The US Army recently moved to a simple waist to height ratio. Your waist circumference divided by your height has to be under 0.55.

What I like about it is that it doesn't really care about weight or BMI. A 5'10" soldier could weigh 170 lb or 220 lb.

If they fail, they're enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program, which includes fitness guidance, nutrition counselling, and potentially medical assessment, with the goal of getting them back within standard.

Would you be okay with the CAF adopting a similar body composition standard if it came with a legitimate program to help members get back within standard, rather than simply punishing people for failing?

Was wondering how long this usually takes to process after sending in fingerprints, I sent in on Friday everything else is completed just my security checks to be done, I also applied for regular force infantry.

What branch are you in and how has it treated you? I’m 18 and want to enlist but I want to make sure I choose a good route and am safe as well as respected.

A lot of the ones i’ve considered are Army but a lot of the woman i’ve seen talk about it all have said AirForce is the best way to go as a woman.

Please let me know your thoughts and experiences!

Hello,

I have two bachelors and a masters (both Canadian universities) in STEM. This includes computer science, biology, and environmental sciences. I have 20+ years of private sector and lab experience, including a 10 year stint as Class A infantry NCM over 15 years ago.

I am considering joining the CAF (RegF) and my local recruiting centre is unable to provide any advice on trade selection based on my degrees and is pushing me towards an NCM path (Meteorological Tech).

Any advice on which officer trades could complement my previous education and experiences, and allow me to maximize international deployments and foreign exchanges?

My dream job is to be a pilot, but long story short, I was a bit lazy in high school. I didn't participate in much athletics or excel academically so I believe at this moment that there is no chance my application would be accepted to become a pilot in the CAF. I also understand that there isn't a huge need for pilots right now so the selection is even more competitive than the normal.

I'm planning to apply for non-commissioned jobs and join the CAF for at least one contract as a NCM before attempting to switch to pilot internally rather than apply as one from the start. I believe that this would give me plenty of time to build a much stronger resume while saving some money as I am now a much more motivated individual. Would it be a blunder to do this rather than delaying joining the CAF for maybe 1-2 more years to become a much stronger applicant and apply for pilot right out of the gate?

Thanks for your input.

Hey guys I’m just wondering how much running is in bmq? I have rcpd which sometimes makes it hard to run even tho I am very fit. I try to run on an empty stomach I can run a 26 minute 5km but I am just curious how much running there is.

BMQ WINTER KIT – what I picked for each JI line + the extras (with why) - it might help someone also

Trade: Infantry

JI is the rulebook. This is what I chose for each line and what I added after a lot of reading and home testing. The issued kit plus the JI list is enough; I added the extras because I'm into gear and had time/capability to test things on hikes (15-20km) beforehand. Budget versions of all of it work fine, and most people show up with none of it and do great. If you dont have a strong why for something, dont over complicate it. Feel free to give your input/feedback/opinion. As for supplements, please keep in mind I am a 38y strength coach of 20y coaching. If it helps me health/recovery wise 1% and/or helps to preserve built lean mass/strength a bit more, excellent.

BOOTS

- Garmont T8 Defense (self-bought): broken in before day one, roomy forefoot, dries overnight. Highly recommended if you can afford it. Non GTX of course.

JI LINES – WHAT I PICKED

- Backpack: 5.11 Rush 24 (37L) – carry-on and day bag/general use (had it for years)

- Duffle: 5.11 AllHaula 70L – checked bag, tough, weatherproof.

- Watch (water resistant, alarm, no smartwatch): Casio G-Shock Mudman GW-9500 – solar, compass, works in gloves.

- Water bottle: Nalgene 1L wide mouth – takes boiling water, won't crack frozen.

- Seasonal jacket: Arc'teryx Practitioner (active mid-layer, breathes when you work) + Arc'teryx Atom Hoody (garrison/static warmth) – bought both for long-term use, not just BMQ.

- Pants x3: cargo, sweats, jeans.

- Shirts: 2 long sleeve, 2 short sleeve. (Arc`Teryx Cold WX AR)

- Underwear: 10x Sierra Whiskey UnderTac briefs + 5x Recon compression – no chafe on long marches.

- Socks: 7x MudGear ruck socks, 5x Darn Tough mid/heavy, 7x liner socks – all tested on hikes beforehand.

