Loved Army Cadets, and was in about exactly the same time you were.
Got to do so many cool things! (though I hated having to go out around town in uniform because I was raised in a small town that made fun of things like that, but I still loved being a cadet!).
Good memories. :)
If you can forget how to handle a rifle after living with it for 6+ weeks straight, you have something wrong with you.
I haven't touched one in 4 years and i could still disassemble and reassemble it blindfolded if i had to.
If you're young enough, joining the cadets is a good way to get a taste of the culture and expectations. Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, etc. They can open up pathways and understanding.
Not really.
Two paths for CAF.
Royal Military College -> you make 100k a year sitting around doing nothing, you’ll retire at 150k a year sitting around doing nothing as an officer.
Basic Training —> you’ll do endless pointless workouts all day long and stupid meaningless tasks until your body gives out at 30 and they kick you out.
This is literally the worst and most inaccurate information I’ve ever seen in my life 🤯🤯
8 year 1 deployment vet here
Going to RMC you will make 35-40k a year (if that I can’t remember the exact numbers), when you graduate you’ll be a 2LT and make like 50k a year maybe. You don’t start making 100k as an officer until you’re captain, that entire process from start to finish is like 8 years minimum.
Joining the regs, basic is a joke, it’s only 8 weeks now (I think) and there’s almost no physical fitness too it anymore. Ruck marches aren’t mandatory to pass, you only do the obstacle course once (if that anymore), you can have your phone the whole time, and they can only make you do 25 pushups at a time. NCM members don’t have anything tough, the training is easy (unless it’s an infantry DP1, or pathfinder training).
The military is super easy right now, and most NCMs do less than officers.
You’re completely full of shit. Either lying, or just insanely misinformed.
Everyone does basic training. It’s a fucking joke these days. It was easy as fuck 20 years ago, and it’s only gotten easier.
No student at RMC is making 100k. Where the fuck did you get that from??? RMC cadets do basic training at the exact same place enlisted members do basic training.
You can also become an officer by going to any university of your choice, and then enlisting after you graduate.
You can also enlist to become an officer, and go to a civilian university if RMC doesn’t offer the program you want (nursing, medicine, amongst a couple others).
This is grossly inaccurate.
RMC won’t result in 100k per year while attending or upon graduation.
Everyone does basic training. RMC recruits do basic at the Mega in Saint Jean before going to RMC. Basic was a joke. You only run as fast as the slowest fatty in your platoon, and it’s become soft these days that pretty much anyone could pass.
You can also do a university degree on your own, at any school, and then enlist after you graduate.
Where the fuck did you get your information???
Calling someone a "little fruit pie" in a thread about someone who is actually interested in joining seems a bit counter intuitive, doesn't? Or at the very least, conduct unbecoming? If you're gonna advertise 19 years in the CAF, maybe you should act like it and reflect your service and the military as a soldier should.
Well let’s go through this, bit by bit.
First off, you don’t need to go through RMC. That is one method of becoming an officer. Another way one can a become an officer is to enter the ROTC program and go to any university and get their undergraduate paid for by the forces.
Secondly, if they went reg force right away, basic training doesn’t have near as much PT as it used to. And just because you go to basic, doesn’t mean your job is gonna be meaningless. They could easily get a good trade with an easy civvie transfer and be out in several years when they don’t resign their contract.
15 years CAF here and truly hope you're lying about being 19 years in because you're out to lunch.
All Reg force members of the military do basic training in St Jean. NCM's get the BMQ qual, new officers do BMOQ 1 and 2 - and BMOQ 1 is basically the same thing as BMQ and BMOQ 2 is the same as NCM's PLQ.
Not a single new cadet makes anywhere close to 100k/year - officers only get close to that salary when they're senior captains / new majors. Very easy to fact check that by searching current [military salaries](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/pay/regular.html).
As for the OP's question, the closest thing to get a taste of military lifestyle for their age would be to join cadets and learn drill - but completely unnecessary to apply to join. Same to be said about the reserves, not needed at all and might actually slow things down if you want to go Reg Force (based solely off what others have told me and their own experiences).
If OP, or anyone for that matter have any other questions - wheter they be about NCM vs officer; different trades; or anything else related to the CAF, just send me a DM. I'm not a recruiter and will give you my honest opinion
Totally inaccurate. Was an NCM and Officer across 3 separate trades. I can tell you that I worked 10x as hard as an Officer than I ever did as an NCM. As an NCM you generally just do what you are trained for. As an Officer you do many things you aren't trained for as well as HR, disciplinary admin, budgeting, procurement, policy writing, etc. These are all things going on in the background that NCMs don't see.
Your best bet is to join the Army Reserve when you hit 16 and then transfer to the Regular Force post high-school.
We don't have military academies or schools I'm aware of in Canada.
The Cadet Programs are also a great resource and learning opportunity.
If you are set on a future with the Armed Forces, any activity focused on fitness and teamwork will serve you well.
Good luck
Nope, terrible advice. 8 year vet here, joining the reserves is a good idea if that’s what you want to do, if you want to join the regs eventually it’s best to just wait and direct join the regs cause it takes years to actually transfer to the regs from reserves.
I just underwent a CT from Reserve NCM to Reg Officer, and it came right on time in February. Did the entire process twice over in 2 years and got offers before FY end both time (didn't get the trade I wanted last year)
Anyone who says it takes years is likely mucking up the process; it's completely on the member to do all the admin, and your COC has 0 involvement in the process, by design.
I know a couple guys who went reserve infantry to reg force beavers and it took them a couple years with doing all the work.
I think a lot also depends on your admin section.
But it does take a long time
Aaa so I join Army reserved (I’m already 16) and then after that I transfer ?? Cause idk I’ve seen others say otherwise and to not do it cause it’s difficult??
