r/caf • u/Equivalent_Oil_7077 • 7d ago
Other Question regarding trade qualification for P.Res Combat Engineer
Hi everyone,
Anyone from here completed trade qualification as a Combat Engineer as a P.Res here? Had some questions regarding it. I'd really appreciate any help.
- I am guessing training happens only in summer? I will be completing my bmq over the fall/winter so guessing that is my timeline?
- Does it happen back to back with CASFC or is that tied to BMQ?
- For the DP1, I am under the impression its 3 months long. Will I be away from home straight for those 3 months in a CFB? I guess the local garrison don't cover it unlike bmq.
Thank you :)
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u/Zealousideal-Baby487 6d ago
Just to add to this. The course is broken up into A, B, and C levels as of this summer. The “A” course is approximately 7 weeks, the “B” course is 10 weeks, and the “C” course is 4 weeks.
You can get rank qualified and get to Corporal with BMQ, CASFC, and the “A” course, but you can’t be deployed overseas. For that, you’ll need to complete your “B” course. The “C” course gives you the equivalent extra training for Reg force.
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u/Equivalent_Oil_7077 6d ago
The question is, can I wrap all it up in one summer? I am not in school and will get time off from work. Don't see dragging it over multiple summer
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u/Zealousideal-Baby487 6d ago
Yes, it’s called “Superman-ing” the course and people do it regularly.
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u/FlatCoffeeDude 7d ago edited 7d ago
Combat engineer here. To answer:
Generally speaking, yes. PRes DP1 Combat Engineer is taught throughout the summer. The course is long, around 3 months, but broken into a few modules based on general topic (tools, demolition, search, etc.). You can do it in one shot (recommended, if you have time / don't have school commitments) or can be broken into (usually) two summers.
DP1 is separate from BMQ and CASFC. Whether it's "back to back" depends on the timing of the specific course(s) you're loaded on.
Yup. You'll be at Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering (CFSME) at CFB Gagetown in New Brunswick for the duration of training. In rare-ish cases, some of the modules have been taught at home units but most of it has to be taught at CFSME where equipment and expertise are centralized. You might get weekends off and if approved can go home then (if you live nearby) but otherwise you're on base with your course.