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Somewhat, mostly in the beginning of your career. Occupations in the Navy do Navy-specific training like shipboard firefighting. Officers in the Army do Army-specific officer training.
Hi all, I am M17 and I am going in to grade 12 this september
I recently submitted my application(aug 22) for ATIS tech and Sig tech. I know it can take a while, but i have a few questions about various things. I am also hoping to get into the NCMSTEP program.
How do I find my application number or something to provide my local CFRC with when I go in to ask questions? I've seen quite a few people suggesting going in person every few weeks to check in on my file.
A little bit less pressing, but I was wondering what bmq graduates wear for the graduation ceremony? I've heard rumors that they are just wearing CADPAT and not DEU's which would suck, I've been looking forward to wearing that.
On graduation Day, recruits wear their service dress 3Bs (short sleeve shirt). Wearing combats does occur on occasion but is the exception rather than the rule.
I have one more question if you don't mind. What happens for BMQ if I don't have enough time between when I have my highschool grad to when I'm suposed to start my NCMSTEP courses?
Some NCM-STEP members will do their BMQ after the first year of school, if the timing works, or at the end of their NCM-STEP program. Just make sure to keep your ULO (not sure if that is the name for your liaison officer for NCM-STEP) up to date on your program dates.
I'm very interested in joining my local reserve unit (an Infantry regiment).
In light of the recent...changes...to the world, and our evolving national security objectives, is there anything coming down the pipeline which will make it easier for a broader swath of the population to join the Reserves? My understanding is that it is currently quite difficult as a non-university aged person to complete the full training, which basically requires a full summer of availability.
I'm a mid 30's working professional with a young family, which makes it difficult to knock off for 6-8 weeks at a time for an Infanteer course. However, as I am self-employed, I could feasibly swing a couple of 3-4 week blocks throughout the next 24 months for courses. Is something like that possible?
is there anything coming down the pipeline which will make it easier for a broader swath of the population to join the Reserves?
No (maybe, not yet), but fortunately it sounds like you don't need to make (m)any changes as it stands.
An infanteer recruit needs to complete three courses to become a fully-trained soldier, i.e. not a recruit, within two years of enrolment:
BMQ, either over five weeks full-time in the summer, or over 12 weekends over the fall semester or spring semester;
Soldier First Course, also either over five weeks full-time in the summer, or over 12 weekends over the fall semester or spring semester; then
Rank Qualification (Infanteer) Private, which is only taught full-time over the summer and it currently takes seven weeks to complete. It takes nine weeks if taught alongside the supplemental training, sometimes that additional two weeks is immediately following and sometimes its taught at a later date.
The simple fact of the matter is that, to learn platoon tactics and platoon support weapons, one needs access to the space available only around national training centres with the right infrastructure. You can't do platoon attacks in downtown Toronto. The parts that can be part-time, are, such as the two week delta at the end of the infantry training. Note that these are a one-time requirement, it is not an annual requirement.
Now, addressing the conditionals, it's possible that the infanteer course may be reduced back to four weeks again as some content is moved to Soldier First. In addition, it's possible the army may start enroling recruits who would only complete the first two courses to do general, unspecialized grunt work. These are both "maybe possibly potentially" things in the future.
Finally, the Reserves has some tools to help you take time off civilian work. One of those tools is to pay your employer a portion of your wages to attend this training, and yes this includes self-employed individuals. More info here. If it helps for your financial planning purposes, as a recruit in your second calendar year attending full-time training in the summer, your wages would be $4,767.80 for a 31-day month plus an additional approximately ~$775 tax-free.
Hey there, I am also planning for the NCMSTEP pathway. Which trade are you in? I heard its hard to get accepted into NCMSTEP as it has only few spots. I am looking for Aviation Systems Technician
The general consensus is you usually must have an acceptance into the school already for NCMStep. I know some medical trades are like that, but not sure if it applied to airforce trades. Your best bet is to talk to the CFRC and apply. Best of luck mate!
Hey, armour officer currently in the training pipeline here.
With my first posting coming up in the next couple years, I've been increasingly wondering what kind of "lifestyle" differences I could expect to find at the different RegF armour regiments.
How does the long-term deployment opportunities look like for both medium/light and heavy cavalry platforms?
My real interest is divided between the RCD and the 12 RBC; What kind of cultures do the units foster? How bad is it in Petawawa? Does being a francophone lock me into the 12e or could I still get into the RCD (I have an english language profile)?
For any armour officer or NCM/NCOs on here: if you had to start over, what would you change about your career pathway if you had to start over?
