for actual training, but you will be a part of a great institiution. The infantry is the best part of the Armed Forces, If your lucky enough to meet Mcpl Silva, Mcpl Doman, Cpl Cumbers, Sgt Chism, Mcpl White, or Cpl Ellard (ranks may have changed it‘s been a while) you will be especially lucky. These men are some of the best soldiers the forces have ever seen and I miss having served with them. A final not Rick (Cpl Cumbers) if your reading this I never should have left, you were right.

 

[portcullisguy]

Originally posted by Art Johnson:
[qb]I am surprised that Bossi and Master Blaster have not welcomed you to the Glamour Boys. I was also a Customs Officer while I was with the 48th I am now a member of the Museum Committee. I hope you will enjoy your time in the 48th I know I did.

Art Johnson[/qb]

Thanks for the welcome, and sorry for the delay in replying...

I recall the 48th from my air (space?) cadet days at Moss Park, as they had band practices on our parade nights often, and they were working on Scotland the Brave (aka O‘er the Sea). I knew a couple people who were in for a time. Davidson isn‘t my clan, but the lads seem right enough.

There are many customs officers in various reserve regt‘s. A couple 2 Int, 1 is a GGHG Capt., one is a CIC, and some others infantry in various places. Working in the "fed" lends well to time off, etc., for military service, I guess. Where (and when) did you work for customs, Art?

 

[portcullisguy]

Originally posted by Macc989:
[qb]What to expect. Well I joined back in 1994 and didn‘t have a damn clue what I was getting into. I thought it would be the best damn job on earth, and it was.[/qb]

I have an _idea_ of what to expect, but not really. Only second hand info. I know it won‘t be all s***‘s and giggles.

[qb]It was a rough go on QL2/QL3 I wasn‘t in shape and wasn‘t sure what to expect but it was worth it. I served for three and a half years before leaving the forces and in that time I met some of the best people (and a few of the worst people) on earth. I did things I never thought I would and walked away from the whole experience with some of the coolest memories on earth. I was lucky enough to get a machine course when they still offered the 50 cal to reservists (which was just awsome) I rappeled, I participated in live fire ambushes, I fired all kinds of interesting weapons (I had never fired a rifle before in my life), and I met some of the greateset people ever.
[/qb]

Sounds like loads of fun. I‘ve always wanted to learn how to rappel. Not worried about falling, either... only worried about stopping at the bottom! I wish I could say how many years I have in mind as a target to go in for, but I don‘t know till I get there. A CD would be nice. But at the end of the day, if I find I don‘t have the time to contribute, I wouldn‘t see the point in staying in. If I stay in the public service, they give you the time off.

[qb]Be warned though, the public will not appreciate what you do. Many (so called Canadians) will mock what you do, some Reg force members will make of you for being a part time soldier (granted some reservists make fun of Reg force members) your unit will be underfunded,[/qb]

heheh... well I‘m used to being unappreciated by the public. Afterall, I am a customs officer! Nobody likes having their bags searched, and fewer still like to pay tax on something they already bought! It‘s too bad that the reg‘s and the res‘s have such animosity for eachother at times. I can see both points of view. But it doesn‘t mean I "get" it.

I won‘t quote any more... but thanks for your input!

 

[Andrew]

ok I would just like to know....is it bad to go on ruck marches everyday for training or would you rather suggest running?
And for ruck marches how many miles per hour should a person aim for?
For running, how long should one mile take to run(as a goal to reach and in the infantry what do they expect of you) also what is the longest anyone has had been made to run? (in miles i mean)

soon to be a proud member of the CF
Andrew

 

[bossi]

okay, okay ... so I‘ve been a little busy lately ...
(don‘t forget - I was away on course at USAF SOS, and we‘ve been busy at work since 11 Sep ... plus I‘ve been "home alone" looking after the wee‘un/experiencing sleep deprivation while the Major has been in Ft Benning ... and I‘m getting ready to go on exercise in Austria and the Netherlands, with a course at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre inbetween ... get the picture?)

Once upon a time I saw the movie "Gallipoli", and made the decision not to become cannon fodder.

