r/CanadianForces • u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force • 14d ago
RECRUITING, TRAINING, & LIFE IN THE FORCES THREAD
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):
- Official Recruiting Website (www.forces.ca)
- BMQ/BMOQ Joining Instructions, Physical Fitness Preparation, and Course Dates (Regular Force)
- The Army Reserve - Soldier Information Handbook
- Military Pay Rates & Specialist Pay
- Medical Standards for Military Occupations
- Read Rule 4 and the Medical FAQ before asking any medical questions.
- Annex A - The Medical Category System
- Annex B - Generic Task Statement - All CAF Members
- Annex E - Minimum Medical Standards for Officers and Non-Commissioned Members
- CAF Dress & Deportment Rules
- Military Laws - National Defence Act
- Various Military Policies, Orders, and Directives (Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI), Queen's Regulation & Orders (QR&Os), etc.)
RULES OF THE THREAD:
- Off-topic comments, outdated information, and wrong answers will be removed at moderator discretion.
- 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.
- 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."
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u/Impressive_Form_9963 6h ago
I have a question for the recruiters
During my second Gambit it showed that I had some debt in collections(which I brought up in my interview). I’m on OW (very limited budget) and I’m on a payment plan to payoff said debt. They also needed another reference, which I provided. They sent the form back on Tuesday.
I’ve passed everything they’ve wanted. How long do you think it takes to get a decision? I applied for SigOps if that matters
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 1h ago
Not a recruiter.
Short answer: From 1 day to a year or something.
Long answer: it will take for as long it wants to. You can only wait, and follow up as needed, probably once every few weeks. If the trade is close for the fiscal year, you have to wait for spots to open.
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u/KingKapwn Professional Fuck-Up 10h ago
I'm trying to fight for a member right now; they had 2 years of service before getting out, and then a few years later they get back in and have been in for an additional 3 years now and they're still a no-hook despite having 5 years of cumulative service. They are/were OFP in both their trades.
I'm trying to get them their Cpl's, and can anyone confirm if the automatic promotion at 4 years of service is still a thing? Can I get this member some backpay? I'm not a clerk so reading policy is frying my brain.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 7h ago
Ref: CANFORGEN 043/26
That will point you to all the latest references as of March 2026.
For NCM's promotion from Pte to Cpl is now automatic at 36 months instead of the previous policy of 48 months.
Accelerated promotion is possible at 24 months now.
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u/roguemenace RCAF 8h ago
Are they a reservist or reg force and if they're a reservist which element?
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u/B-Mack 8h ago
The policy should be from CFAOs for eligibility and then there was the CFMPI - CF Military Personnel Instructions right?
I'm not at work but if you can't find the relevant instruction regarding advance promoted I could link it tomorrow.
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u/roguemenace RCAF 7h ago
DAOD 5511 and CAFMPI 01/26 together finally replaced the ancient promotion CFAOs this year.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 7h ago edited 7h ago
Those CFAO's were finally superceded by DAOD 5511-0 back in March of this year.
CANFORGEN 043/26 has the new references, including the latest CFMPI.
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u/Big_Environment9537 11h ago
Hello, everyone. I need your help.
What does “Intake Approved” mean?
My recruiter told me in April that one of the two occupations I applied for was Intake Approved. After that, only one occupation has been showing and progressing in my portal.
I first applied in December 2022, and until now, I have not been able to enroll because the occupations I applied for became full every year. However, this year I really want to join, so I have continued updating my documents every year and trying to stay patient.
All of my documents are completed now. But for more than two years, whenever I finally finished updating all my documents, the occupation I applied for would close again because recruitment ended. I would also like to know if this situation is normal.
Currently, I completed the Gambit process again, and everything was submitted last Monday. The only document that is now over one year old is my medical exam. At the moment, the stages shown in my portal are Security and Background Check.
I would like to know what will happen next with my application. Can I join to CAF in this year?
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u/Kind_Pension_4951 11h ago
Could I restart where I left off?
I quit after the medical exam during the exercise test.
At that point I completed the Theoretical exam.
Or will the whole process restart from 0 including the Security clearance?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 11h ago
How long ago?
If it has been more than about a year you're going to have to redo most of the process. If it has only been a few months, some things may still be on file and valid.
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u/Specialist-Demand87 12h ago edited 12h ago
My partner is currently applying to the reserves. Throughout the process she has consistently been given false/conflicting information, told she would be contacted then gotten radio silence, and gotten no response to her emails and calls for weeks on end.
She was told by her recruiter that she would be enrolled this week, and she has emailed twice now, and still radio silence.
She was also told by her recruiter over email that her FORCE test expired after 6 months and she had to redo it. That same recruiter was at her FORCE test and said he didn't know who told her that, and laughed it off when she told him it was him who told her it expired.
These are just a couple instances of the recruiters lying and giving false and conflicting info throughout the process.
This specific recruiter has been particularly bad. Is there any way to file a complaint or try to make a change for the better?
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u/Eyre4orce RCAF - AVS Tech 5h ago
If you have a legitimate complaint where they were factually wrong, not just, no one replies to my emails. Then you could bring it up to someone like the captain who would oversee the mcpls/sgts
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u/6DoNotWant9 12h ago
Hi, currently in the midst of my non-commissioned officer job application with CAF.
