What to expect at basic training for the Canadian army ?

Question

Joining soon and was wondering what to expect.

Answer 1

Expect to run alot.

First you will do Recruit Training (QL-1). This is common to all arms (Army, Air, Navy) but expect only Army in your course. This is a cooth and culture course. You will cover topics like military law, rank structures, basic drill, First Aid, etc.

The second course (QL-3) arm specific. So you will be in "army " training. Here you will learn Army specific skills. Weapon skills, map reading, marching, patroling, etc is taught.

Last recruit course is QL-3 which is branch specific. That means Infantry, Armour, or Artillery. The skills that are taught are specific to the job. For example, if you are in the Armour branch, you learn: POL, Machine Gun, Comms, AFV recognition, Driving, etc. At the end of this course you are no longer considered a recruit, you are now a Private, Trooper, Sapper, or Gunner.

Things are alot tougher since Afganistan was added to the mix. Your course officers are looking for physical fitness, mental toughness, leadership, and enthusiasm. Expect lots of yelling but little real abuse. They will push you and your course mates until you break both mentally and physically.

The course parties at the end can be the stuff of legends.

Answer 2

Uh... Make sure he doesn't leave his locker unlocked, or you might find your underwear spread out over the entire base?

Answer 3

Should be pretty laid back...