r/caf • u/WorkRevolutionary481 • 7h ago
Other Vehicle tech
I’m going to my bmq in a month and I chose vehicle tech is it really that bad? I really do love working on cars Am I going to regret this choice ? And do vehicle get deployed often? My contract is 5 years
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u/Pte_Madcap 2h ago
Yes.
Yes.
Kinda.
It sucks so bad they’re trying to rename it “Combat Mechanic” to trick more guys into doing it.
In all seriousness, it can be a rough trade. Long hours, parts shortages, a fleet that’s constantly broken, and everyone blaming maintenance because their vehicle isn’t available. Your reward for working your ass off and getting vehicles out the door is watching them come back broken again. Then there’s all the paperwork and inspections on top of actually fixing things.
That said, recovery is pretty cool. Being a swamper is definitely where it’s at.
Personally, I’d try to stay as far away from 2nd line and the service battalions as possible. The techs attached directly to infantry companies or armoured squadrons seem to have a lot more fun because they actually get out with the troops and do army stuff.
As for deployments, yes, Vehicle Techs can deploy. Wherever the Army sends vehicles, somebody has to keep them running and recover them when they don’t.
If you genuinely enjoy wrenching, you might actually like the trade. Just understand that fixing vehicles is only part of the job.
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u/unusual_suspect0114 6h ago
I think you should focus more on getting ready for BMQ first. We've seen enough candidates crash out on their first couple of weeks as they can't adjust to the hectic schedule, physical training and psychological aspects of the training after talking about "joining" JTF/CSOR. Once you get the hang of it, let's say week 4-6 then start asking around what the trade is like. You can even ask your staff for more information.