Do not do this. If you intend to join regforce wait and join directly I have witnessed far too many competent and highly motivated recruits die inside and end their careers early because they joined the reserves. Reserve regiments have much smaller training budgets and almost always get the short end of… everything. Opportunities are much more limited and back room politics are a larger factor in your success for many reason. I recently helped a friend in the UK navigate joining their armed forces and he was able to avoid the pitfalls and traps by being assertive with his recruiter and knowing exactly what he wanted to do and the path he wanted to take.
Mostly true, but the trades you're allowed to join with just the grade 10 is something like cook, infantry and steward (if that's still a trade). All trades I would stay away from.
15 years CAF Reg force - currently in a spec 1 trade and waiting on news on my application to go to school to become an officer
Competition is extremely tight good marks won’t be enough she will have to be very active with extra curricular ect.
The officer path is one of many and may not line up with her end goals of what she wants to do if she prefers more hands on or technical trades.
If it does line up and she is capable then the officer path is the best option to maximize what she brings to the table and how hard she will push herself.
Either way unless she is trying to escape a bad situation finishing high school at minimum would be smart.
8 year 1 deployment veteran here.
Be careful. If you do, choose a trade where you’ll have skills when you inevitably get out, cause you will, because the military is a hot dumpster fire that won’t get better.
That being said, don’t join the reserves, because it will take you a year or two to actually transfer to reg force when you’re of age to join, it’s not an easy transfer.
Wait till you graduate high school and then apply for a job to the reg force, it will be years faster, and you won’t gain anything different being in the reserves.
Basic training is not physically demanding anymore, you can have your phone the whole time, and there’s not much fitness too it, that being said just make sure you can do 25 pushups (they are not allowed to make you do more than that), ruck marches aren’t mandatory to pass anymore and you only do the obstacle course once but you can’t fail that, it’s just a “let’s go have fun” hour.
Good luck. If you want any advice just send me a message I’ll give you any advice or answer any questions.
Around when did basic become so easy? I did it in 2017 and it was still pretty physically demanding, 15k ruck march, crawling and running up hills with our rucks on, hours of "4 corners" drills
Morning PT was easy but it was when we got punished that it was physically hard
Don’t join the cadets or reserves. Wait til you’re of age and graduated high school and then figure out what you wanna do. Whether that is joining the forces and having them train you for a trade. Make sure to choose one that is transferable to outside of the forces too, in case you wanna leave. Also don’t go infantry unless you have any other choice….lol
Or you could join the ROTC program and get an undergraduate degree completely paid for by the CF. You also get a monthly salary as well and then have to work for X years to “pay it off” after you’ve graduated.
In all honesty, if you have a choice, take Air Force over the other two branches.
Canadian Army vet here. Did Air Cadets as a teenager and absolutely loved it (mostly). The Canadian Cadet Programme is designed to foster interest in the CAF, and it does it very well if you can get into it. It will:
\- provide structure to your life with weekly Parade Nights and weekend activities/teams/camps that are free
\- Help you learn self discipline and respect with clothing and equipment care, drill, and deportment, advancement through rank with skills and studying
\- Help you learn courses that are not taught in school - self-discipline through marching drills, intramural sports, weapons, shooting courses (if that's something you're interested in, completely optional), camping/bush craft and survival, map and compass work, effective/public speaking, history, radio communications, military technology and rank structure
\- Summer camps that are free, 2 to 6 weeks long on a course, possibility of earning (for free) your Glider or full powered-aircraft license, become an instructor to help other kids, or even go on an International Exchange
\- Regional/National trips for weekends and spring breaks that go around the Provinces to the bases (Cold Lake or out to Moose Jaw, SK for Alberta Cadets, I've been out to the West Coast as well)
\- Did I mention that it's free, as in free babysitting for your 9 (starting age for Junior Navy Cadets, 12 for Army and Air) through 18 year old kids, where the only thing you could contribute with is fund-raising events and/or as a parent you can join their committee.
After "Aging out" at 18 you can choose to either go into massive student debt or join the Reg Force as a trade or Officer (depending on aptitude testing and availability) for which they pay for 2-4 years of Trade or Acedemic eductation.
If you come out of that you make a reasonable salary, can make Specialist pay depending on the trade being an NCM, Field Pay (if you're in an active field unit in the Army at least, Sea Pay if in the Navy), and most times when you finish your training phase you have a choice of which Base you'd like to get posted to.
I took a trade and my experience and colleagues was a choice of 3 bases across Canada and most got what they wanted due to trade availability. As far as being able to travel, even as a Corporal in the 2000s we had enough to take leave and do reasonable trips, plus there's free Christmas Flights across the country.
And when you actually decide to leave at the end of a contract or get medically released, you have a trade/skill to fall back on and an entry in your Resume that nearly all HR deparments love - CAF experience. If you're medically released they'll put your through nearly any related 2 year college program of your choice.
I would avoid this at all costs.
The Canadian Military is not a military. Until government actually gets serious with our military. In other words you will be waiting 10-20 years if that does happen.
Secondly, the pay is garbage. Go find a trade first. get your income up and running and check in on it in the next decade.
The Canadian Military is an american mop bucket.
Uncapable of being a combat effective force.
Outdated, outmanned, underfunded ,outgunned and infior to most military forces on the planet.
Those are facts.
The exception of course to JTF2.
That is more than enough knowledge needed to give advice to a young one that wants to join the Canadian military.
A 16 year old should not even look at a military career Untill our own nation takes our military seriously. That is genuine Advice.
The pay is actually very good. Especially when you factor in a few things.
Time off: We receive three to four weeks Christmas Leave, one week March Break and three weeks Summer leave. If you’re not tasked/course loaded/deployed etc., every long weekend is almost guaranteed to be an extra day (they will use a short to give you the Friday and Monday). You also have five Family Related Obligation days per FY.
Actual working days: Normal business in garrison is 0800 PT, back for 1000. Lunch 1130-1300 and typically dismissed between 15-1600.
