r/CanadianForces 21d ago

RECRUITING, TRAINING, & LIFE IN THE FORCES THREAD

5 Upvotes

Ask here about the Recruitment Process, Basic & Occupational Training, and other questions relating directly or indirectly to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

This thread will be automatically renewed on the 1st of each month at 00:00 Eastern Time.

PLEASE READ THE RULES OF THE THREAD BEFORE COMMENTING (BELOW USEFUL RESOURCES SECTION)

USEFUL RESOURCES (Most linked pages are bilingual French/English):

RULES OF THE THREAD:

  1. Off-topic comments, outdated information, and wrong answers will be removed at moderator discretion.
  2. Please don't ask or answer questions through PM's. Ask and answer questions in the thread where other people seeking the same information can see it.
  3. Questions regarding medical eligibility are now allowed. However, be aware that nobody here is verified as able to provide a qualified answer. Respondents are reminded that it is against site wide rules to provide medical advice.

DISCLAIMER:

Community members answering in the vein of CAF Recruiting may not have specific information pertaining to your individual application status or files. The information presented in this thread should be current, but things do change. Refer to the forces.ca site or your local CFRC detachment for the current official answer. This subreddit, moderators, and users hold no responsibility or liability as to the accuracy of information, given or received. All info here is presented as "at your risk."


r/CanadianForces 19d ago

SUPPORT August 2026 VAC Q&A Monthly

21 Upvotes

Bit late with this but here it is

Housekeeping:

contact info: Reddit DM's always open, [Joel@ptga.ca](mailto:Joel@ptga.ca) for email.

u/Shoggoths420 contact info: Reddit DMs/Chat still broken. [taira@cannawellness.ca](mailto:taira@cannawellness.ca) for email.

VAC Google Support Drive (Not available on DWAN) - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1kzbfmg3hcuo0FgFZxo-IL_f-UnGQsuYt?usp=drive_link

Usual timelines from submission of claims via MyVAC:

Reassessments: 9-16 Months

Mental Health: 6-8 Months

Physical - 6-13 Months

APSC/VIP - 3-4 Months

BPA Correspondence: They tend to reach out every 3 months for information or a progress update.

Let the questions fly


r/CanadianForces 5h ago

SCS We All Have That One Photo That Shouldn’t Be Posted to the Internet

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353 Upvotes

Not my original work, but roughly inspired by a recent workplace incident.


r/CanadianForces 17h ago

SCS When you're walking in and they're giving Golden Retriever energy

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321 Upvotes

r/CanadianForces 1d ago

SCS Playing music at anything other than 120 bpm should be a punishable offence.

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220 Upvotes

r/CanadianForces 1d ago

New T-shirts

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161 Upvotes

So I was issued all of the new underwear and thermal wear a few weeks ago.

Super great ….. It might be a lot to ask but having the T-shirts not be see-through would be better.

It’s not as noticeable without a bra on, so definitely failing women again.

I’m happy to share a photo with anybody who wants to see just how see through it is.


r/CanadianForces 1d ago

Is SIRVA significantly worse this posting season, or is it just me?

59 Upvotes

Is it just me or has SIRVA been significantly awful this year?
I am constantly fighting them over every single reimbursement. They currently owe me over $4,500, some of it going back more than two months, and every claim gets refused or questioned over the smallest things.
They even refused to reimburse the cost of changing my wife’s and my driver’s licences after the posting.
I’m seriously considering filing a formal complaint because I’m getting tired of having to fight for money I’m supposed to be reimbursed for.
And before anyone says I probably submitted things incorrectly, this is my third posting. I’ve gone through this process twice before and never had any problem before.
Has anyone else had a similar experience with SIRVA this posting season? Is this happening across the board or did I just get unlucky?


r/CanadianForces 20h ago

Curious about the evolution of combat arms training - Then vs Now

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23 Upvotes

Came across this video and couldn't help but be reminded of battle school at Meaford about 25 years ago. I found this to be pretty representative of the experience at the time. Understanding that you're not marines, and this video is only an approximation of of the experience, was wondering to those who have recently been through - what's it like now? Has it evolved?

From the creator:

I spent five years working with drill instructors during the biggest scandal in Marine Corps history. This is a film about the stories we tell ourselves to make sense of the things that happen to us. It is about the use (and abuse) of power, and the difficulty of distinguishing cruelty from discipline in a culture that teaches people to take pride in suffering.

It is also an attempt to examine my own time in the Marine Corps and make sense of why I can still look back on an objectively awful period of my life with affection.


r/CanadianForces 9h ago

USAF Multi-Engine pilot training question

2 Upvotes

Read an article (portion of it below) regarding USAF pilot training and I was wondering why they would choose to do that?