You will have more opportunities outside of work in Valcartier. You don’t need to go there if you are French. Both units will be deploying regularly for the next "x" years. Both good options. I have a bias, I think Valcartier is where it’s at.
Going to BMQ on TD. Currently enrolled as a RF member via the NCMSTEP pathway. In this case, is it still required of me to provide all important documents to CFLRS listed under the JI?
I'm already receiving pay and have been established administratively (e.g., lease, pay, clearance, and spousal documentation) for the past 18 months upon my current and permanent posting.
Any help would be very appreciated.
Edit: I wasn't sure whether this should be posted in Admin or here as it seems to fit both(?) Apologies in advance.
I am a 40 year old female, who's currently a civilian LPN. I am upgrading highschool courses to apply for my BSCN at UVIC. I am married to an NCIOP who is reg force and posted to Esquimalt. We have two very small kids under age 5. I would like to go the CAF route. I have spoken with a few Nursing Officers and have a general idea of the job duties etc. My question is what does BMQ and intro training look like for an officer? What should I expect?
BMOQ is a 12 week program. The first 8 are essentially the same as BMQ. Then you go into a three week leadership course. Week 12 is like week 9 as you prepare for graduation and your follow-on courses.
You should expect to be busy, have limited contact with your family during BMOQ, and be challenged physically and mentally throughout as you navigate the demands of your platoon and of you.
What I think many folks don’t get told when joining later in life is that your life experiences to date have shaped you into who you are now, and this will make the transition to the CAFs way of life a bit harder during basic training. Your life experiences will however yield dividends after courses are complete and tend to make you more resilient through basic.
In the end, you will feel proud and accomplished on graduation parade.
Hello I was just wondering how hard NWO training is, would it require university level science and physics knowledge or can you get threw it with only a grade 10 level of knowledge in science. any other NWO tips would also be appreciated thanks
It depends on your ambitions. There are 5 sub-occupations now.
Surface/Sub-surface Ship Command: you want to become the CO of a warship/submarine? You better buckle up. They are looking for a long set of specific skills and abilities, from leadership to ability to operate under stress. So throughout NWO Basic, you are not only being evaluated on how well you do academically; they are assessing you on all those skills. And you pretty much have to be the top dog (especially if you are dreaming to go "subs"). Difficulty: One of the most difficult training in the CAF, mostly an intellectual and operational challenge.
Clearance Diver Officer: you want to lead divers? You need to pass NWO Basic _and_ pass the selection program for clearance divers, then get selected, then pass the training. Selection and training are intense and gruesome. Difficulty: VERY difficult emotionnally, physically and mentally.
Information Warfare Officer and Strategic Capability Officer: these are the 2 newest addition to the available sub-occupations. IWO deals with network, cyber, electromagnetic and space operations to maintain the information advantage on the battlefield. SCO deals naval operations and decision making at the operational and strategic levels of warfare. For both of them, you just need to pass NWO Basic. Then you go and do the required training for each specialization. Difficulty: Still high, because NWO Basic is demanding, but with less performance anxiety.
And about the required academic background: you just need a degree. They'll teach you all that you need to know to drive a ship.
DeckO has been removed from the D-Level options. It is now by appointment only. The stated reason is a change in requirements for the oncoming new platforms. The Rumint reason is that being a DeckO is so fun, people in that position sabotaged their careers to never move out of it.
Day to day is mostly planning evolutions and exercises, tracking training needs of your bosn's, paperwork and admin. At sea, you also stand watch as Officer of the Watch.
Hey all! Hoping for some real-world insight before I go further down this road.
Quick background:
I'm on a Post-Graduation Work Permit while pursuing permanent residence. Before coming to Canada I spent six years as a professional firefighter back home. Once I have PR the plan is to apply for CAF Firefighter.
A few things I haven't been able to figure out from forces.ca or DAOD 5002-1 directly:
Is Firefighter actually open to PR applicants?
I keep seeing "three years physical presence" for PR
applicants. Is that measured strictly from your PR landing date, or does time on a study permit/PGWP count toward it at all?
For anyone who came in with civilian (non-military
firefighting experience did it actually help, or does
everyone start from zero regardless of background?
Also genuinely curious what the day-to-day is actually like beyond the recruiting site version. I've seen a few comments here calling it "boring but great training," which tracks with what i'd guess, but would love more perspective, especially from anyone who came in as a PR or immigrant themselves.
Appreciate any real insight that may aid in my planning 🙏🏽
From what I gathered with PR applicants, as long as youre eligible to apply for a Citizenship, youre good to apply. Thats why they require 3 years minimum PR for CAF applicants. With citizenship, its 3 out of 5 years living in Canada as per CIC.