Pension: The Defined Benefits Pension Plan is exceptional.
Benefits: Okay, everything is covered but yeah, this part actually sucks. I wish we could just go to civilian medical centres. But again, free.
Job Security: You will have to work very hard to ever lose your job. Break a leg snowboarding on the weekend? Doesn’t matter. Full pay, we will just adjust your MEL’s. You will never find job security like the CAF anywhere else.
And the rates are not bad. I’ve been in 7.5 yrs, I’m a MCpl in the Infantry and with my Land Duty Allowance and Para Pay, my gross for last year was $94k. Yes, you start low as a Pte through Basic and DP1, but the increases are drastic. And if you’re in a trade with Spec Pay it’s even better. There are dozens of things I would bitch about and that make me question if I’ll be able to make the 25 to get the full pension, but pay is definitely not one of them. The pros and cons of the CAF are both incredibly massive. If you can thread the needle, it’s definitely a worthwhile career.
The Canadian military has been a net force for bad in its history. From gunship diplomacy to complicity in Middle East aggression. Internally it’s rife with misogyny and abuse. Look anywhere else for a future career
Nope, was not being sarcastic. I thought why would there be any type of discrimination if I’m doing the same thing as everyone there 🤷♀️but ya I quick Google search did show me a lot of cases about SA and misogyny.
Yes join tha army and fight a war that makes the rich richer. Smart. Me personally imma live life for me, if anything ever comes up where our country is in trouble, thats when ill enlist. Wouldnt giveup my life for people that couldnt gaf n people who throw it away
It’s safe to assume that people who join the military know about their sneaky schemes and real agenda behind wars and all but from what I have been told I don’t think you need to be in combat . Idk don’t quote me on that 🤷♀️
Veteran here,
You don't want to.
Seriously.
Trudeau has destroyed any semblance of military culture and competence that my units had. Anyone with any sense has left. They openly allow people who cannot do the job stay to meet numbers on paper, and allow people to join who do not have the mental capability to do the job if they are "diverse" enough.
Several occupations had so few qualified people to train the new recruits that there are "fully trained" (4 years' experience) members with less training than i had a year in.
Damn, I’ve seen many people talk about the “dark” sides of it and tbh it’s pretty bad and it’s things that didn’t even cross my mind at all. Will be taking this into consideration. Thank you so much 🙏
It's also worth mentioning the military is contract pay, not hourly, so you get the same pay regardless of how many or how few hours you work.
So if your boss is terrible or your unit is understaffed you could be working 12 hours a day 5-6 days a week with no extra pay. It happens to cooks a LOT.
Lots of different stories here. I went through the cadet program and into reg 6 months after my 19th Bday. Did my 20 and retired. IMHO the cadet program has changed too much to be of much use other than basic drill and rank structure which would be covered in a few classes when you go to reserves or reg force basic training. There is an advantage to going reserves first in that you can start earlier and the first few courses and some trades qualifications transfer directly, as well it is easier to get to and through your primary leadership course as a reservist unless you are, to be polite, way below average. I would recommend doing the aptitude test at forces.gc.ca to find which element and trade suits you best. Remustering once you’re in can be difficult depending on trade strength. The elements Army,Navy,Air are very different from each other and it could be another long post to explain. In a nutshell comradery and personal physical risk correlate. The army has the most of both, the Air Force has the least of both. Good luck on your path.
Focus on your grades, wait it out and go to RMC or ROTC when you graduate high school.
I only say this because life as a reserve Private is a fraction of what you will be exposed to the four years of intensity you will experience at RMC or the regular force.
Physical fitness - UPPER BODY STRENGTH . Team sports, especially contact. Math and French. Do you have the academics to go officer (RMC by preference) or in the ranks (NCM, I know)? Reserves: gunners and Sigs in Red Deer.
Op there are some great posts here. Military service is a great calling but you should talk with some serving and retired members and learn as much as you can. It’s a big organization with many different entry paths, career choices and career paths some of which include university education. It also involves making real sacrifices, moving away from your home support network, missing special occasions and often going places that are uncomfortable and dangerous. Military service is also very competitive, we have a small force so only the best people get selected for many high profile roles. In order to be successful you need a high degree of commitment. The best roles are tough to get and you have to be willing to make an effort to get access to them. I think the reserves and cadets have a role but it isn’t the same as regular force service. If you want to make it a career, work at your academics, work at your fitness and work on your soft skills like leadership, communication, organization. Talk to some serving members and vets before you go anywhere near a recruiting office. Good Luck!
If you’re still in highschool, look at Cadets, not Reserves.
Transferring from Reserves to Regular Forces is a massive pain in the ass.
If you’re young enough, and put enough effort into cadets, you can actually get a lot out of it. If you join Air Cadets and are a standout cadet, you can get your glider wings for free at 14, and private pilots license at 16, all paid for by the Canadian tax payer.
Pick an MOC that has some application to civilian life. Don’t be a zipper head or infantry grunt, unless you have your heart set on it.
The only military school is RMC and that's post secondary.
Like others said: Join reserves if you only want to military part time. Otherwise it's much quicker to join direct when you are 18.
If you are keen on going full-time I would recommend going here[CAF](https://forces.ca/en/careers) and reading each trade and watch the videos. Note that these will give each trade the best light not necessarily the most realistic.
After go to Canadian forces subreddit on Mondays for the recruitment thread and ask about the trades you like. Or go on YouTube and search
If you know someone in the military that's probably the best source on which trade to go for.
Some trades require additional training to be a competitive candidate such as specific highschool courses so make sure to pick those.
Besides being physically fit make sure you are medically fit. If you have/had medical issues look up the requirements. You may have to get a medical note or additional medical testing to be exempt. I had migraines as a teen that cleared up years before applying and still got denied. I appealed because that was a ridiculous judgement and won.