If you‘ve already polished off "Starship Trooper" and you‘re hungry for more, check out the "Brotherhood of War" series by W.E.B. Griffin for entertainment (a friend of mine got a glowing sunburn in Mexico on vacation - couldn‘t put the book down, read it nonstop on the beach - ouch) - starts with The Lieutenants, then progresses through The Captains, Majors, Colonels, Berets, Generals and New Breed (if I remember correctly) - it‘s worth reading them in order, and if you can‘t find the whole series I can loan it to you.

Or, if you want to learn more about regimental pride (especially the one you‘re joining), you could find a copy of "Dileas" by Beatty - it‘s out of print, but the library should have it (and, no - I won‘t loan you my copy). And, don‘t forget to ask Santa for your very own copy of "Family of Volunteers - An Illustrated History of the 48th Highlanders of Canada" by George W. Beal, Robin Brass Studio 2001 (rbrass@total.net)), ISBN 1-896941-22-2.

What to expect ... what to expect ... hmmm ...
Ya know - some things are best experienced for yourself, firsthand - nobody warned me what it would be like (once upon a time when I enlisted as a private). One step at a time.

As for recruiting - did that, too - got the tshirt.
One of the reasons you were asked to fill in the "hobbies/interests" section was to help identify whether you‘re a team player, or somebody who prefers to lock yourself in the basement and pull wings off of insects. Needless to say, if you‘re a lacrosse or hockey player, then you‘re already one step ahead of the others (i.e. after all, these are Canada‘s national sports, lacrosse was called "the little war", and hockey is "war on ice").

The bottom line is this: you‘re starting at the bottom of the ladder, and there‘s absolutely nothing wrong with that (in fact, some people actually encourage it). Thus, you‘ve got nowhere to go but up.
Also keep in mind, the military version of "winners never quit, quitters never win" is actually "winners never quit, losers die" (i.e. if a person can‘t hack serving in a peacetime army, it‘s doubtful how long they‘d have lasted on the battlefield during the real thing) - when I get back to the office, I will look up some more eloquent quotes along this vein.

Dileas Gu Brath,
M.A. Bossi, Esquire

 

[Meditations in Green]

The Brotherhood of War series is one of the more enjoyable series I‘ve read. I am currently reading book 8, "The Aviators". The 9th book in the series, "Special Ops", was released in hardcover recently. Griffin is a natural storyteller, so the books are pretty absorbing - if I read these books during the summer, I would probably have ended up with a bad sunburn of my own. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0" alt="" />

Some of the reccomended reading lists I‘ve seen have good books on them, but I find that they often have the same books on them or that they‘re somewhat old and in need of updating. Maybe this would be a worthwhile new thread? I‘ll post some suggestions soon.

 

[bossi]

Ooops - I forgot to answer the question re: running vs. ruck-marching ... (you know how it is: too many shortbread, eggnog, etc.)

There‘s no substitute for running (which is a shame, since I don‘t enjoy it - prefer cycling, swimming and HOCKEY).

Similarly, there‘s no substitute for ruck-marching (I‘m not sadistic by nature, but I always enjoy watching "greyhounds" thunder in on ruck marches - i.e. it‘s nice that they can run like the wind ... when they don‘t have to carry anything ... but when is the last time you saw a soldier go into combat empty-handed ... ?)

Thus, it‘s a good idea to do both ... as long as you do them properly/safely/in moderation (i.e. I realise knee replacement operations have greatly improved lately, but it‘s not something to which one should aspire ...).

For running, work on sprinting instead of jogging - too many people "slack off" when they jog, yet their knees/ankles/back still take a pounding ... and spend more time jogging than sprinting - "quality over quantity" sums this one up.

As for ruck marches, you should prepare yourself with a well-rounded fitness program before throwing a gazillion pounds/kilograms on your back and staggering off into the sunset.

There‘s no "quick fix/easy answer" when it comes to being fit to fight.

If it helps overcome the boredom/tedium/reluctance, you can always have a look in the book store and see if you can find a military fitness training book (i.e. Royal Marine Commando, US Navy SEAL, whatever) - there are tons of good civilian fitness books, but maybe what you need is something to keep your interest ...