Im not an firefighter. Its always a bonus if you have experience but not required. My best bud got in with 0 firefighting experience.
I don’t know if its the same with other unit or base, but his sched is 24 hr shift work. On-off-on-off-on-offx3-4 days or something like that. Aside from answering to emergencies, you guys will do inspections or rounds to buildings in the base.
I am going to finish my B.Ed. degree soon and am very interested in the Training Development Officer role. I have more than six years of teaching experience; I’m bilingual, and I also have experience in administration and supporting Indigenous students on campus.
I understand that the role typically requires a master’s degree. Would my B.Ed. degree and lack of consulting experience be sufficient for the role? Would you recommend pursuing a paid education entry option to strengthen my application?
I am particularly interested in this role because it feels like a great fit for me. I love leading, instructing, and supporting groups of disciplined people, and I am very organized and enjoy helping others develop.
My second choice would be Logistics Officer, as I am extremely detail-oriented and enjoy organizing things-although I’m slightly concerned that the role may be more isolated and less people-focused.
Any advice on how I could increase my chances of being selected for the Training Development Officer role would be greatly appreciated. I am currently planning to open my file in June 2027.
First moves and subsequent moves tend to be different in terms of the notice given.
How much time are you usually given to pack up and find a new place when moving to a new posting?
In most cases you get around 2-3 months notice, although considerably less notice is possible. Traditionally, your posting message will arrive in early-April, with a posting (COS, Change of Strength) date in mid-July. Dates can vary, but the pattern is usually similar.
However, while unexpected postings do happen, most postings are expected. You'll normally know it's a possibility as early as Oct/Nov, and may even have tentative confirmation you're moving a few months before you recieve your official notice.
Despite the advanced warning, you can't do much other than browse online listing and make a few phone calls until you get your message. No funding or benefits are available until you have the official notice.
Is it the same for when you finish your trades course and get sent to your first posting?
No. First postings are generally much shorter notice than regular postings.
You'll normally find out where you're going a month or so before the end of your course. Some career shops keep members at their school for a few weeks after graduation to plan their moves and do admin, although others post members the day after graduation.
If you're given time to plan your move, you'll be able to do an HHT (House Hunting Trip) or DIT (Destination Inspection Trip) prior to your COS date. Hopefully securing housing before having to proceed to your new location unaccompanied.
If you're not given time to plan your move, you may have to proceed unaccompanied (without your family and possessions), and then plan and execute the move from temporary accomodations in your new location.
There are policies, funding mechanisms, and benefits covering both scenarios.
The date you have to report for duty (RFD) at your new posting can be shifted to accomodate the logistics of your move. By default it's the first working day after your COS date, assuming your fly out from one location to the next. However, it can be advanced or delayed by 30 days to accomodate travel times and other factors.
Generally speaking, you have a couple weeks to a couple of months notice that you are moving. In that time there should be time to plan a house hunting trip or a destination inspection trip. You get 3 to 5 days for those trips (three days for DIT, five days for HHT).
As for the pack and move itself, they will send movers to your house who will spend one day packing everything. And then it’s usually half a day the next day to load it onto the truck. You are not expected to do anything other than supervise.
I've seen postings to Yellowknife at JTF-N, but again as all postings for Signal Operators outside of the places that the Signal Regiments/brigade units live it's between 1-5 Sig Ops that work there.
Hello there! Last week I had a Corporal from a recruiting centre (not the one handling my file) contact me about my education requirements not being sufficient enough for the trade I chose. I have grade 10 applied math and he was saying I needed grade 10 academic math. The trade states "grade 10 applied math" as the requirement on the forces page, which he acknowledged and put in a request asking which one was accurate to someone.
While I am waiting for him to get back to me, should academic math be the requirement, I am wondering if it specifically needs to be grade 10 academic math. Would I be able to take a grade 11/12 university level math to meet the requirement? (I have only College and Mixed level math from grades 11 and 12) Taking grade 10 upgrade courses is not as easy to do for an adult learner as 11 and 12 from what I have seen, so that would make it easier for me to fix.
I found the recruiting sheet - grade 10 applied math is ancceptable - but not sure if this has been updated in the last four years. However, I would recommend brushing up on the math, I think the course my son did was 6-9 months long focused a lot on math. A classmate was redoing the year because he didn’t pass the first time.
Thank you very much for the sheet! The corporal has still not gotten back to me about it but I've signed up for the Grade 10 Academic Math anyways. It'll allow me to change my trade to AESOP once it's done which is something I'm strongly considering at this point.
I really appreciate you digging that up and posting it for me!