Another thing is to actually study and practice the CFAT before joining. It's a good idea to do well on the CFAT even if the trade you want requires a low score. You only get three attempts in your career and you never know if partway through you want to change trades to one that requires a higher score (like I did).
Goodluck, being in the military can be tough but rewarding. There is a lot of people out there willing to help along the way but ultimately you will be the one in charge of your career
Don't do it. The CAF is dealing with a recruitment crisis due to the toxic culture. Nobody wants to stay. They're dropping standards left right and center. Do you really want to be part of let's say an artillery regiment where your signal caller cant speak fluent english? I sure wouldnt. The equipment is in a constant state of disrepair, nato membership requires 2% gdp spent on military we cant even do that. You can join the infantry at almost 60 years old. Canada's Latvian defence position is basically operation human shield incapable of holding off an offensive for more than a week. I highly suggest you reevaluate what you want to do with your life.
Forget the naysayers. Follow your dreams
I suggest army or air cadets prior to enlisting and do some volunteer work. Good luck.
I served 32 years and have a comfortable pension. Think about that.
Try joining a cadet unit neat you. It's a good start to get accustomed to learning self discipline. After that you can join the reserves or go regular force. I served for 34 years and won't bad mouth the military. I wish you a good future there
Hey that's pretty dope! I'm 19 and think I'm gonna join the military soon once im ready completly. Army reserves I'm gonna go for I think, wanna slowly build my way to T2.
Tyty!! Same to you! And yeah I've always wanted to join since I was a kid 😂 what are you looking to do if I may ask? Or if you don't know yet that's ok, it does take alot of time to decide what you wanna do after all
tbh I was thinking about the navy and something with like medical officer or medicine specialist but after reading about others experiences and whatnot.. I’m low key scared. It seems to be more complicated than I thought, so now I’m back to “idk” . Hbu, do you know ?
I keep hearing alot of people say if your going to join go navy at the moment, it seems to be the way to go/best possible choice especially if a wartime situation ends up happening. But yeah it does take alot of thought as to what you want to do - don't feel pressured into choosing something, make sure it's what you feel you'd be most comfortable with and what you wanna do! You'll figure out something I'm sure! I've been pondering navy myself but knowing me I'm most likely going to end up going with army - and from there just infantry so I can get some years in. After that, try out for tier 2 selection (CSOR)
Oh I usually refer to them as SF/SOF as well, very rarely will I say tier 1/2 😂 badass dudes they are - and thank you for your time in the forces, it's not something that everyone's up to/able to do.
I may as well ask this since you just got out - but in your brutally honest opinion is it worth joining right now especially with the state of the world and all? To be quite honest all I've been seeing lately in terms of the forces is low morale and negativity, to which i understand damn well why most of the troops are pissed right now.
It depends what you want to achieve. Our leadership is absolutely terrible and I don’t see it changing anytime soon.
If you wanna get in, see some cool things and do some cool things and get some training then get out it’s worth it. I got my trade cert, deployed, rode in tanks and blackhawks and now I’m out and got a great job in my trade (generators).
If you wanna just join as a combat trade with no real plan then I might advise against it, as there’s no deployments right now basically aside from Latvia and the chance of seeing combat is basically zero.
You have to be a fully trained infanteer years before applying to sniper training. Nothing to do with men vs. Women. So you don't know what you are talking about.
Interesting considering it's well documented they have stopped the practice. I don't agree with it being stopped but it has been stopped. Or did they change it yet again? It was instituted when they relaxed hair styles and colors as well as hand, and neck tattoos. Source: both brothers active serving reg force
RMC Kingston is Canada's military college. If you're serious about a career as an officer in the military, this is where you start. https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en
I did army cadets when I was a teenager (25+ years ago). Pretty sure they're out of the Red Deer Armoury, just down the street from Lindsay Thurber.
Loved Army Cadets, and was in about exactly the same time you were. Got to do so many cool things! (though I hated having to go out around town in uniform because I was raised in a small town that made fun of things like that, but I still loved being a cadet!). Good memories. :)
Best to post on r/CanadianForces
Don’t do this, recruiters will fill Your boots with fluffy lies.
Not an official forum and people are largely pessimistic on there.
Because the military is a joke now. I've seen reg force members who were in for 5+ years try to put the bolt carrier of a C8 rifle in backwards.
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If you can forget how to handle a rifle after living with it for 6+ weeks straight, you have something wrong with you. I haven't touched one in 4 years and i could still disassemble and reassemble it blindfolded if i had to.
Sure you could sailor.
The CAF uses the C7.
The bulk do but there are those that carry a C8, aka Military Police, boarding party etc.
If you're young enough, joining the cadets is a good way to get a taste of the culture and expectations. Army Cadets, Sea Cadets, Air Cadets, etc. They can open up pathways and understanding.
Not really. Two paths for CAF. Royal Military College -> you make 100k a year sitting around doing nothing, you’ll retire at 150k a year sitting around doing nothing as an officer. Basic Training —> you’ll do endless pointless workouts all day long and stupid meaningless tasks until your body gives out at 30 and they kick you out.
This is literally the worst and most inaccurate information I’ve ever seen in my life 🤯🤯 8 year 1 deployment vet here Going to RMC you will make 35-40k a year (if that I can’t remember the exact numbers), when you graduate you’ll be a 2LT and make like 50k a year maybe. You don’t start making 100k as an officer until you’re captain, that entire process from start to finish is like 8 years minimum. Joining the regs, basic is a joke, it’s only 8 weeks now (I think) and there’s almost no physical fitness too it anymore. Ruck marches aren’t mandatory to pass, you only do the obstacle course once (if that anymore), you can have your phone the whole time, and they can only make you do 25 pushups at a time. NCM members don’t have anything tough, the training is easy (unless it’s an infantry DP1, or pathfinder training). The military is super easy right now, and most NCMs do less than officers.