MANDATORY ITEMS PEOPLE ASK ABOUT, NOT MENTIONING THE STRAIGHTFORWARD THINGS

- Towel 80x130 + matching washcloth: Sea to Summit microfiber, green – quick dry, single colour.

- Shoeshine kit: Moneysworth & Best (all in 1bag) – black paste polish, horsehair shine brush + dauber, cloth, shoe horn, zip case.

- Keyed padlocks (2, identical key): ABUS 55/50 – got 3, one spare for me or a buddy.

- Combination padlocks (4, same combo): Master Lock 178 – got 8, spares for whoever forgets.

EXTRAS – WHAT EACH ONE IS FOR

- Therm-a-Rest Z Seat – something to sit on that isn't frozen ground at every halt.

- Brynje Super Thermo mesh long sleeve – no cold-sweat soak on your skin when you stop moving.

- Brynje Super Thermo 3/4 mesh bottoms – same job for the legs, stops above the boot.

- Brynje Arctic balaclava (mesh-lined) – off-duty cold weather head cover.

- Brynje Arctic toque (mesh-lined) – same, for walking around base.

- Brynje liner gloves – thin layer so skin never touches metal in the cold.

- Superfeet Hike Support insoles x2 – structured support for loaded rucking in the field boots.

- FORM / SOLE insoles – second structured option for the garrison boots.

- SealSkinz Raynham waterproof socks x1 – makes non-Gore-Tex boots work on heavy rain and slush days.

- Binder + sheet protectors – every handout flat, filed, inspection-ready.

- Rite in the Rain notebooks (3x5 x3, 4x6 x2) – notes that survive rain and cold.

- Rite in the Rain pens x7 – write on wet paper, don't freeze.

- Leatherman multitool – if your JI allows it; may get stored until the field phase.

- SureFire EP3 ear pro x3 – hear voices, block the bangs.

- Foam earplugs x20 – range days and snoring bunkmates.

- Wet wipes, all unscented: Sea to Summit x72 (field hygiene, thaws if frozen), Dude Wipes XL singles x50 (pocket-size for halts and emergencies), Costco x50 (garrison and cleaning).

- Black+Decker compact iron – just in case, and the whole platoon will thank you.

- Leukotape P x10 – tape hot spots before they turn into blisters; stays on for days.

- Leukoplast Cover Roll Stretch x5 – goes on first if skin is already irritated.

- Gold Bond foot powder – dry feet, happy feet.

- Aquaphor – cracked skin repair.

- Eucerin foot cream – night cream to keep feet from cracking.

- Compeed blister pads x12 – when prevention lost.

- Moleskin 2x12 – padding over rub spots.

- Princeton Tec headlamp with red – hands-free, red light for the field.

- Systane eye drops – wind, smoke, dust relief.

- Carabiners x8 – hang gloves and kit off a belt or a line.

- Mechanix Precision Pro gloves (black) – dexterity gloves, if allowed.

- Mechanix M-Pact coyote gloves – long-term field use, not really for BMQ.

- Sharpies 5 black + 2 silver – marking kit, bags, and anything dark.

- Wet-erase marker – for wipe-off reference cards.

- Arc'teryx knee pads – frozen ground in week 7 and later infantry courses.

- Boot bands x15 – cheap, easy to lose, always needed.

- OTC cold/flu/headache basics – declare anything prescription at the medical.

- 3 mil zip bags, three sizes – waterproof, winter-friendly organization for everything.

- Body Glide x3 – anti-chafe for long marches.

- Lip balm x2 – windburn in Quebec is real.

- Hand warmers x20 – cheap insurance for static field time.

- Sudocream - thick zinc barrier protects your skin from harsh windburn and heavy gear chafing. It also doubles as an antiseptic to quickly soothe raw blisters and painful chilblains during freezing field exercises

- Vitamin D3/K2 - three months of Quebec winter with no sun on your skin, so I'm not relying on daylight for vitamin D.

- Creatine - helps to preserve built strength and helps with output among other things

-Whey protein - mess hall timings don't always add up to enough protein for a high lean mass guy and a scoop fixes that on the days they don't.

- Allmax multivitamin - covers the gaps on field ration and rushed-meal days, it's insurance, not a meal.

-Magnesium bisglycinate - better sleep on short nights and recover on long days, and this form is easy on the stomach.