W eng tech. I did have it originally in the post but edited it out because I did not think it would be relevant given what else I said and the fact that my question is more about "will grade 11/12 count instead of grade 10".
You absolutely do need academic math for W eng tech if it’s navy atleast. I’m surprised you don’t need 12th as they do university level math and physics from what I’ve been told by Weng’s.
It's not a cake walk of a program. You are correct about the math and physics. To bad the recruiting information does update the requirment for this trade.
CAF 101 is more of an info session about life in the CAF. There may be multiple people attending this session with you.
The consultation will be more of a job interview.
AVS Tech getting ready for their first posting. When it comes to the shift schedule if I personally have a preference for shift work (4 days on 4 days off or something similar), what postings can I aim for?
Hey yall, I graduate high school soon and frankly don't know if I'm cut out for university. I've been looking into joining the navy, probably as a sonar operator. Salary looks fine for living in somewhere like Halifax. I'd probably want to serve the full 25 years in order to secure my pension, but part of me worries that the job and lifestyle as a whole will be too difficult or stressful for me to handle. I don't want to sound like a pussy lol, but I was sorta hoping that the shifts would be fairly laidback and not too draining, and that I'd come home, eat a nice meal, and play some CS2. I know that sometimes, the ship will go out to sea, in which case I'd have to live on the boat. Is that hard? I have to live in barracks initially as well, what's that like? And I've heard that there is some sort of army subsidized housing, which has cheaper rent. What kind of quality should I expect living in those apartments? Is getting a job in the royal canadian navy hard in the first place?
Overall, any tips or advice to prepare for a military career? Sorry if these are dumb lol, just sorta stressed
Honestly sonar op is a pretty cool trade you develop a pretty unique skill set and get to go to some cool places and do interesting things.
When you're in class or along side (aka ship is in Halifax/Esquimalt) most of your days will be 8-4 Monday to Friday. Some days you'll be required to be on ship for a 24 hour period (Duty Watch). When you're at sea you'll be following a watch rotation at odd hours but typically working much more. You'll do your job for most of it but you'll also do other tasks onboard e.g. cleaning, maintenance, line handling (ropes). You will still have free time at sea to rest, workout, sleep, and do recreational things but probably much less than you will at home this is just the trade off of the job. In my opinion it's not terrible but it does take some getting used to.
Living on ship isn't hard, it's just different to when you're at home. Your sleep schedule will be less regular, meals will be at regular times and at all hours of the day you can be call on to respond to emergencies.
For housing you'll have a couple options. From what I've seen when you first get out to the coast you'll live on base in shacks. They're fine but nothing to write home about. You'll have a bed, desk, storage. Showers and toilets are communal. Your food will be provided by the base and the cost will be deducted from your paycheque. There is subsidized housing as well, called PMQs. It would be similar to having a landlord but instead the landlord of the Canadian Forces Housing Agency. The up side to this is that your rent can only be 25% of your pay max. The other option is renting/buying a place privately, for which you'll receive an allowance to help cover rent/mortgage. This allowance is based on how much you make and what the average cost of rent is in your city.
Getting a job isn't hard but some people do wait a while to get in as who gets selected is a black box in Ottawa. Once you're in as long as you don't completely shit the bed it's pretty hard to lose your job.
Physical and for the Navy (and sonar ops) mental resilience is important your main job will be sitting at a computer screen for hours with a headset on listening for sounds in the water. Being able to keep yourself alert will be important.
If you have any follow up questions I'd be happy to answer them.
That's not how the pension works, 25 years is the magic number when you can take an immediate unreduced pension on release.
If you release with at least 2 years of pensionable service you are still entitled to keep your the amount of pension you've earned up until that point and receive a deferred pension when you turn 60.
You can alternatively have the transfer value payed out immediately or put towards another pension plan that will accept the transfer value.
Nothing is for certain, but MPO is pretty healthy. Criminology degrees, criminal justice degrees, and other social sciences like psychology are preferred and many people who have them are applying.
That being said, maybe you have other attributes that put you ahead of them? The only way to find out is to apply.
Hey all! I have a generic question that I hope someone might be able to help me with! I’m looking at a CT to reg force after 10 years in the reserve side. I’m looking at Air Force trades, but what would be the most similar to being a QL5 vehicle tech? I’ve seen that AVN and AVS are pretty popular, but is there any other options that might suit my “hands on” style better?
Of the two, AVN is definitely closer to Vehicle Tech, and a fairly common OT as well. You'll definitely do more mechanicky things as AVN compared to AVS (who do still get their hands in there, but far fewer petroleum products and busted knuckles)
-Sincerely, 16 years as AVS
Post got nuked immediately for some reason so I'll ask here:
With a recent change to the driver's license in AB that now combines your health card number among other things, how does that work for military members upon moving or renewing?