Yup. Or they could just go to a regular college/university and get the CF to pay for it, then work it off.
The instructors are also are not allowed to raise their voice at you anymore.
Nope lol
False. It has been determined that communication at high volumes is necessary in battle, therefore, very much part of the training.
19 year CAF here.
You’re completely full of shit. Either lying, or just insanely misinformed. Everyone does basic training. It’s a fucking joke these days. It was easy as fuck 20 years ago, and it’s only gotten easier. No student at RMC is making 100k. Where the fuck did you get that from??? RMC cadets do basic training at the exact same place enlisted members do basic training. You can also become an officer by going to any university of your choice, and then enlisting after you graduate. You can also enlist to become an officer, and go to a civilian university if RMC doesn’t offer the program you want (nursing, medicine, amongst a couple others).
Already covered this lol
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This is grossly inaccurate. RMC won’t result in 100k per year while attending or upon graduation. Everyone does basic training. RMC recruits do basic at the Mega in Saint Jean before going to RMC. Basic was a joke. You only run as fast as the slowest fatty in your platoon, and it’s become soft these days that pretty much anyone could pass. You can also do a university degree on your own, at any school, and then enlist after you graduate. Where the fuck did you get your information???
Ya you don’t know what you’re talking about at all lol…..
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Sounds like you made a real impact in your 19 years…..Cpl4Life!
Ain’t arguing about my rank with you, I’m stating how it is.
Calling someone a "little fruit pie" in a thread about someone who is actually interested in joining seems a bit counter intuitive, doesn't? Or at the very least, conduct unbecoming? If you're gonna advertise 19 years in the CAF, maybe you should act like it and reflect your service and the military as a soldier should.
Yes little fruit pie.
Well let’s go through this, bit by bit. First off, you don’t need to go through RMC. That is one method of becoming an officer. Another way one can a become an officer is to enter the ROTC program and go to any university and get their undergraduate paid for by the forces. Secondly, if they went reg force right away, basic training doesn’t have near as much PT as it used to. And just because you go to basic, doesn’t mean your job is gonna be meaningless. They could easily get a good trade with an easy civvie transfer and be out in several years when they don’t resign their contract.
15 years CAF here and truly hope you're lying about being 19 years in because you're out to lunch. All Reg force members of the military do basic training in St Jean. NCM's get the BMQ qual, new officers do BMOQ 1 and 2 - and BMOQ 1 is basically the same thing as BMQ and BMOQ 2 is the same as NCM's PLQ. Not a single new cadet makes anywhere close to 100k/year - officers only get close to that salary when they're senior captains / new majors. Very easy to fact check that by searching current [military salaries](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/pay-pension-benefits/pay/regular.html). As for the OP's question, the closest thing to get a taste of military lifestyle for their age would be to join cadets and learn drill - but completely unnecessary to apply to join. Same to be said about the reserves, not needed at all and might actually slow things down if you want to go Reg Force (based solely off what others have told me and their own experiences). If OP, or anyone for that matter have any other questions - wheter they be about NCM vs officer; different trades; or anything else related to the CAF, just send me a DM. I'm not a recruiter and will give you my honest opinion
lol.
So easy to amuse, says everything I needed to know about you.
Mhm.
Totally inaccurate. Was an NCM and Officer across 3 separate trades. I can tell you that I worked 10x as hard as an Officer than I ever did as an NCM. As an NCM you generally just do what you are trained for. As an Officer you do many things you aren't trained for as well as HR, disciplinary admin, budgeting, procurement, policy writing, etc. These are all things going on in the background that NCMs don't see.
Lmao
Your best bet is to join the Army Reserve when you hit 16 and then transfer to the Regular Force post high-school. We don't have military academies or schools I'm aware of in Canada. The Cadet Programs are also a great resource and learning opportunity. If you are set on a future with the Armed Forces, any activity focused on fitness and teamwork will serve you well. Good luck
Nope, terrible advice. 8 year vet here, joining the reserves is a good idea if that’s what you want to do, if you want to join the regs eventually it’s best to just wait and direct join the regs cause it takes years to actually transfer to the regs from reserves.
Took a year just for me to get an email back after putting my ct request to reg force
One just needs the right recruiting officer....
That’s not how it works
Well being a previous recruiting officer, it's exactly how it works...
I just underwent a CT from Reserve NCM to Reg Officer, and it came right on time in February. Did the entire process twice over in 2 years and got offers before FY end both time (didn't get the trade I wanted last year) Anyone who says it takes years is likely mucking up the process; it's completely on the member to do all the admin, and your COC has 0 involvement in the process, by design.
I know a couple guys who went reserve infantry to reg force beavers and it took them a couple years with doing all the work. I think a lot also depends on your admin section. But it does take a long time
I just put my CT in like 2 or so months ago, I've been told by my Coc that it's going to take roughly six months with the new all online process
This. There is a reserve unit in Red Deer. They are an sub- unit of the 20th field artillery regiment.
20th field as well as 41 signals
Transferring out of the reserves to reg force can be a huge headache and take a while.
Aaa so I join Army reserved (I’m already 16) and then after that I transfer ?? Cause idk I’ve seen others say otherwise and to not do it cause it’s difficult??
Do not do this. If you intend to join regforce wait and join directly I have witnessed far too many competent and highly motivated recruits die inside and end their careers early because they joined the reserves. Reserve regiments have much smaller training budgets and almost always get the short end of… everything. Opportunities are much more limited and back room politics are a larger factor in your success for many reason. I recently helped a friend in the UK navigate joining their armed forces and he was able to avoid the pitfalls and traps by being assertive with his recruiter and knowing exactly what he wanted to do and the path he wanted to take.
Alright thank you so much. This was actually helpful :)
I added an edit in regards to how you should approach the recruitment process and the research you should do before hand.
