What are military living conditions like?

[felinusz]

First off; this is probably the incorrect section to be posting this, but I couldn't decide where else to place it.



I'm wondering what military living conditions are like? 

To give some background on myself, I am keen on applying as a DEO after I graduate, with the objective of being a MARS officer.


I'm wondering what I could expect in the way of living conditions, specifically privacy, personal space, comfort, overall-space (for storing my stuff, etc. ), living comfortably with a wife or girlfriend while in training or in the army - all that sort of thing.

After recruitment, where does one generally live during the lengthy training period?  Are communal barracks or similar provided at personal expense?  Is it possible or acceptable to live in a nearby apartment?

How about after training?  Can a military officer live more-or-less where they please, within the obvious geographic constraints specific to work?

How about on-tour?  How cramped are the on-ship quarters?  How's the food?  All these sorts of questions are on my mind; I want to have a good idea how I will be living after joining up, as it has a significant impact on making the decision!


Information is greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

[X-mo-1979]

During basic,large floor with wooden dividers around 5 feet high between bunks.

Battle school-usually large rooms 4-8 per's per room open concept.

At regiment in shacks-2-4 per's per room,organise as you like.Tight living quarters either way

In the field anything from shacks to hotels to hooch's to mod.

 

[dimsum]

You will be in St. Jean, QC for IAP/BOTP and living in the MEGA.  Afterwards, you'll get posted to VENTURE in Victoria for all of the other phases of training. 

Once in VENTURE, you can ask to have a place off-base (Married Quarters, etc).  During the Sea phase of MARS 4, you'll be spending roughly 7 weeks on a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, usually in a 6-man "pod".  Living arrangements there are a narrow bunk and a locker (just a bit bigger than your avg high school locker); it's pretty cramped but you won't be spending much time there anyways.

As for the food, at the MEGA and at VENTURE is generally the expected "cafeteria" food.  On the MCDVs it varies with the cooks.  On avg they're good, but some ships have spectacular cooks and can whip up some pretty good stuff. 

 

[aesop081]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that if privacy is a serious concern, the Navy, the army and a good portion of the air force are going to be a problem for you.

 

[felinusz]

You will be in St. Jean, QC for IAP/BOTP and living in the MEGA.  Afterwards, you'll get posted to VENTURE in Victoria for all of the other phases of training. 

Once in VENTURE, you can ask to have a place off-base (Married Quarters, etc).  During the Sea phase of MARS 4, you'll be spending roughly 7 weeks on a Maritime Coastal Defence Vessel, usually in a 6-man "pod".  Living arrangements there are a narrow bunk and a locker (just a bit bigger than your avg high school locker); it's pretty cramped but you won't be spending much time there anyways.

As for the food, at the MEGA and at VENTURE is generally the expected "cafeteria" food.  On the MCDVs it varies with the cooks.  On avg they're good, but some ships have spectacular cooks and can whip up some pretty good stuff. 

Thanks for the detailed response.

More or less as I expected, except for the "Married Quarters etc." part.


I understand the need to live on base or near base during training, and the obvious cramped nature of on-ship living, but could you explain the situation of "Married Quarters" a little further?

Is this sort of like the stereotypical "Military town" where families etc. can live with their military-spouse/father/mother?  Is this like a military-exclusive residence situation? 

Is it possible for a single male to have a residence to himself, apartment or otherwise, within this living area?  What constitutes "off-base"; are we talking about living in the city somewhere, or living in a specific, pre-determined area for military personell only?

Forgive my ignorance, I'm still learning about all of the specifics of this . 

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that if privacy is a serious concern, the Navy, the army and a good portion of the air force are going to be a problem for you.

Privacy isn't a long-term issue, but a periodic one.  I want to know that I will (when not at sea, training, working, etc. etc.) have periods of time where I will have my own space, time, and environment.

During initial training, or when on-ship, I expect things to be cramped and very busy; and privacy isn't a serious issue if you're working a good day!

 

[dimsum]

Is this sort of like the stereotypical "Military town" where families etc. can live with their military-spouse/father/mother?  Is this like a military-exclusive residence situation? 

Is it possible for a single male to have a residence to himself, apartment or otherwise, within this living area?  What constitutes "off-base"; are we talking about living in the city somewhere, or living in a specific, pre-determined area for military personell only?

"Off base" is anywhere that isn't on base property (ie. the barracks).

As for specific places, there are PMQs (the "Married Quarters") which are administered through the CF Housing Agency.  In Esquimalt they are in specific areas near the base, and you must be a military member to get a place there.  You can get an apartment as well, but in Victoria it's a tad pricey.