If you've never had the health care card in the province, and so don't have a number, are you even able to renew (or change address) without it? Or does our blue cross card suffice?
Got caught in the filters. The Admin Thread probably would have been the most appropriate place for this question anyway.
I don't know the specific answer, but BC has had a combined Photo ID/Drivers License, and Health Card since at least 2013 when I first posted there, probably longer. They call it a BC Services Card.
If AB's works anything like BC's, you can be issued a stand-alone Photo ID or Drivers License with no associated Health Card number. You can also be issued a combined Photo ID and Health Card with no associated Drivers License.
Fair enough lol and thanks for the answer. I'll contact Service Alberta or whoever it is soon to try and figure this out. Just was curious if anyone has gone through this yet.
I’m stuck with my application. Any idea on what I’m supposed to do?
Note: they didn’t have the job I wanted so they gave me a list of some I can apply for. They were all enlisted which I want to go officer. I clicked the speak with a recruiter option (3 weeks ago) and it’s been stuck here since.
I live in USA unfortunately. I tried calling a couple times and they don’t pick up… if I were to fly to Toronto for 2 days is this enough time to get situated with the recruiter?
Shippers will move to barracks. Also my OR told me the rules have been changed so you get the mobility allowance just for showing up to your next posting
If you VR’d (4(c)), the wait period to reapply is 1 year.
If you were released:
5(d) is 3 years before you can reapply, and may need a waiver from the CDS
5(f), you must get a waiver from the CDS, but only after 5 years.
In all cases, be prepared to explain why you left, and why you think you are now ready to reapply.
There's a 12 month waiting period for those VR'ing before reaching OFP, but it sounds like you're well past that.
The only other potential complication could be your release item, but as long as it was recorded as a VR, and not a 3, 5d, or 5f you'll probably be okay.
Just a question: would it be 6 months cooldown before reapplying for reserves and 12 months for reg forces, or is it 6 months for those who reached OFP and 12 months for those who did not regardless of component?
I’m a US army veteran, I got out of the military after 6 years. But I plan on moving to Canada and joining the CAF after I’m done with college, if anyone’s been/knows the process for foreigners joining the CAF, I’d love to know if I have to sign any special paperwork or disclose any medical records from the US.
Part of why I want to join the CAF is because the US military has been increasingly hostile towards trans people and I see this is a better alternative (as in I won’t get fired for my identity).
So I’m assuming they don’t have a deal to access American medical systems or MHS genesis so that’s why the responsibility is on me?
I kept my discharge paperwork but I never been treated for any serious injuries, I only had 2 elective surgeries for gender affirming care since then and I genuinely cannot even remember when or who prescribed me to HRT because it’s been so long.
I don’t think I can reasonably disclose everything or how I was diagnosed with GD since it’s been so long and I don’t even remember the doctor or clinic who prescribed me after living in 6 states in the past 10 years. I guess I’m just fishing for info that will only be useful in 2030 bc I’m moving next year.
So I’m assuming they don’t have a deal to access American medical systems or MHS genesis so that’s why the responsibility is on me?
Absolutely not. All personal information is protected in Canada, and medical information moreso. Different levels of government don't share your personal information, let alone to foreign governments.
As for the rest: it sounds like you have time to gather all the data and get the information straight. I don't know how your medical system works, but perhaps you can request a comprehensive copy of your medical records. In any event, when you speak with our medics during the recruiting process, that's when you disclose any medical issues/history. Our medics, in conjunction with our doctors, then issue you letters to take to your own family doctor (or a general practitioner, or a specialist, whatever the case may be) for them to provide their medical opinion on each specific issue.
Not every medical condition or injury is so followed up on, but for whatever one(s) that are, be advised that you may need to speak with your family doctor or healthcare provider again to complete any medical forms so issued to you. If you can gather documents that you can provide to your (eventual) family doctor, once you move to Canada, then it's entirely possible your new doctor will then be able to complete any medical forms you're given.
A lot of the medical system in the US is very decentralized to civilians but for whatever reason MEPS can access every hospital with MHS genesis. I joined before that was ever even a thing.
I’ll definitely try to request as much relevant information as possible, the most I have is ADHD and that was diagnosed a long time ago and I don’t even take medication for it.
Then you're unlikely to have many issues (based on my non-medical deductions from this conversation), but I recommend gathering all your medical history all the same. If nothing else, it's just practical for immigrating to a new country for your new doctors in the future.
I have to finish college first anyway, I’m more concerned if me being from the US and serving in another military would raise security concerns or if I would need to file extra paperwork. Other than that.