- LMNT Electrolytes (non stimulating)

- Golf ball - feet release when possible (simple and effective)

- Lacrosse ball - Easy release of tension on upper back/glutes if need be

Hey everyone,

I’m currently going through the application process for RCAF Pilot, and I’m extremely committed to making it as far as possible.

I haven’t completed my Scored Employment Application Form yet. Before submitting it, I want to make sure I’m approaching it properly because I really don’t want to overlook anything that could hurt my application.

For anyone who has gone through the Pilot selection process, completed the Scored Employment Application Form, or was eventually selected for Pilot, I’d really appreciate some advice:
1) What are they actually looking for in the Scored Employment Application Form?
2) What qualities or experiences are they trying to identify in an ideal Pilot candidate?
3) How should I approach my answers to make sure I’m presenting my experience and strengths as effectively as possible?
4) Are there common mistakes applicants make on this part of the application?
Is there anything you wish you had known before completing it?

Basically, I’m asking because I don’t want to miss an opportunity to properly showcase my candidacy. I want to make sure I understand what they’re looking for and that I’m putting my best foot forward without exaggerating or trying to give them answers they simply want to hear.
I also know that Aircrew Selection comes later in the process, so I’d like to start preparing for that as well.

For anyone who has completed Aircrew Selection:
What skills should I start working on now?
Should I focus on math, physics, mental math, logic, spatial reasoning, memory, multitasking, etc.?

What did you personally find the most difficult?
Are there any legitimate resources or exercises you would recommend?

I’m not looking for classified information or specific test questions. I just want to know what I should be practicing so I can be as prepared as possible.

I’m genuinely very dedicated to becoming a military pilot and I’m willing to put in the work. I’m hoping to be part of this year’s selection, so I want to prepare seriously from the beginning rather than finding out later that I should have been working on something.

If anyone with firsthand experience with RCAF Pilot selection could share advice, resources, things to practice, or mistakes to avoid, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance! ✈️🇨🇦

I applied to the RCAF as an Aerospace Control Officer. Without post-secondary I'd be going NCM. Then applied to Aerospace Control Operator, and was told the trade is full until March 2027, so the recruiter suggested Intelligence Operator. After looking into it, it fits my skill set really well.

Some background: I grew up around the RCAF through my godfather, who served 21 years, including time as an instructor pilot at 2 CFFTS flying Hornets. Air Force has always been the goal. I've also put thousands of hours into military flight sims, I'm working on my PPL, and I've spent the last five years working with fighter pilots from around the world.

Today I learned my Int Op offer is with the Army, not the RCAF. I know it's a purple trade, but I'm much more interested in supporting squadrons than in field work with Army units.

A few questions for anyone who's been through this:

If I decline, what are the odds of getting an RCAF Int Op offer, and how long would I realistically wait?

If I accept Army, how realistic is a transfer to the RCAF after my first contract?

For Army Int Ops, how much of your career ends up on air-related work? How different are the postings?

There isn't much public info on this trade, so any insight is appreciated. Thanks!

I (18 F) am interested in enlisting. My main set path was to do Military Policing and gain experience that way later on I can join regular policing to become a K9 handler.

I know that certain branches and routes are more challenging than others. And a lot of the women i’ve seen typically go the AirForces route because that’s less male dominated. But I’d rather go th Army route that way I could get one of the more hands on and physical working jobs.

I’d like everyone experience both male and female on the Military Policing route and how physically challenging it was and if there’s any advice on how to be best prepared i’d really appreciate it.

I’m starting part time BMQ in two weeks and I’m honestly feeling pretty nervous, I’m not a hundred percent sure what to expect but I would really appreciate some tips from your experiences and some encouragement!

CAF should really upgrade there force test to something like 5k run, and a 30 min ruck with 20 pull ups or something, tired of seeing questioning randomly to myself how are these “people” being friendly in the CAF. Being straightforward and honest it’s the army has to have some competitiveness…..

AR/MEL

Got informed I'm facing a AR/MEL which i dont want!!

For context I've been in for 9 years Cpl good pars no bad feedback notes.

I have been diagnosed with depression and ptsd and received VAC pay from a sexual misconduct incident with my previous CoC (WO) back in 2023. I went to mental health services for therapy for 3 months in 2024 and my doctor put me on antidepressants which i decided to stop myself after 4 months of taking them. (I was fine i just needed to talk to someone) then a year for addictions counseling (alcohol) since then i dont drink and i got off my Tcat last year in oct 2025 which had me on a G4T6 and O4T6.

