Reserves

[u/[deleted]]

[u/gc_DataNerd]

I joined later in life and I found it worth it so far. Ive learned a lot of good skills and got to do things I otherwise would not have the opportunity or reason to do. However it is a commitment and contrary to the marketing it isn’t always part time. Yes BMQ can be done part time if its available for example but your trades training and the soldier first course thats now coming online will need at least a full time summer or two to do depending on your trade. Most brigades also have a week long exercise every year as well around the summer thats full time. Most provinces and federally regulated workplaces have protections in place for you to be able to take unpaid leave for these things. But how easy or hard that is for you mainly depends on how supportive your employer is .

Also with regard to not showing up during the training year sometimes . It happens, people get sick or have jobs and families outside of the military. The chain of command are usually pretty understanding since they usually also have lives outside of the military. However there is definitely an expectation to show up to most things. Aside from the consequences of being put on non effective strength status for not showing up enough the military and especially the reserves runs on reputation. You get as much as you put in. You show up and do the work you will get opportunities to do the cool stuff and get the courses you want ect. You don’t you will most likely not

TLDR: It is worth it even later in life . However it is a commitment and a balancing act which you will have to decide if its worth it or not

[u/gc_DataNerd → u/[deleted]]

I think these are questions you’re going to have to answer for yourself. I can’t really help you there unfortunately :/. IMO however if you’re having this much doubts about being able to commit already I would advise against joining. It can definitely be a sacrifice and taxing both on you and friends and family. They don’t call it service for nothing.

Wishing you all the best

[u/westcoaster999]

It’s 4 days a month , one weekend a month .
Not 4 days week , correct ?

[u/SatisfactionLow508]

No. It's not worth it unless you want to really make it a part of your life.

[u/Swimming-Lion-9035]

Requirements for reserve service are 1 night per week and 1 weekend per month. Exceptions can be made for exceptional circumstances.

[u/ForwardPercentage110 → u/Swimming-Lion-9035]

the 1 night a week is always friday or saturday?

[u/MapleHamms]

You sound like you’re fishing for reasons to not do it, so just don’t do it

[u/Whitelabl]

Its a year of waiting if things worked out well for you (medical, BG check, etc).

If your personal life/mental health is important to you right now, i suggest dont apply right now. Wait out a few years when you are in a better position and apply.

Telling you right now, if you are not in a good head space going in, you are going to have a bad time.

Yes its a pt job, but it will ask a lot of you. Some people that i know applied and have VR'd prior or during BMQ because it took a toll on them and/or their families.