Thinking Of Enlisting

[p.rippon]

Hi. I'm thinking about joining the Reserve Force in Edmonton. I meet all of the qualifications but I'm still going to school right now so I'm not going to join the Reg Forces right away. I haven't gathered a ton of information thus far so don't flame me if I make myself sound like an idiot...

One of my chief concerns is that I live on the far south end of Edmonton. The commute to CFB Edmonton would be at least an hour, even if I took Anthony Henday Drive...

Does it even matter that I'm far away from the base? If so, is there any way around moving out? Are there any units that operate inside the city or even in Leduc or Beaumont?

Any other info you could give me would be great.

 

[BlueOne]

Hi !

My advice is.. If you don't mind on moving, just join the reg force. Going from reserve to regular force is more a pain in the ass than just joining the force.

Hope you will do a good choice there! Take care!

 

[p.rippon]

but I do mind moving... I feel like I still have some growing up to do and I really want to finish school and maybe do something in the civilian sector. Besides, the Reg Force is too big of a commitment at this point.

 

[josh54243]

For res force you would have to be able to attend parade nights and the occasional weekend. Here parade nights are weekly and I think theres ~2 weekends/month but it would be different depending on your location. Also, I don't think you have to attend all parade nights, just as many as you can but I would talk to the CO of where you want to go first to discuss that.

One more thing: depending on what component/unit you join depends on where you would go, I linked you to the locations in Edmonton where reserve units are:

http://www.forces.ca/html/index.aspx?m=0&lang=en&sid=200&sm1=6&sm2=0&content=200&mp=AB&mt=RU

You may still have to go away for BMQ and additional training during the summer, but since you live in a larger city i'm not sure what is offered locally.

Hope this helps, but the best advice I can give you is to call your local CFRC and ask them directly (you can find the address and # at the link I gave you)

 

[p.rippon]

Thanks. I appreciate the info. It's really helpful. I wouldn't mind going away for BMQ at all.

One last question, are parade nights held at the Res unit's armory, or at the base? I'm thinking that they'd be held at the armory... right?

 

[josh54243]

Almost certain its always at the unit's armoury...

...at least here anyways haha

I live in northwestern Ontario and I'm doing BMQ in Wainwright AB just to let you know so you may do it there as well

 

[FastEddy]

but I do mind moving... I feel like I still have some growing up to do and I really want to finish school and maybe do something in the civilian sector. Besides, the Reg Force is too big of a commitment at this point.

One of the things (some growing Up) entails is "Commitment", as for finishing your Education it sounds like your on the right road.

As for as growing up, the Military is just the place and Excels in that area. Unless you think hanging around street corners or working at some job you hate is a easier way of gaining life experience.

Joining the Reserves is a excellent idea, one thing for sure, you'll know if the Military is for you or not. (Career wise)

Stop worrying about the commuting times. If the Girl of your dreams lived a whole hour away, would that deter you ?.

Check out the Units "JohnTBay" supplied and the MOC's they list.

Cheers.