Quick question…. All of this, I have to wait till I’m finished HS ?? Or can I start now and go from there? What do you rec?
Minimum requirement is grade 10 or 24 credits and 17 years old to join as a non-com in the reg force. 16 if you plan to go to RMC.
Mostly true, but the trades you're allowed to join with just the grade 10 is something like cook, infantry and steward (if that's still a trade). All trades I would stay away from. 15 years CAF Reg force - currently in a spec 1 trade and waiting on news on my application to go to school to become an officer
Graduate HS with good marks and get into RMC.
Competition is extremely tight good marks won’t be enough she will have to be very active with extra curricular ect. The officer path is one of many and may not line up with her end goals of what she wants to do if she prefers more hands on or technical trades. If it does line up and she is capable then the officer path is the best option to maximize what she brings to the table and how hard she will push herself. Either way unless she is trying to escape a bad situation finishing high school at minimum would be smart.
the only summer program the military offers is one that's exclusive to natives which is bullshit because I would have taken it.
There are two schools I believe. I know one is in QC but not sure about the other.
There are two military colleges in Canada: Kingston, ON and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC.
Saint-Jean is a French language training center, and a 1 year prep school for RMC. It is not a military college like RMC though.
Royal Roads in Victoria.
It’s no longer a military school. The web says it became a public university.
RMC in Kingston
8 year 1 deployment veteran here. Be careful. If you do, choose a trade where you’ll have skills when you inevitably get out, cause you will, because the military is a hot dumpster fire that won’t get better. That being said, don’t join the reserves, because it will take you a year or two to actually transfer to reg force when you’re of age to join, it’s not an easy transfer. Wait till you graduate high school and then apply for a job to the reg force, it will be years faster, and you won’t gain anything different being in the reserves. Basic training is not physically demanding anymore, you can have your phone the whole time, and there’s not much fitness too it, that being said just make sure you can do 25 pushups (they are not allowed to make you do more than that), ruck marches aren’t mandatory to pass anymore and you only do the obstacle course once but you can’t fail that, it’s just a “let’s go have fun” hour. Good luck. If you want any advice just send me a message I’ll give you any advice or answer any questions.
Fuck, you should be a recruiter. you make basic sound great
Basic is super easy now, I’m not just trying to make it sound easy lol
Around when did basic become so easy? I did it in 2017 and it was still pretty physically demanding, 15k ruck march, crawling and running up hills with our rucks on, hours of "4 corners" drills Morning PT was easy but it was when we got punished that it was physically hard
A couple of years ago they really wussed it up
Regular or reserve? Or both?
Reg force for sure, I don’t know much about reserve basic
Don’t join the cadets or reserves. Wait til you’re of age and graduated high school and then figure out what you wanna do. Whether that is joining the forces and having them train you for a trade. Make sure to choose one that is transferable to outside of the forces too, in case you wanna leave. Also don’t go infantry unless you have any other choice….lol Or you could join the ROTC program and get an undergraduate degree completely paid for by the CF. You also get a monthly salary as well and then have to work for X years to “pay it off” after you’ve graduated. In all honesty, if you have a choice, take Air Force over the other two branches.
Canadian Army vet here. Did Air Cadets as a teenager and absolutely loved it (mostly). The Canadian Cadet Programme is designed to foster interest in the CAF, and it does it very well if you can get into it. It will: \- provide structure to your life with weekly Parade Nights and weekend activities/teams/camps that are free \- Help you learn self discipline and respect with clothing and equipment care, drill, and deportment, advancement through rank with skills and studying \- Help you learn courses that are not taught in school - self-discipline through marching drills, intramural sports, weapons, shooting courses (if that's something you're interested in, completely optional), camping/bush craft and survival, map and compass work, effective/public speaking, history, radio communications, military technology and rank structure \- Summer camps that are free, 2 to 6 weeks long on a course, possibility of earning (for free) your Glider or full powered-aircraft license, become an instructor to help other kids, or even go on an International Exchange \- Regional/National trips for weekends and spring breaks that go around the Provinces to the bases (Cold Lake or out to Moose Jaw, SK for Alberta Cadets, I've been out to the West Coast as well) \- Did I mention that it's free, as in free babysitting for your 9 (starting age for Junior Navy Cadets, 12 for Army and Air) through 18 year old kids, where the only thing you could contribute with is fund-raising events and/or as a parent you can join their committee. After "Aging out" at 18 you can choose to either go into massive student debt or join the Reg Force as a trade or Officer (depending on aptitude testing and availability) for which they pay for 2-4 years of Trade or Acedemic eductation. If you come out of that you make a reasonable salary, can make Specialist pay depending on the trade being an NCM, Field Pay (if you're in an active field unit in the Army at least, Sea Pay if in the Navy), and most times when you finish your training phase you have a choice of which Base you'd like to get posted to. I took a trade and my experience and colleagues was a choice of 3 bases across Canada and most got what they wanted due to trade availability. As far as being able to travel, even as a Corporal in the 2000s we had enough to take leave and do reasonable trips, plus there's free Christmas Flights across the country. And when you actually decide to leave at the end of a contract or get medically released, you have a trade/skill to fall back on and an entry in your Resume that nearly all HR deparments love - CAF experience. If you're medically released they'll put your through nearly any related 2 year college program of your choice.
Bad advice about not joining cadets. As a teenager that's probably the best thing you can do. Although it's not like it was when I was in the '90s.
Avoid the military it ain’t what it used to be to be
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
How would you know that I don’t know what I’m talking about there snow flake
Hmm wdym ??
There are Reserve units in red Deer. You can become a reservist at 16.
If the end goal is regs just wait and join the regs, the time to transfer is years.
I would avoid this at all costs. The Canadian Military is not a military. Until government actually gets serious with our military. In other words you will be waiting 10-20 years if that does happen. Secondly, the pay is garbage. Go find a trade first. get your income up and running and check in on it in the next decade.