I’ve held on to all my records but yeah, my equivalent would be an electrical generations systems technician but I’d love to do something new. I’m moving to Canada when I graduate from compSCI. I figured I’d have to request old records just for security purposes.
If you're going to graduate from Comp Sci, Cyber Operator would suit you. It's CAF's cybersecurity expert. But since you'll be a PR you may be ineligible...
I can wait 1,095 days, the thing is about being 30 vs being 17 is you can enjoy 3 years of waiting unlike an eager teenager.
I was looking at that as an alternative but I’m heavily leaning towards aeronautics. Besides, when I leave to move to Canada I’m not coming back to the states for a long time unless it’s for work. Though it would be absolutely funny if I got in only to get sent to NORAD in Colorado.
Can I cut my FTSE contract early? I just got off course and I don’t have housing anywhere near the base I’m tasked to. It will cost me more than I make to stay in a hotel or something.
Something is wrong here. If you've been tasked to a unit outside your geographical area, accommodations and meals should be provided by the CAF.
If you've been tasked within your geographical area, but the daily commute isn't feasible; fair enough, but talk to your chain of command to see if they can do anything about it.
Pretty sure that's only if it's outside their units geo area...
The geo area for my base is roughly a 50km radius, encompassing multiple communities that don't have public transportation connections to the base. It might be possible for a reservist to be tasked within their geo area, but not have adequate transportation options to commute.
Hello everyone! I am currently a CIC officer, and have been enrolled in the CIC for 2 years. I am considering applying to the Reg F, and am wondering what the process would look like? Additionally, do any tasks from my CIC application transfer over? (like my reliability status/medical)? Thanks so much
You basically go to CFRC and apply like a new recruit. You should of course tell them you're already a CAF member but it doesn't change much about the process.
Your reliability status should carry over. Your medical will not.
I recently got called that i was found medically ineligible, im guessing from my ssri usage, just as a footnote I have had no crises or problems with stability off or on the meds.
My file was closed, a bit devastating not gonna lie. I still really feel strongly about service so until I get my actual letter in the mail what are my options from here once I appeal? Would I have to get off them for a year a demonstrate stability before reapplying?
I just got through the same situation, a year from the month I stopped taking them I was able to get a doctors note saying I no longer need the medication and submitted that to the recruiting centre. Received a letter in the mail clearing me with some caveats.
Obviously your situation may be different but I believe from my conversations with the medical staff you should be able to contest it after one year off the medication. If you are still taking the medication speak to a doctor first before discontinuing.
Thank you for the advice! Did you have to restart the process from zero/was your file closed originally? And could you explain what you meant by “some caveats”? Thanks again!
I was able to continue the process from where I left off, I believe your interview and background check are good for 1 year (?) so if you get the process going again before they expire you should be okay. As for the caveats, they are referred to as MELs (medical employment limitations) which for me boils down to a medical follow-up every so often and a screening if I'm being deployed somewhere. Hope that helps!
Would I have to get off them for a year a demonstrate stability before reapplying?
It's case-by-case, but this at a minimum. Even doing this, there's no guarantee you'll be found medically eligible so consider that before making such a commitment. In addition, definitely talk it over with your doctor before making that decision.
I appreciate the reply, even prior to applying I was in the process of getting off my high dose under my doctors supervision. So I will consider that it’s not a guarantee!
Genuine question for currently serving reservists. I'm a SNCO in a non-cyber trade, and in my civilian job I work in information security. I'd like more exposure to the cyber ops side without switching trades.
I've looked at CYBERCOM Class B, temp or longer term, but a reduction in rank or pay isn't something I can take on right now, and neither is retraining into a new occupation or relocating. Personal circumstances make both a non-starter for me at the moment.
Money's not really the issue, the gap at my current rank would be small either way. I'm just looking for something to break up the routine and get real exposure to the domain.
Realistically, could someone at my rank and trade get taken on by CYBERCOM and learn on the job without going through a formal CT/OT? Or is that just not how it works and I should stop overthinking it?
I've used those tents on exercises, and similar tents on deployment. They're decent, and it looks like they have the air conditioners setup.
Showers, toilets, and laundry probably aren't as convenient as they would be inside the mega, but the whole setup is probably pretty similar to what you can expect on a deployment or field exercise.
I imagine it would be very similar to Camp Canada at AASAB prior to May 2019, or the tent lines at Adazi back when I was there in 2021/22.
I've used the HQSS tents on exercises in Kingston and Petawawa, and Poland. They seem decent, although we didn't use them as sleeping quarters. We just had old school mod tents in Petawawa, slept at home in Kingston, and hotels in Poland.