Shaibu!
MB
(Ooops - I forgot to mention sports - what was I thinking?) Fitness is important, but the qualities of a well-rounded ATHELETE are also vital - most notably being able to "put it all together" (i.e. it‘s nice if you can run, but it‘s better if you can run and shoot - same as it‘s nice if you can skate, but it‘s better if you can skate, shoot, hit and FIGHT!)
To keep it simple: Work up a sweat, no matter what you do - and, if you can enjoy yourself while exercising, you‘ll exercise more.
C.U. at the rink!

 

[portcullisguy]

That‘s it then, I‘ve done the medical and the interview, and now just have to hurry up and wait.

Me being a lanky lad, the medical Sgt must‘ve had a sense of humour -- "You‘ll need to start working out, maybe do push-ups or something to work on the upper body... especially if you haven‘t played sports since the fall..." **** , part of the reason I‘m joining the army is so they can get ME into shape... now he says I should be in shape already!

The interviewer informed me I did well on the aptitude, and therefore had every single military occupation they offer reservists available to me. He dryly noted that I‘d be one of the older "recruits" doing basic, and that might be a bit funny.

Oh well.. the adventure begins...

 

[Infanteer]

Mr. Bossi is correct about the sprinting. I jogged between 8-12 km everyday before I headed off for basic, which got me in pretty good shape. However, when it came down to doing section attacks, all that endurance didn‘t help me in constantly getting up and sprinting from place to place...it was quite the kick in the *** . When thinking about an ALL-AROUND fitness plan for the military, remember to include both aerobic and anaerobic exercise to maximize the benefits.

 

[cagomez]

Congratulations on your decision to join. You are about to embark on the most educational and exhilirating experience this country has to offer. I have no doubt that you are totally psyked up by all the glory stories people have been telling you. The infantry has been the very essence of all the worlds armies throughout history and you are about to become apart of one of the greatest armies in the world. But remember the infantry is one of the toughest occupations out there. Im not trying to scare You but you will be expected to ruck heavy loads of wpns and equipment long distances in any weather. at times you will get little sleep if any. If you have any doubts quit now because those doubts will be 10x as tempting when you are cold, tired, and hungary. Be prepared. I do though wish you the best of luck and am positive you will become a proud member of the 48th. AS for PT previous replies are correct. I use to run cross-country before I joined but almost died once I had to carry the weight. I started good weight training program and it really helped. On course you wont have access to such facilities so try to fit in a few reps of push/sit/chin ups if you are still allowed to do PT on your own. Stamina is still important though, I ran/bike/swam when I could before course and that helped too. One thing for all new recruits, try to get in to CDN military history. Finding about all the past and present feets that are army was capable of really boosts moral. It makes you want to be apart of the team even more. Even better, try to find unit history on the 48th. I remember seeing a few books on them. Anyway, congratulations on joining the CF and good luck on course.

 

[portcullisguy]

Originally posted by rceme_rat:
[qb]Be prepared for it, but don‘t be freaked at being older than most on your course. My cousin was 29 when she went to Cornwallis. She‘s up for her CD soon.[/qb]

I would like to be in long enough to:

- CFR and play the officer role like I know what I‘m doing (after first spending a few years learning to soldier)
- Earn a combat deficient (CD)
- Be a part of something that contributes positively not only for my personal benefit and the benefit of others, but so that I can look my ancestors in the eye on my day of judgement and show them I did them proud, whether it be a tour, or even just doing and knowing my job well throughout my career.

I‘m 27 now... I think I can accomplish these goals in the CF, and with a little luck and hard work, I think I will.

 

[rceme_rat]

I think if you are aiming for CFR, you should apply as an offr from day one. CFRs are few and far between, and only after many years. I had one Cpl go DEO after earning his degree on the side. The only CFR I recommended - best candidate I saw in 8 years - didn‘t get the nod.

In short, they are different roles and its probably best to grab the one you know is right for you. Some people make good Sr NCMs, others good offrs. And there are some that make excellent soldiers -- but we haven‘t found a good way of compensating that excellence other than promotion out of that role!

Best of luck in any case.