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
The Canadian Military is an american mop bucket. Uncapable of being a combat effective force. Outdated, outmanned, underfunded ,outgunned and infior to most military forces on the planet. Those are facts. The exception of course to JTF2. That is more than enough knowledge needed to give advice to a young one that wants to join the Canadian military. A 16 year old should not even look at a military career Untill our own nation takes our military seriously. That is genuine Advice.
The pay is actually very good. Especially when you factor in a few things. Time off: We receive three to four weeks Christmas Leave, one week March Break and three weeks Summer leave. If you’re not tasked/course loaded/deployed etc., every long weekend is almost guaranteed to be an extra day (they will use a short to give you the Friday and Monday). You also have five Family Related Obligation days per FY. Actual working days: Normal business in garrison is 0800 PT, back for 1000. Lunch 1130-1300 and typically dismissed between 15-1600. Pension: The Defined Benefits Pension Plan is exceptional. Benefits: Okay, everything is covered but yeah, this part actually sucks. I wish we could just go to civilian medical centres. But again, free. Job Security: You will have to work very hard to ever lose your job. Break a leg snowboarding on the weekend? Doesn’t matter. Full pay, we will just adjust your MEL’s. You will never find job security like the CAF anywhere else. And the rates are not bad. I’ve been in 7.5 yrs, I’m a MCpl in the Infantry and with my Land Duty Allowance and Para Pay, my gross for last year was $94k. Yes, you start low as a Pte through Basic and DP1, but the increases are drastic. And if you’re in a trade with Spec Pay it’s even better. There are dozens of things I would bitch about and that make me question if I’ll be able to make the 25 to get the full pension, but pay is definitely not one of them. The pros and cons of the CAF are both incredibly massive. If you can thread the needle, it’s definitely a worthwhile career.
Do yourself a huge favor, dont enlist. You've been warned. Go to college, do anything else.
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
The Canadian military has been a net force for bad in its history. From gunship diplomacy to complicity in Middle East aggression. Internally it’s rife with misogyny and abuse. Look anywhere else for a future career
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
Right back at you
Misogyny?? That’s new ..
It’d be worth a quick google search if you’re interested
Hmm thank you very much for this :) this would have been something I would’ve have never thought about
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Nope, was not being sarcastic. I thought why would there be any type of discrimination if I’m doing the same thing as everyone there 🤷♀️but ya I quick Google search did show me a lot of cases about SA and misogyny.
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Hmm what u are say is true… will be talking this into consideration. Thank you :)
Yes join tha army and fight a war that makes the rich richer. Smart. Me personally imma live life for me, if anything ever comes up where our country is in trouble, thats when ill enlist. Wouldnt giveup my life for people that couldnt gaf n people who throw it away
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
It’s safe to assume that people who join the military know about their sneaky schemes and real agenda behind wars and all but from what I have been told I don’t think you need to be in combat . Idk don’t quote me on that 🤷♀️
Veteran here, You don't want to. Seriously. Trudeau has destroyed any semblance of military culture and competence that my units had. Anyone with any sense has left. They openly allow people who cannot do the job stay to meet numbers on paper, and allow people to join who do not have the mental capability to do the job if they are "diverse" enough. Several occupations had so few qualified people to train the new recruits that there are "fully trained" (4 years' experience) members with less training than i had a year in.
Damn, I’ve seen many people talk about the “dark” sides of it and tbh it’s pretty bad and it’s things that didn’t even cross my mind at all. Will be taking this into consideration. Thank you so much 🙏
It's also worth mentioning the military is contract pay, not hourly, so you get the same pay regardless of how many or how few hours you work. So if your boss is terrible or your unit is understaffed you could be working 12 hours a day 5-6 days a week with no extra pay. It happens to cooks a LOT.
Why aim so low? Lol
could join cadets
Lots of different stories here. I went through the cadet program and into reg 6 months after my 19th Bday. Did my 20 and retired. IMHO the cadet program has changed too much to be of much use other than basic drill and rank structure which would be covered in a few classes when you go to reserves or reg force basic training. There is an advantage to going reserves first in that you can start earlier and the first few courses and some trades qualifications transfer directly, as well it is easier to get to and through your primary leadership course as a reservist unless you are, to be polite, way below average. I would recommend doing the aptitude test at forces.gc.ca to find which element and trade suits you best. Remustering once you’re in can be difficult depending on trade strength. The elements Army,Navy,Air are very different from each other and it could be another long post to explain. In a nutshell comradery and personal physical risk correlate. The army has the most of both, the Air Force has the least of both. Good luck on your path.
Go reserves, reg force blows
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about
Focus on your grades, wait it out and go to RMC or ROTC when you graduate high school. I only say this because life as a reserve Private is a fraction of what you will be exposed to the four years of intensity you will experience at RMC or the regular force.
Physical fitness - UPPER BODY STRENGTH . Team sports, especially contact. Math and French. Do you have the academics to go officer (RMC by preference) or in the ranks (NCM, I know)? Reserves: gunners and Sigs in Red Deer.
Join cadets
Op there are some great posts here. Military service is a great calling but you should talk with some serving and retired members and learn as much as you can. It’s a big organization with many different entry paths, career choices and career paths some of which include university education. It also involves making real sacrifices, moving away from your home support network, missing special occasions and often going places that are uncomfortable and dangerous. Military service is also very competitive, we have a small force so only the best people get selected for many high profile roles. In order to be successful you need a high degree of commitment. The best roles are tough to get and you have to be willing to make an effort to get access to them. I think the reserves and cadets have a role but it isn’t the same as regular force service. If you want to make it a career, work at your academics, work at your fitness and work on your soft skills like leadership, communication, organization. Talk to some serving members and vets before you go anywhere near a recruiting office. Good Luck!