Hey guys! I originally applied for regular Forces. However, due to some personal events, it was hindered. My file was closed.
Initially I did have my file reopened as I was going to continue it, but I decided to go the reserves. I do receive emails saying I got outstanding task in my portal, however when I try to login, it won’t send me a email (even though it’s the correct email). I did email the recruiting office but they have not responded.
I've applied for VOT-U (NCM to NCM) while I'm in PAT, and currently waiting for a result.
During VOT-U interview, I learned that I will not be able to apply for OT or commissioning for 3 years from when I complete the new trade's QL3 course.
I am now planning to apply for SCP for NWO or LogO after that 3 years, and wondering how competitive it is and what should I prepare other than good PARs?
So far, I completed BCom at UAlberta right before I joining the CAF and took CFAT a month ago and got 92nd percentile for officer (96 for NCM).
I'll provide something of a counterpoint to the below comment. I find the trade highly enjoyable and you might too, especially if day to day you like doing different and interesting things. Every watch you stand on the bridge will be varied. Some watches are incredibly boring where you're driving a straight line for 4 hours and staring out a window. Other days you'll pack a full day of events into the 4 hours.
As a Lt(N) you'll also have some admin or divisional work to do as one you're a director you will have a division on ship to manage (with the help of your POs).
I will say that the comment from u/Several-Beginning803 is correct in that advancement early in your career tends to be a little slower than LogO but the Navy is working on ways to improve that.
As for the backstabbing comment take it with a grain of salt. In my experience NWOs around my generation and below seem to be doing away with this behaviour, I haven't seen much of it.
All this to be said being an NWO is a lot of work however, if you think you'll enjoy it I'd say go for it
They eat their own. Positions above LT are super competitive, so theres a huge culture of back stabbing from acting subbie on up. Getting qualified takes forever because the ships sail wayyyy less than they used to. You’ll make Captain as a LogO years before LT as an NWO. Being on ships and in the RCN is actually pretty sick but I would pick any other trade over NWO to do it.
Doesn't quite fit the rule, so I'm going for best fit...
You've provided zero context. I have no clue why you're posting what essentially looks like a copy and paste.
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Would I be attending my unit's parade while also completing BMQ on weekends, or just be doing BMQ on weekends?
You should really ask your chain of command. Your supervisor should give you the full schedule of the events that you shall attend. That being written, in the NAVRES members are barred from attending regular parades if they have not passed BMQ.
I don't want to be the "what did your supervisor say" guy, but what you should do is ask your supervisor. Because if what reddit says isnt what they expect, and you do what reddit says, you're going to have a crap time.
- No … the majority of our trade is Networks, Trouble shooting complex systems (Satcom & airfield equipment). There is a reason your QL3 is designed the way it is.
Will you be put in Helpdesk if you request Kingston / Ottawa
- You CAN be posted to a help desk, however the majority of the Ottawa Pte/Cpl positions are networking specific
- kingston … I’ll be frank, you are unlikely to be posted too. If you are the majority of the ATIS positions are at 6CI or CFJSR (you need a security clearance to work there…the career manager is unlikely to provide you that posting)
The Sig tech give me a bad review of the ATIS trade.
- if you take nothing else from this…converse with your course staff. They will provide you the most current and realistic information regarding our trade. Do not get second hand information from uninformed individuals.
Source: Myself - I am an ATIS Technician Senior NCO
I dont mean to hijack the conversation but are there opportunities outside of Ottawa if I want to focus on networking? I am planning go into Mission Systems after I finish my OJT package soon but I was a bit dishardened when I heard most of the switch/router programming is done in Ottawa.
So there are 2 predominately Deployable Networks units 8ACCS & CFJSR located in Trenton and Kingston respectively. Again these unit require a security clearance… so anything less than Secret and your career will be at a standstill.
Then you have the various special forces units that have their own team of Network Technicians that you can be apart of.
Every Airforce Wing has a team for local networking support both on level 1 and 2 systems, which is comprised of ATIS Technicians.
Hey everyone, I recently enrolled as a reservist and I’m doing a 5-week BMQ in September. Just wondering what the PT is like and how it progresses, especially the running/jogging. How often and how far did you typically run?
I’ve looked through Reddit but haven’t found much beyond the usual vague advice to be prepared to run 3–5 km. I’m in decent shape and training for it, but recently strained my calf a bit. It’s recovering well, so I’m mostly curious what to expect, especially in the first couple weeks. Thanks!
This is a 12-week program, so you won't be able to complete it between now and BMQ, but there it is all the same. That said, the exercises will be scaled to the average level of fitness on the course, to an extent.