 

[Andrew]

WOW.....i don‘t know how much more things can get screwed up for me!
I got a call from the Recruiting center about 3 weeks ago from Sgt. Bloggins calls asking me IF I STILL WANTED TO KEEP MY ACCOUNT ACTIVE cause they haven‘t heard from me for about a year or so...where as i have been calling them like 2 times a month for like 6 months already. I even went down there once!! So I was told to call back the next week, so i did. And that person told me to call back next week after that. So i did. Now i called today. And was told to call back next week!!!!! (I AM GOING NUTS HERE)... And every single time I call i even tell them my story but it means nothing!!!!
OH if anyone has some advice please i would appreciate it. Even if it‘s just stupid please Help

Andrew not a very happy camper!
soon to be a proud member of the CF(in about 10 years or so most likely)

 

[Pikache]

The recruiting is a long process... I think CFRC deliberately designed it to piss potential recruits off or something.

It took me 4 months to get in, from the day I requested a file transfer of my old application file to the day I got sworn in. I bugged the **** out of the local CFRC.

But the wait is worth it. When I put on that uniform for the first time, well, it felt real good, like I belong in it.

I‘m not the best material for infantry. I‘m a short, skinny Oriental kid who just wants to serve, and I know that if I have the guts, the perseverance and the ruthlessness, plus help of my mates, I know I can do this.

Do not let the recruiting process annoy you. There are people out there who wants you in and if you do some research about the Forces right now, you‘ll know that our team needs more people.

So hang in there... It may take time, but you‘ll get there.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Portcullisguy,
You‘ve been watching this site, added your $00.02 worth, you know the situation, kuku or get off the pot. Don‘t go to Meaford? Don‘t whine. Put up or shut up!

 

[Jungle]

You can‘t join the Army on your own terms, or negotiate conditions... if you‘re not ready for the commitment, then stay out !!!

 

[Doug VT]

Exactly, either you want to do it or you don‘t. All of us have to make little sacrifices to do the things that we truely want to do. If you can‘t see yourself doing that, then the army is not the place for you. In the reserves, your "free" time from civi life is usually your military time, accept it because it won‘t change. You‘ll just be one of those guys who kicks and screams everytime there‘s an exercise/course to go on. If that‘s your attitude then you‘re just a waste of rations, taking a position away from someone who really wants to be there.

 

[portcullisguy]

... holy ****, gone for a couple days and come back to more flames than a house fire!

Make no mistake, I want to be here.

However, and as the reserves already acknowledge, my civilian career takes priority. It has to, since it pays my bills and keeps me fed.

I don‘t have three months to do all three courses this summer. I‘m not a high school student who lives at home and has summers off. If I did have that time available, I would have joined the reg force.

That said, I was ready, waiting and willing to do the BMQ on weekends, had CFRC cleared sorted themselves out in time. But they didn‘t. No use crying over it. So I‘ll hurry up and wait.

Anyway, I was happily sworn in last night.

If the next BMQ is only 4 weeks long, at Meaford, and I am told, starting in June, then fine. But I can‘t do the BMQ, then the SQ, then the MOC, and meanwhile bills aren‘t getting paid and my house is foreclosed. Unless the army wants to pay my mortgage...

Don‘t mistake this for whining. The last thing I intend to do is whine. It‘s just a straight fact. It‘s one I told them about every step of the way, and they seem to be fine with it, although the unit recruiter was pushing me a bit to at least give up enough time for the BMQ -- which is fine.

My only concern is that I need to know in advance, when I‘m going, so I can make arrangements.

 

[enfield]

3 months? 3 qualifications? Uh?
QL2, QL3.... that‘s all ya need and all you‘ll get, as far as I‘ve ever seen. And unless things have changed radically recently, that won‘t take 3 months.

 

[portcullisguy]

Sounded like a long time to me too, but this is what the regimental recruiter was telling me.

All three courses could be done from June to August, and I‘d be qual‘d up and badged for the fall.

Like I said, when they start giving me solid information with which I can plan my leave, then I‘ll be able to make solid decisions.

I‘m just happy I finally got sworn in!

November 2001 to April 2002 is less than 6 months, which is break-neck speed from what I understand.