Canadian Reserve Forces - Before you submit your application to join

The objective of this post is to address some of the common questions asked by civilians regarding the Reserve Forces. Please feel free to e-mail me if you need clarification or have any additional questions.

Question #1:
Don't go to war man. It's dangerous. You can die.

No shit you can die! You can fucking die choking on some random nut while enjoying an episode of F-R-I-E-N-D-S. The point is - you can die doing anything. And yes, if you serve overseas, the chances of you dieing is greater, although overall still pretty low. As a Canadian Reservist (part-time), you are not obligated or under any contract to go overseas. That's only for Reg Force boys (full-time). Part timers have the option of going or staying.

Question #2:
Why are you fighting another man's war?

Read the above post.

Question #3:
The army pays well right?!

Yes and no. You are paid a fixed amount for either a half-day's work (less than 5hrs) or a full-day's work (greater than 5hrs). As a private, it works out to be only a little more than minimum wage. However there are many perks that can end up saving you a load of money in the long run. List below:

• Work Cloths, Gear and Equipments
• Accommodations (when on course)Meals (when on course)
• Transportation (when on course or traveling somewhere to train during work hours)
• Training/Fitness Facility (most unit has a gym)
• Education Reimbursement
• Overnight Pay (nights spent away from home)
• Dental Care

Question #3:
I don't think I am fit enough to get in. What are the physical requirements?

There are none. They will test you once you are already a member. They will train you so that you WILL pass. I have never heard of anyone being booted for not being fit enough. There are fat fucks in the army that do just fine. Just put out your best effort.

Question #4:
What are the other requirements for joining?

• 17 years old
• Minimum grade 10 or 11 (depends on province)
• Medical Examination
• Reliability Check
• Interview
• Aptitude Test
  

All of which are easy, relative to your average joe.

Question #5:
Do you get to fire a real gun?

Does that look real?

Question #6:
What is the work schedule like?

First off, it's more like training than work. They essentially pay you to take a variety of courses, ranging from leadership to weapons training courses. You are expected to come in a minimum of 4 weekday evenings a month for practice training. Although most probably end up going only twice a month. There may be selected weekends where they will take you to Meaford or Borden for training exercises. Also, there are a few courses that are mandatory for you to be qualified as an official soldier. These courses can be taken on the weekends (every other), or in the summer.

Question #7:
Why don't you be an officer instead of a regular soldier?

Officer - Paperwork, administrative duties
NCOs - Hands on, physical training intensive

Question #8:
How long do you have to serve?

Like I said; No contracts, No obligations, No commitments. You can drop out anytime. Stop showing up for all they care.

Question #9:
What is your role?

I am a Combat Engineer. There are many trades to chose from.

http://www.forces.ca/en/jobexplorer/browsejobs-70

Question #10:
How is the food?

Finally a good question! Just check the pics!





For a more thorough application process visit:
http://www.forces.ca/html/howtojoin_en.aspx

The best way to get information is just to go to your nearest recruiting center. Make sure to call in and confirm that there will be someone available to assist you. You can find the nearest recruiting office here:

http://www.forces.ca/en/centres/findarecruitmentcentre-110

Again, if you have any questions or anything, just send me an email at dennis_luu@hotmail.com. I'll do my best to help.