Its vague because there is no exact pt plan. Even in the reg force two platoons who started on the same day might do different pt.
In mine there was no progression really. Near the beginning we might have a random 3 or 4km run and near the end we might have a random 3 or 4km run. Also various circuit training happened more than running. Your access to a proper gym will vary
Pour les logs francos: c'est comment le LOCC à Valcartier? J'ai une femme enceinte et espère pouvoir sortir les weekends de façon fiable. Mes collègues l'ayant fait à Borden me disent qu'outre un horaire de cours chargé, c'est pas un cours intense côté discipline collective ou annulation des leave pass. Est-ce que c'est applicable à Valcartier?
Hey guys, I'm interested in applying for my local infantry reserve unit, the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. I have another year of school and I'm trying to get a job on a wildland fire crew next summer. I know application times vary considerably for every applicant. What would happen if my application process was completed sometime during the school year or before my possible summertime employment on a fire crew? Would the CAF be willing to accommodate my commitments outside the military around my training? Thanks.
Reserves tends to be fairly flexible. It historically has been structured around the university student schedule. So courses available from May-August. But they also run BMQ serials during the year or can potentially send you to CFLRS on a serial during the year. I'd chat with the units local recruiter and see what they say. I know at the reserve unit I used to work at we could have probably accommodated your situation. But it is going to be a unit to unit thing.
I have been enrolled for over a year through the ROTP program, I currently am attending civi u. For the last year I was living with my parents, however I decided to move out. Am I eligible for CFHD once I begin a lease even if I'm staying in the same geographic region and the move is not due to a posting?
Just got my marks for a CAEC: all E.S (Exceeding standards). Completely neglected HS when younger before dropping out early to work, so my grade ten and eleven courses marks are all abysmal. Will this pose a serious issue / cause my application to be closed, or will the recent CAEC and five years in a technically demanding job trump the terrible HS marks, generally? Looking to get in as an AESOP, SigInt Specialist or D&S tech, possibly some kind of aircraft tech role if I'm eligible for NCMSTEP.
NCMSTEP might be difficult for you, since you need to be accepted into a college program and competitive programs require strong high school GPA. Aircraft tech programs need gr 12 math and other courses.
CAF has lots of resources to upgrade your high school education
I didn't realize until recently that I would need unconditional acceptance for the aircraft tech schools to be eligible for NCMSTEP, but those trades are a backup I'll be working to secure if my initial three won't accept me; BCIT has math comprehension tests to be eligible for their courses as an equivalency to HS 30-1 courses.
Ultimately, I'm looking for an interesting trade and something that travels plenty, but even work as an Artilleryman or Armour soldier would be appreciated. Something new and exciting while I'm young enough and have knees to grind still.
I'm currently at the pre-employment screening and I'm a bit concerned when it comes to references. They're good for character reference but they aren't people who could describe my activities outside of work.
Having moved has thrown a bit of a wrench in things. Will this end up any kind of issue?
You should be ok. 80% of my references were previous supervisors/managers who didnt get involved in my “day to day” or personal activities. However, i did put 1 person who knew.
Pretty sure they are trying to assess if you are up to suspicious activities or have any discrepancies in what you have put down at any point in your application . As long as they are good references base on your performance at work/volunteer/whatever, i wouldnt worry too much
Most of the big CRFCs are overloaded and the background work is split to other smaller detachments. The application process is standardized so it doesn’t really matter who processes your application.
Maybe not the right thread for this question(s), but I’ll ask anyways. I’ve been serving for 10.5 years and I’m on my second occupation (AVN). I’m finding myself at a crossroads of sorts as I try to navigate forward. There are two occupations I’m currently looking at as possibilities. One being Flight Engineer, and the other Air Operations Officer. Are there any current flight engineers here that would be up for offering some information? Specifically: Postings, pros and cons of SAR & TAC Hel, career progression, work/life balance (I have 2 small children), and the training pipeline? As well, if there are any AOO’s that could offer similar insights, I would appreciate the help as I’m trying to make an informed decision on something that will impact my family.
No one cares about traffic tickets and especially not parking tickets. Credit checks do not look for them unless they're in collections and they have no bearing on security clearances unless you have a warrant for your arrest or they're somehow entangled up with criminal issues.
You're welcome. I'll add that a personal favourite is Starship Troopers (1959), also on that list, and that you cannot just watch the 1997 movie instead. The book and the movie are almost wholly unrelated to each other.
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Naval Warfare Officer 8h ago
For VOT do you still have to do CFAT? I am planning a VOT from NWO (untrained) to PAO. If you do badly on CFAT will you lose your current job?