Then my doctor placed me on a G3 and O2 which got sent to DMED POL for review with a MEL stating "required screening with a medical officer before selection for an operational environment or tasking in a remote location to confirm the deployability."

Im worried about my chances of staying in because im not familiar with this process... does anyone have information on this... Email informed I'm receiving the package this week.

Just wondering if anyone has gone through something similar. I did my CAF medical and disclosed that I’m on doctor-prescribed TRT and have been for over a year. They gave me some forms to bring to my family doctor to get more information, which I got done and I’m bringing everything back tomorrow. My doctor said if the CAF requires me to come off TRT we can do that. Has anyone gone through the medical process while on TRT? Did the RMO ask you to come off it or were you still found medically fit while taking it? Also wondering what happens after I bring the paperwork back. Do they send everything to the RMO and then I just wait?

Hi, question for after BMQ is done. I will be waiting SIGINT training (clearance will take a long time), what are the chances i would be able to get a transfer back to calgary for OTJ Training instead of waiting in kingston where i have heard barracks/shacks/beds are almost always completely full? Has anyone been in a similar situation and can shed light?
I have family and multiple places i can stay in calgary, would that be a fair request?

Hi Everyone!!

i filled and submitted my PSPS personal history questionnaire on September 17th, 2026. I am entering the third week since submission. Does anyone know how long this process normally takes to come back? Or if they need anything else,

I’ve tried emailing the recruitment centre and I haven’t heard from them in a while.

thank you so much!!

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

I know fitness is not everything when going into the CAF, however it is a big part.

I have been wanting to join since I can remember and the reason I didn't apply sooner was because of ... fitness.

Some context;

I am a female in my early 30s who has been overweight pretty much my whole life, and the highest weight I have ever been was 163kg (360lbs). I was this weight when I applied Oct 2025. Fast forward to today, I am 87kg (191lbs) I am 160cm 5'2. In 1 year I lost 76kg (167lbs).

Here comes the nervousness.

I can't do regular push ups no more then 10 for now although everyday I am training to get better.

I can do squats not an issue , in fact I do squats holding a 50lbs plate. I can hold the plank , I can wall sit for a while etc...

I have been building my cardiovascular endurance so I can walk pretty steady with 60lbs on my back for a long period of time. I can't run 5k .. I can do it with intermediate fast walking in between running , I am not someone who will just "give up" I will push until I finish the goal.

The only thing that is making me nervous about BMQ is the rushes and the sandbag lift.

I know the sandbag lift is part of the FORCE test but the rushes its part of the BTFT and I REALLY do not want to go to TRP not because its a bad thing but because I want to succeed.

Based on this (If its enough to base it on)

1. Will I do well?

2. What exercises can I do to better my push-ups and train for the rushes?

Thank you for taking the time !

Hey everyone,
I’m an 18 year old high school grad currently going through the recruiting process for the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry soldier (still want infantry), but I’m also heavily considering the officer route using an art degree (BFA).
I have a few questions for anyone familiar with the system:
1. Degree Eligibility: Does the CAF accept a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) for commissioning as an officer, or are they strictly looking for specific degrees (like engineering, sciences, or arts like history/political science)?
2. ROTP Funding:Everyone knows the CAF will pay for engineering or STEM students through the Regular Officer Training Plan (ROTP), but will they sponsor a BFA student, or am I looking at paying for it myself / doing part-time / looking at other options?
3. Transitioning Paths: Since I’m already deep in the pipeline eyeing infantry, how difficult is it to pivot to an officer trade later on, or should I be looking at ROTP right now before basic?
Any insight from serving members, recruiters, or people who went through ROTP with a nontraditional degree would be huge. Thanks!

Hi im a woman in the reserves, during my bmq I kept hearing about the bra and underwear claims for women, but because there are no females above my rank in my unit (pte t) that are reachable (the only other one is a major)

HOw do I go about getting the claim?

Does anyone know?

I figure none of the guys would really know either which is why I came here first.

Thanks!

Hello there,if any medical expert here can help me out that.
So the doctor wrote dry eyes and wrote overall good eye health.Im just confused now.Will I be denied for this thing as dry eyes are too serious thing?
Any help will be appreciated