Two Qs

[Freddie]

Afternoon...

I'm not yet Military, but I'm on my way.
I have completed the whole app. process & requested Reg Force NCM 031 3PPCI. The rest is outta my hands for now, but I've been told I was a very strong candidate & to get ready for BMQ sometime mid-winter or early spring.

I have two Qs for which my research hasn't turned up much info. Hoping some of you guys can fill me in.

Please note that this is not in any way, shape or form a "I wannabe Pathfinder/JTF-2/Sniper-Ninja, Can-I-Bring-My-Rambo-Bowie-To-Basic-Training" type of post!!

Knowledge is Power, so I like to keep myself informed  

1. I've checked up on most Advanced Courses, as all aspiring 031s prolly do, (i.e: Para, Mountain, Adv. Recce, LZ/DZ Cont., Sniper, ect.) & found some solid info. My Q pertains to the more basic Recce Course.
Is there such a course given or is standard procedures for all 031 personel to be Basic Recce Qualified during their MOC or subsequent regimental trainings?
If there is such a course, is it more feasible for me to ponder trying out for it during my first 3 year contract or should I focus on other, more easily accessed courses and "build up my file" first?
I'd imagine that taking such a course (and scoring well on it...) would then greatly improve chances of selection for more advanced Recce courses. Is it then somewhat similar to being Airborne (please correct me if I'm wrong, as this is strictly info I've read online) where "getting the wings" is one thing but being assigned to a Para Coy is something else (much harder...)?

Finally (please don't snap my head off for this one - it's strictly outta "academic" curiosity), does Adv. Recce resemble L.R.R.P. training in any aspect? Would you consider it "up to par", better or "worse" than L.R.R.P.?

With those Qs asked, I state the following (before being not-so-gently "reminded" of it =): I am fully aware that my first (and only, at this time & point) step is BMQ, 2nd is SQ, then MOC, then Reg. trainings, and so forth. I know any kinda Recce training is a long way off and also depends on both my previous performances & a great amount of luck, timing, patience & dedication. I am aware that my primary duties will be far from "looking out for self" & will focus on offering the best of me to my boys & COs on an everyday basis for the "greater good", not to prove myself worthy of advancement. I know individual careers often take the back seat to the overall team's performance, needs & goals.

But I like to know exactly what I'm gunning for, how competitive & feasible it is, so I had to ask.

My 2nd Q is slightly dif: I was advised by my the Sgt. @ Recruit Ctr to ask online, as he was unsure of the answer. So, blame it on him    

Does anyone know of a Vietnam Tomahawk variant made by a Co. called American Tomahawk?
American Forces have issued to it to many of their troops as part of a Breach & Entry Kit, amongst many of it's other uses.
When I asked the Sgt. (a typical newbie Q) if I would ever be allowed to carry personally purchased gear, I also made reference to this item. He stated that (as far as he knew...) at some point in my career (depending on rank & posting) I may very well come across a CO who may not object to such items (given they are fully functional & of adequate quality + that I had a genuine need for & could afford/manage the extra weight/bulk).
Made sense...

So the Q is this, do Reg. 031s carry personally purchased items? Or do you not even bother with em & just go w/what's given?
I have seen pics of a few guys' custom chest rigs and vests (some even have a secondary knife on there), but is this common practice? Is this sorta "upgrading" only allowed for more "Specialized" Coys?
Is the VTAC (Vietnam Tactical Grade Tomahawk) issued to any Candian troops at all (or do any of you own & carry a VTAC)?

- I have seen a thread w/reference to tomahawks in the field in which I hyperlinked the VTAC (a product I own and cherish ;D, hence my interest)...
For those interested: www.americantomahawk.com

Thanks to any who take the time to read and answer the above. All input and experiences will be greatly appreciated & instructive.

Ian,

Edit: i have posted here, instead of in the Recruiting Forum, because I wanna hear from the guys in the field. The info I've gotten from recruiting personel has often contradicted itself and induced me into further confusion.

 

[Spooks]

Wow, okay let me start with the second question. By no means am I a SME at the policies of 3PPCLI but I'll shoot. The tomahawk - the piece of kit that pre-recruits ask about. First I wonder is what would the point of it be to have on you? It's weight, kinda bulky. Don't see a viable way to pack it on the tacvest (though you can get anything on the vest with a little determination and creativity). I've heard that it'd be great in CQB stuff, but I'd prefer a gun. They bring out that what if you are out of bullets, I have yet to be fully out esp if the section 2IC is on the ball with ammo resupply. But if you do run out, there is your bayonet and even a much smaller way of using a knife instead of a hatchet. People say it can be thrown easily, I say just as good as a knife and just as damaging as an ETool. I'd figure if it was allowed to use in the unit (I don't see many people with large blades with their kit) then I would figure that the nicknames and jesting would convince you to leave at home and not let your unit see it on you again. Gimme a viable reason on -why- you would want to have it and I'll answer.

Now, your first Q.Not all Inf get B.Recce. It's a high demand course. I know some peoplewho are still waiting to get on it after being at battallion for 2years even three years. Advanced recce is your pathfinder course. Good luck - it's very challenging even for those who are switched on.

The difference between having your jump wings and being in a paraCoy is little. You both have taken your Basic Jump course maybe your JumpMaster's. You both are capable of jumping from whatever method on a static line. If you're in a Para Coy you get to wear the maroon beret and you get jump pay on your paycheck. New jump course opening have priority in your company first and you egt in more jumps than the other coys. The freefall course is where you jump w/o the static line and the guys in my platoon say it's easier to get it once you get your Basic Recce course.

My handfull of rubles
-Spooks

 

[Freddie]

Thanx for the info Spooks.

Viable reason would prolly the US military's description of it's primary use: Entry/Exit Tool.
But then again Entry Tool would apply mostly to Urban Ops (door breaching & such). "Exit Tool" applying mostly for Mech Inf.: there is this report of a US servicemen creditting his VTAC for having saved his life during a road-bomb incident in Iraq. Using the hawk, he was able to escape his overturned (& burning) vehicle. Knowing the effectiveness of the tool, I can attest to the possibilities it would offer in similar situations.

I had witheld any mention of it's CQB attributes as to not sound like I was going "Rambo" on y'all   but I bet everyone can imagine the myriad physical, as well as psychological, impacts of such an item in combat.
Whether used to club, slash, stab, hook or throw, the ballistics are outstanding. When used in conjunction with a blade (and some experience), the wielder is given a wider array of both defensive & offensive possibilities than with other handheld (non firearm) weapon systems/combinations.
This being only my opinion of course, everybody has their personal fav.
Would be my CQB weapon of choice, 'specially against a bayonetted rifle or machete type of weapon.

In all reality, the hawk is pretty light & the sheath/scabbard has been designed w/Mil. spec. LBE/packs/belts in mind. There are also custom rigs available that allow under-shoulder carry positions compatible w/LBE & chest rigs.These offer the wearer the possibility of a quick draw yet easily concealed (if worn under clothing in non-mil. circumsances) & comfortable (if worn over gear) carry.

"On civi street", the hawk serves well as a "general camping/outdoorsman" tool. I've carried it everytime I was in the backcountry (for lack of a sawed-off over/under .000 loaded shottie =) & felt that much better for it. Hehehe

As for the custom vests & LBEs I've been seeing around, are these pretty much the norm or just the "eccentricities" of a select few?)

Thanx again for the all info.