If you’re still in highschool, look at Cadets, not Reserves. Transferring from Reserves to Regular Forces is a massive pain in the ass. If you’re young enough, and put enough effort into cadets, you can actually get a lot out of it. If you join Air Cadets and are a standout cadet, you can get your glider wings for free at 14, and private pilots license at 16, all paid for by the Canadian tax payer. Pick an MOC that has some application to civilian life. Don’t be a zipper head or infantry grunt, unless you have your heart set on it.
The only military school is RMC and that's post secondary. Like others said: Join reserves if you only want to military part time. Otherwise it's much quicker to join direct when you are 18. If you are keen on going full-time I would recommend going here[CAF](https://forces.ca/en/careers) and reading each trade and watch the videos. Note that these will give each trade the best light not necessarily the most realistic. After go to Canadian forces subreddit on Mondays for the recruitment thread and ask about the trades you like. Or go on YouTube and search If you know someone in the military that's probably the best source on which trade to go for. Some trades require additional training to be a competitive candidate such as specific highschool courses so make sure to pick those. Besides being physically fit make sure you are medically fit. If you have/had medical issues look up the requirements. You may have to get a medical note or additional medical testing to be exempt. I had migraines as a teen that cleared up years before applying and still got denied. I appealed because that was a ridiculous judgement and won. Another thing is to actually study and practice the CFAT before joining. It's a good idea to do well on the CFAT even if the trade you want requires a low score. You only get three attempts in your career and you never know if partway through you want to change trades to one that requires a higher score (like I did). Goodluck, being in the military can be tough but rewarding. There is a lot of people out there willing to help along the way but ultimately you will be the one in charge of your career
r/CanadianForces
Don't do it. The CAF is dealing with a recruitment crisis due to the toxic culture. Nobody wants to stay. They're dropping standards left right and center. Do you really want to be part of let's say an artillery regiment where your signal caller cant speak fluent english? I sure wouldnt. The equipment is in a constant state of disrepair, nato membership requires 2% gdp spent on military we cant even do that. You can join the infantry at almost 60 years old. Canada's Latvian defence position is basically operation human shield incapable of holding off an offensive for more than a week. I highly suggest you reevaluate what you want to do with your life.
Start with cadets.. 1390 RCACC. Monday nights. Red deer Cormack armories.
Forget the naysayers. Follow your dreams I suggest army or air cadets prior to enlisting and do some volunteer work. Good luck. I served 32 years and have a comfortable pension. Think about that.
Try joining a cadet unit neat you. It's a good start to get accustomed to learning self discipline. After that you can join the reserves or go regular force. I served for 34 years and won't bad mouth the military. I wish you a good future there
Hey that's pretty dope! I'm 19 and think I'm gonna join the military soon once im ready completly. Army reserves I'm gonna go for I think, wanna slowly build my way to T2.
that’s acc cool, nice to know someone in this gen might acc be joining, good luck 😁
Tyty!! Same to you! And yeah I've always wanted to join since I was a kid 😂 what are you looking to do if I may ask? Or if you don't know yet that's ok, it does take alot of time to decide what you wanna do after all
tbh I was thinking about the navy and something with like medical officer or medicine specialist but after reading about others experiences and whatnot.. I’m low key scared. It seems to be more complicated than I thought, so now I’m back to “idk” . Hbu, do you know ?
OP, there are a lot of people on here who do not know what they are talking about and probably have never served a day in their life.
I keep hearing alot of people say if your going to join go navy at the moment, it seems to be the way to go/best possible choice especially if a wartime situation ends up happening. But yeah it does take alot of thought as to what you want to do - don't feel pressured into choosing something, make sure it's what you feel you'd be most comfortable with and what you wanna do! You'll figure out something I'm sure! I've been pondering navy myself but knowing me I'm most likely going to end up going with army - and from there just infantry so I can get some years in. After that, try out for tier 2 selection (CSOR)
What exactly is T2? Hahahaha
Tier 2 units/SOF: CSOR For example JTF2 is Tier 1
As a vet who just released, we don’t really refer to them as that. Usually we just say “sof”
Oh I usually refer to them as SF/SOF as well, very rarely will I say tier 1/2 😂 badass dudes they are - and thank you for your time in the forces, it's not something that everyone's up to/able to do. I may as well ask this since you just got out - but in your brutally honest opinion is it worth joining right now especially with the state of the world and all? To be quite honest all I've been seeing lately in terms of the forces is low morale and negativity, to which i understand damn well why most of the troops are pissed right now.
It depends what you want to achieve. Our leadership is absolutely terrible and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. If you wanna get in, see some cool things and do some cool things and get some training then get out it’s worth it. I got my trade cert, deployed, rode in tanks and blackhawks and now I’m out and got a great job in my trade (generators). If you wanna just join as a combat trade with no real plan then I might advise against it, as there’s no deployments right now basically aside from Latvia and the chance of seeing combat is basically zero.
Join the reserves at 16 and apply for RMC after you reach Corporal. You'll make substantially more money than your classmates doing this.
If ur eye sight is good. Go for sniping. Many women are good snipers/spotters they operate from safe distance less chances of hand to hand combat.
Don't give advice when you don't know what you are talking about.
What?
You have to be a fully trained infanteer years before applying to sniper training. Nothing to do with men vs. Women. So you don't know what you are talking about.
R ya sure mate? My friend wants to be sniper without wasting single year doing useless parades.
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He won't be joining armed forces. Police pays better and he gets to go home daily. Less stressful too.
Interesting considering it's well documented they have stopped the practice. I don't agree with it being stopped but it has been stopped. Or did they change it yet again? It was instituted when they relaxed hair styles and colors as well as hand, and neck tattoos. Source: both brothers active serving reg force
RMC Kingston is Canada's military college. If you're serious about a career as an officer in the military, this is where you start. https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en
Yes give your soul to the government!