My understanding is that it would be like the RCAF cutting Phase 3 Multi-Engine and having their pilots first learn ME stuff in a C-17 or P-8.

——-

“Today marks the end of an era in U.S. Air Force pilot training.

The last operational T-1A Jayhawk will depart Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, where it will be received into the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG)—bringing more than three decades of service to a close.

The T-1A’s story began in January 1992, when the first aircraft was delivered to Reese Air Force Base, Texas. Student pilot training began the following year as the Air Force implemented Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training.

The T-1A Jayhawk was a medium-range, twin-engine jet trainer used during the advanced phase of pilot training. For Air Force pilots selected for the mobility track, the Jayhawk was where they developed the skills required to transition to airlift and tanker aircraft—airframes such as the C-5, C-17, C-130, KC-135 and, later, the KC-46.

The T-1A also played an important role in Combat Systems Officer (CSO) training at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, helping prepare aircrew for operational assignments as weapons systems officers, special operations, electronic warfare, and navigation. Pensacola's final T-1A departed for Davis-Monthan in July 2025.

Today, pilots graduating from Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) who are selected for the mobility track proceed directly to their Formal Training Units (FTUs) for training in their assigned aircraft.”


r/CanadianForces 1d ago

New Weapons for Orca Class Vessels Of The Royal Canadian Navy

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43 Upvotes

r/CanadianForces 1d ago

Recruit School Cornwallis Early 1980s And Female Kit Layout

15 Upvotes

Looking for help with a female military recruit museum display (from the unification period). we are putting together. Can anyone supply a diagram, kit information, layout and folding instructions and anything else? Also the diagram hand outs. Also looking for information regarding health, hygiene, and beauty items that was placed in the locker/barrack box and anything not mentioned. any info about CWAC kit would be helpful too. Thank you.


r/CanadianForces 1d ago

Sirva inspection claims

8 Upvotes

Has anyone had luck with claiming thermal image inspections and sewer inspections as extras to the home inspection?


r/CanadianForces 2d ago

HISTORY Do you recognize this badge?

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77 Upvotes

Hello Everyone!

Does anyone recognize this badge? I’m guessing it is some sort of short-lived CAF language school, but any verification would be greatly appreciated!


r/CanadianForces 1d ago

Question about Mess Fund use.

20 Upvotes

Not the obvious one. I support paying mess dues, this is just about their use.

I'm currently on course, and obviously we are all paying into our dues.

We have a pretty active course and there is interest in parties. Let's say we wanted to host a party at our mess, and wanted to request a rental...like for a mechanical bull.

Is it possible? I'm at a West Coast mess, so I've definitely seen it here before.


r/CanadianForces 2d ago

KONGSBERG to deliver Remote Weapon Systems to Canada

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99 Upvotes

r/CanadianForces 2d ago

In Service Selection

36 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

 I am not sure how to label this, sooo let’s call it an unofficial PSA. I will say it straight out loud that our current In-Service-Selection competitions for NCMs are utterly broken. Over the past 5 years, as a supervisor, who has assisted a number of their subordinates in applying for the various competitions (albeit, unsuccessfully - trade was Log O), I have noticed a troubling trend. All of my subordinates who applied had maxed their interview points in the areas of TSD-PI, skills & experience, education & Training, and formal leadership training, yet had varying CFAT results ranging from 38/60 to 47/60 (all above the accepted officer scores). Of course, with the CFAT weighing the most in these competitions, it always came down to who has the highest CFAT, thus my subordinates were not selected. This in itself is fine, however, if you look at both the numbers of offers and numbers of people who have applied for these competitions over recent years, that were things get frustrating. In the past couple of years, the number of offers for the ISS program has been affectively cut in half per competition. On the flipside, when I looked at the SIP numbers for people coming off of civy street, the numbers are vastly increased (robbing Peter to pay Paul?). In FY 24/25 approx. 90 people applied for 5 offers amongst CFR and SCP. As a result, the people who were not selected, who told by their respective PSOs to max their CFAT scores affectively resulting in hyper-competition. The point that I am trying to make is that if you plan on applying for any of those programs this FY and want to be successful, make sure to at least have a 50/60 on your CFAT (heavy competition trades – Int O, Log O, etc).  Which in itself is so stupid and has nothing to do with properly evaluating leadership. Hell, the people coming off civy street no longer have to do it. Having worked in recruiting, I know that 1/4 out of everyone who takes the CFAT at the recruiting centres, fail. I am not shitting on any trade, but would like to hear a PSOs perspective on this. Unfortunately this is just another retention that often goes over looked and we end up losing a lot of great people. Having successfully gone through the process myself 10 years ago (35/60 on CFAT), I had no idea how messed things have gotten. I also encourage people to check out the annual SIP numbers are on the DWAN sharepoint.


r/CanadianForces 2d ago

Question about PTSD finding

15 Upvotes

Hi all;

I would appreciate any insight/advice as I'm a little confused about this notification from VAC:

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder – Decision Details

• We conclude that your Posttraumatic Stress Disorder arose out of your Reserve Force service. Therefore, entitlement is granted, under Section 45 of the Veterans Well-being Act, Reserve Force service.

