Canadian Reserve Forces - Where/How to Apply

I received a very good question that I am ashamed to say I didn't mention in one of my posts:

http://on-baoy.blogspot.com/2010/06/canadian-reserve-forces-before-ou.html

This question was where does one go to actually sign up!?

Well the answer is easy :)

Go here:

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

Find the closest recruiting center to you home and get your ass in there! Come ready with questions, inquiries, and concerns. They will provide you with all the information you need to make your application.

-Baoy

Best Lifting Gym in Toronto

So I just moved to a new place. Moving. Story of my life! This time I swear it wasn't by choice but because my landlord decided to sell the house so I had to go! Too bad because I really liked my old place. However, I'm starting to really grow fond of my new place. More privacy and a spacious balcony overlooking a garden!

Another good thing about the move is that I am just a few minutes away from my home unit in the army. So not only is it more convenient to go to work, but the unit has an awesome gym to work out at! Saves me money from getting a membership at a commercial gym. FYI, if you are in the Toronto area you can also sign up for a membership at the military gym. Not sure about the rates but probably cheaper than the chain fitness facilities. I will post the rates when I find out.

For more information or receive a tour from the gym call (416)-633-6200, press 0 for operator and ask for the PSP (Personal Support Program) department.

Some photos below.






What more can you ask for? Free weights, chin up bars, barbells, squat racks, machines, ballistic balls, med balls, and whatever else you see there.



This is just me showing off my dogg tag! Jeez, guys get this a few months in but it took me like 4 years! That's the military for you.

Anyways, train hard!

Baoy

MGB Exercise in Petawawa

Built an MGB this past weekend. Fun Times. Cold Times.

How's it going!?

Been very busy with course and all. In fact, i just finished the 2IC course but will be on a new course from Sept. 10th - Oct. 20th! Once I get the time, I am going to do a write-up about caring for your feet! Lets just say I have had some (negative) experiences in this area. Photo of my foot below....only look if you are ready to be disgusted.

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Also, enjoy some of my summer footage!

CHIMO Course 0030!

Summer at CFB Gagetown Update

2IC = Second In Command

That is the name of the current course I am on! That's right, I am now Corporal Qualified! We'll see when my Unit in Toronto thinks is the right time for my much anticipated promotion. Until then I will do my best to endure another 3 weeks away from family, friends, and the many diverse food choices available back at home! I'm kidding, life here is good. I can't complain. Maybe just a little.

So as some of you know, we are now in Shacks (photos up soon). No more tentlines for the remaining of our Military Career! I definitely will miss that place. Lots of good memories. The shacks however is located in a very convenient location. It's basically in the center of where all the action is at. The mess, Gym, Pool Bar and shops are just 5-10 minutes (walking) away! All free to soldiers too....What else do you need!? And we get beds!!!! Feels good compared to the COTS at the tentlines I must admit.

Today is officially the first day of the 2IC Course, not including the Distance Learning week. Relatively short course, only 3 weeks...Although I hear it will be mentally taxing...I am up for the challenge though. I would also like to point out that more than half the course are of Cpl Rank. Some have been my instructors. So sorta wierd to be on a course with them!

Till next time, thanks for reading!

Baoy

PS. I enjoyed this song.

Moving on to my next course!

So I finished my DP1 Course and am qualified for promotion! Finally moved out of the tent lines and into 4 man shacks. This is reminding me of university! fun fun

Here are some pics of the last couple weeks of DP1.








LOVIN IT!

What's going on with me!?

Hey guys, just want to apologize for the inactivity lately on the blog. As you know I am currently in New Brunswick doing some courses on base. Fun times. I have 2 more weeks until I am done the current course I am on, and then moving on to a leadership one next month. Very hype about the next couple weeks because we will get to put together a bridge (MGB - Photo on left) and will also be doing assault boating! Lets hope i don't fall out of the boat because god knows I can't swim!

So far on course the physical training has been quite crazy! Not in your high intensity/ cardiovascular sense, but more endurance base workouts like ruck marches, long runs, sandbag P.T., and just overall hard physical labor in the scorching heat! Have never sweated like this before, not even in Thailand. But in all fairness, it's because we are fully dressed in our combat suits during the training!

Right now I am sitting at Chapters and just enjoying sometime away from base. Can't wait till tonight. I think a bunch of us are going to play Settlers of Catan again. A much recommended board game!



Below is a little tour of the Jungle Gym just outside of Tent City, Gagetown (home of the Canadian Forces Engineers). After a long day's work, it's just easier to train here than having to walk for 10 minutes to the gym.

Quick ARMY Update

Survived my first week in Gagetown New Brunswick. This year I am with a very good group and everything running real smooth. Talk about physical shit already. We have been lifting and transporting hundreds of sandbags and it has only been a few days. Also just took my Munitions test (identifying rockeys, mortars, grenades, projectiles, pyrotechnic) and got 100%. :) On weds we also had a fitness test...as many pushups as you can do, as many situps in 2min, and approx 2.5km run in fastest time. My scores were, 74, 84 and 11:59min respectively. Such a poor run for me...time to get my conditioning back up! All in all it has been good. Must train for the swim test next week. 100m swim + treading water for 4min. I don't even know how to tread! time to go to the mess for some grub,

lata!

Spr Verbrugg getting ready for fire duty briefing.

Past out on the job.gg.

Losers.



Tent City. Home of the Combat Engineers.


On way to Demolitian Range

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.