About joining the army?

Question

I recently graduated from university and is thinking about joining the Canadian Force. Although I am thinking more of a technical and supporting position instead of being in the frontline holding weapons, I understand that there is a basic military training session for about 11 weeks for all positions. Can anyone share their experience on how this or similar trainings in other countries are like? I am delaying my application since right now I don't think I could pass their pre-enrollement physical test unless I put time on some physical training this year myself. The army seemed to be prmoising and I believe the pay and benefits should be good. Can anyone share their actual experience on how it is like being in the army and what are some of the bad things that I have to be adware of?

Answer 1

If you are a US citizen, you cannot join the Canadian Armed Forces. If you are Canadian, then that's fine. You have a benefit, depending on what you majored in, in college, you can receive a direct commission as an officer. Granted it would be a 2nd lieutenant, the entry-level officer position, being an officer has many benefits.

To start, if you want to join in a technical aspect, then you'll need some sort of background in it, much like here in the United States Army. That will be expected of you whether you enlist or whether you apply as an officer. That is pretty much universal in many of the top nations around the globe. They prefer those who have majored in electronics, engineering, or science in the technical end. Now of course that too depends on what you are willing to do. If you want to become an officer, the requirements are much more high. You'll need certain requirements to join, you will need to still go through basic training no matter what, and you will be charge of those subordinates beneath you, in which case you'll need leadership skills. Most 2nd lieutenants command the military unit of a platoon, which is about 25 to 44 soldiers.

Next, Canada presently at this moment in time I don't believe is involved in any conflicts overseas and even if they are, it isn't really of anything note worthy due to the War on Terrorism that is occurring with many other nations. So, to even join in Canada's infantry regiments, it is still not likely at this point in time that you would even be fighting.

Third, whatever army you join, whether you enlist or become an officer, you will have to endure Basic Combat Training or BCT. Here in the US, it runs about 12 weeks. Other countries have it for 11, while some do 15 even. I know that the British Army has a 9 week course and then the Individual Training course of 12 weeks. Canada's probably runs about ten weeks with individual training of about nine to ten as well.

It is probably well that you try and update yourself with pre-training before you decide to join. The requirements for the military I'm sure aren't going to kill, but they will definitely let you know of certain muscles you never knew you had. Of course, like in many of the first-world countries, there's always a specialty force. Like for instance, here in the US, we have the Rangers --- Army, Navy Seals --- Navy, while in Britain, there is the Royal Marines, which is the UK's main specialty fighting force. Standards and requirements for these such forces are much more disciplined. Plus, with any armed force in most countries, you will need to take their entrance examination which explains to the military counselors what you can do in terms of basic knowledge. This also gives you a general idea of what you can do with yourself while in there in terms of career goals. Many take this test thinking they are going to become chopper pilots for the Army, little do they realize is that you need to become at least a 1st lieutenant, have selected-officer training, and then pass the armed forces requirements for the position of becoming a pilot.

I would while training, if you still decide to go forth with this, brush up on general math, english, science, grammar, general things. It certainly won't hurt. Pay in the army, is similar to the US Armed Forces. There are pay grades. If you decide to enlist, you will be either a Private E2, or just a Private. Either way, you will be receiving between $300 and $700 a month. If you enlist as an officer, you can expect between $900 and $1350 a month roughly. Now, one of the most important thing you need to be faced with as well is the fact of materials in the military. Many people believe the fact that everything is given to you by the government. Not true. Much like in many other armies, including the US military, British, Germany, France, Spain, and even Norway, you are given a certain amount of clothing. usually two dress uniforms, two BDUs - (Battle Dress Uniform), one pair of dress shoes, one pair of combat boots, and other necessary things. However, it is up to you to purchase anything else that has been destroyed, needs repairing, or replaced through what the army gives you as an allowance. That's right, you are given most of the time a card, much like a credit card. There's so much on it throughout any month. You have to pay for haircuts, medicine, toiletries, clothing, footwear, etc. The initial haircut is free, but, everything after that is paid for by you.

Now don't get me wrong, the military life can have its benefits and it can also have its cons. For one thing, when you are in the military, you will begin to feel a sense of major accomplishment, pride, joy for yourself, and the notion of serving your country, your people, and the allied nations of the world by protecting freedom, justice, liberty, and above all, hope for a better world. The other unfortunate things about military life is the fact that you can't simply go outside whenever you want at first, you must get up at a precise time everyday. If can't go out with friends or attend family gatherings. Birthdays and holidays are usually missed. And, no matter what, whether you are responsible for it or not, you have to answer to your superior.

Just make sure that before you join, that you ask yourself what do you really want to do with your life, can you do it outside of the armed forces, why am I doing this. Am I trying to impress someone or to prove something. This shouldn't be a joke, being in the armed forces is nothing to take lightly. When you enlist, it usually is for a maximum of three to four years, and six years for the reserves.

Whatever you consider, trust yourself, believe in yourself, know who you really are, and do what your heart tells you.

Good luck, and best wishes in your plan.

Answer 2

I don't know that much about the Canadian Forces, other than they are small and were recently cut.

Most of the time military experience helps develop a person. You may never see combat, but chances are you will get some weapons training.

The downside of military service is that it always includes a risk of combat. The upside is training, discipline and character development.

Talk to a recruiter.

Answer 3

The military in Canada are all combined so there is no such thing as the Canadian Army. Check out the Canadian Combined Armed Forces sites

Don't be a nimrod and join.

Answer 4

One thing that you should think of is that geting through "boot camp" or simular is almost always tougher than just qualify for the pt test. Its a good idea to train hard and get used to long hours and spending the night awake. Joining the service means long hours and tough work. Can you do that? Then good luck and may you live in interresting times! Johan

Answer 5

I was in the U.S. Army and found it was very difficult to live under their rules. Often people are promoted simply because they stay in.
For technical training in the U.S. I would recommend the Air Force over any other branch. They also have better accommodations.
And I would recommend Canada over the U.S. in any branch.

Answer 6

kid-war time's hell,and peace time's a mother f--k-r ,by the way what did you do-or plan-to do with all the knowledge you stowed in that limp head of your's for all those years you were spending at "university"? my boy's never got college before the military!! they earned the privlage by being the men that they are in the service of my uncle-sam! why don't you try the military at one of those yuppie camps round your area and then decide if you want to give your life for your cuntry

Answer 7

my son joined the army seven years ago he was in reme thats elecrical
engineers he did a twelve week couse he said it was very daunting but he got through and he was very lucky with his postings he went to quite a lot of hot spots came home with more confidence and self esteam he grew up but i am sure it had its down side to get through the training if you like but get a lot of diferent views my son was british army i dont know anyone from the canadian army good lick

Answer 8

Hilarious

Answer 9

I personally would not join, why would you want to join an organisation that trains people to kill other human beings.