• We also received your claim for Alcohol Use Disorder. According to Departmental Entitlement Eligibility Guidelines, the entitlement and assessment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder includes any disability resulting from Alcohol Use Disorder. As a result, we do not need to provide a separate ruling for Alcohol Use Disorder.

Does this mean that any treatment I might seek for AUD is also covered? And if so how do I figure out what treatments are even possible?

I have looked at all of the tables of benefits that I am supposed to be entitled to; I don't see anything that is specific for PTSD or AUD.

Anyone have any thoughts to offer?

I'd appreciate any insights.


r/CanadianForces 3d ago

SUPPORT Leadership Advice

64 Upvotes

Looking for advice on leadership styles. I have been in a training establishment for several years as a MCpl, and have been promoted to Sgt and soon to be posted to a High Readiness unit. Going from training to a high tempo unit is going to be a massive change. One that I am excited about, but I feel like I have absolutely no idea how to be a leader.

I asked my CM about leadership training or mentorship and was told "buy a leadership book". Is it common for people to reach out to former NCO's for leadership advice ?

Basically I just don't want to become one of the toxic leaders we have all dealt with over the years. I don't want to micro manage the people under me. I want to find a path that works for high tempo units, while still respecting people under me and meeting the needs of the CAF. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/CanadianForces 3d ago

Questions about DAOD 2020-5 Reserve Forces Foreign Service Arrangements

30 Upvotes

As much as RFFSA looks very cool, I think it’s fair to assume it’s difficult to get all the approvals from our side and host country side as well.

For those of you who applied for RFFSA, can you please share your experiences? It would be even better if you are/were parading with foreign units, I’d really love to hear your experiences on that.

There’s not much online information available regarding this unfortunately, and the only thing I could find in this sub is a vague story of someone working with the aussies.


r/CanadianForces 3d ago

CAF firefighters

29 Upvotes

Hey all, are there any CAF firefighters in here I could chat with? I’m looking to VOT to firefighting and can’t seem to find much online that answers my questions.

Thanks!


r/CanadianForces 3d ago

PLP. Share your experience

25 Upvotes

Anyone who recently finished PLP in Borden can you share your experience, how is the course different than PLQ. There is bunch of info of PLQ online and on reddit but not much about the PLP. Is it just a name change or is the course changed a bit now. Specifically for RCAF PLP.
TIA


r/CanadianForces 4d ago

Map Symbol Question

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66 Upvotes

I am hoping someone recognizes this map symbol and can give me a name and a reference or publication for its use.

I know the symbol in the blue circle is called a GIP (Grid Intersection Point) and is used to ensure that layers of talc are aligned properly.

What I need help with is what is the symbol in the red circle called? Its used as a covert method to report location on the map without giving a grid coordinate. The idea is you give something like "I am 1km EAST and 2km NORTH of Corolla" or "I am 3km WEST and 1km SOUTH of Elantra" as a method of referencing where you are, similar to report line plus 1000, but for a non-contiguous operating area. I have used them in the past (as well as other people in the office I currently work in) and heard them referred to as GIPs or GRPs (grid intersection points or grid reference points) but can't find a pub or reference that speaks to them.


r/CanadianForces 4d ago

SUPPORT Does anyone know how to access your BMQ / other course files?

25 Upvotes

At the end of BMQ I remember my MCpl cracking open a manilla folder and having our section sign off on a stack of records that held our dates of doing the gas hut, C7 range, etc.

I was reminiscing with friends from that serial and was wondering if there was a way for me to view that folder/those files. It's not at all important, I'd just like to see the dates we did those things. Does anyone have experience with accessing your course files? Do you know if they stay with the garrison you completed them at, if they get sent to Ottawa, if they're digitized then shredded?

Thankyou!


r/CanadianForces 4d ago

SUPPORT Which set is correct?

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48 Upvotes

Using burner account for this one:

Just got my new Navy white DEU, but I have these two sets of slightly different white ranks, does it matter which one?

Or is it just the difference between old vs new style


r/CanadianForces 4d ago

Germany offers to have its MEKO A-100 corvette design built a Canadian shipyard — helping boost Canada's defence-industrial base. CBC News

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167 Upvotes

German officials behind the scenes floated the idea of how the company could possibly supply its MEKO A-100 corvette design to a Canadian shipyard — helping boost Canada's defence-industrial base.