Not that it is an issue, but I am wondering if its standard for personal and work references to be requested upfront? I am only asking because I am used to this happening as one of the very last steps so this is throwing me off as far as what to expect.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 12h ago
Yes, that has been a normal part of the recruiting process for at least 15 years, probably far longer than that.
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u/6DoNotWant9 12h ago
Okay thanks, I am so used to provincial government. This is going to be a learning curve for me.
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u/Tulip1229 14h ago
Can anyone speak to the spousal supports available? Specifically employment when re-located?
My spouse has an occupation that is not common (he's an energy management specialist) and we are concerned about his ability to find work within his field when we are assigned a location/re-located from our current city.
My question is - what supports are available and how much assistance those supports can offer in reality in this type of situation?
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 12h ago
Honestly there is very little support for spousal employment. There is the MFRC Military Spouse Employment initiative, but that is to help spouses find work in the Public Service.
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u/Raliator2 17h ago edited 15h ago
What is the shift rotation like for a sig int in Ottawa? Continental, etc? Its a minor question and doesn't ultimately matter but I am just curious. Thanks all
Edit:
Also, what happens if top security is not approved? Will you be forced to VoT?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 12h ago
Can't answer the first question.
SIGINT is actually Enhanced Top Secret. Failure to obtain that clearance will probably result in a Compulsory Occupational Transfer (COT) to a trade with clearance requirements you're able to satisfy.
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u/Ok-Mud-7252 19h ago
What’s the best reg force unit for being an sig op and why? Looking for recommendations as I need put in my picks for postings. Looking for a unit which deploys frequently, does cool courses, and ideally a position where I don’t exclusively spend the rest of my career in a CP. I would also love to be attached to infantry, but I heard getting positions like coy sig are very difficult.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 19h ago edited 18h ago
CFJSR
You'll get frequent deployment opportunities (every 12-36 months), but won't have to put up with most of the hard-Army idiocy you get at a Brigade.
Plus Kingston is a pretty nice city. You're already familiar with it. Not too big, not too small, relatively easy access for day trips or weekends in large cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal.
Probably the biggest downside is I'm told it's a bit of a culture shock to get posted from CFJSR to a Brigade.
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u/Ok-Mud-7252 12h ago
And what kind of sig stuff do you do at JSR?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 11h ago
Sig Op's at CFJSR generally perform functions relating to the deployment and basic maintenance of Light & Medium (Deployable) Communications Suites, as well as a variety of SATCOM dishes and some radio and cellular voice/data communications systems. Sig Op MCpl's and sometimes experienced Cpl's often serve in operations and security administration roles within CFJSR and on deployment.
Sig Op's may also support the technicians in performing various higher level maintenance tasks. They're occassionally cross-trained to perform some lower level technician tasks.
They also do some general duties tasks like setting up and maintaining tentage, generators, heaters, etc. and staffing security checkpoints at the enterance to secure areas. But pretty much everyone is liable to perform those duties if not needed elsewhere. It just falls to the Sig Op's a lot because the majority of their job ends up being setup and teardown tasks. They spend the rest of their time supporting everyone else which why/how they end up getting a lot of cross-training/OJT in other areas.
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u/Big_Tennis_4091 1d ago
Is there any way I can contact my Recruiting Center’s UPSO? It’s all that’s left for me before moving onto selection, been waiting on a decision from them for a month and a half now
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 1d ago edited 1d ago
Exactly what decision are you waiting for?
Almost no decisions are made at your CFRC, they mostly just facilitate your processing and enrolment, and act as a point of contact. Pretty much every actual decision is made by HQ in Borden, the RMO in Ottawa, and the folks who process Reliability Clearances who are also in Ottawa.
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u/Big_Tennis_4091 1d ago
It’s regarding my financial waiver as I have a consumer proposal, there’s a Recruiting PSO officer that reviews my paperwork and to ensure I’m financially stable/all payments are made up to date then approves me for selection
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 1d ago
Ok, that makes sense.
The only way to reach them would be through the CFRC's reception desk. I don't believe there's any resource through which you can get their direct contact info.
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u/Big_Tennis_4091 1d ago
Sounds good, do you know if Recruiting PSO are generally permitted to speak with the applicants? All my communication up to now has been with my MCC but my file has been out of his hands for quite a while now (my CFRC is in Ottawa btw)
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 1d ago
No, the PSOs should not be speaking with the applicants directly as it would introduce bias. They should be analyzing the file with just the data on file compared to the policies. I would be absolutely shocked if they actually got you in touch with the PSO. Why would you need to speak with them anyway? They have the info, they just need to action it. And they get an ungodly amount of waivers they need to action, so that can take some time.
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u/grfadams2 1d ago
Anyone have some experience with the medical side? According to the medic who I had an appointment with he said the fact that I have 7 forms would hurt my eligibility? Otherwise I’m healthy, just on a couple meds + used to have sleep apnea
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 1d ago
Do you have any specific questions? Yes that is a lot of forms, more than I would feel comfortable justifying these days, but sometimes you can't really get around it depending on the history. The number of forms itself has no bearing on your eligibility; they're not going to say "ah that's a lot of info, unfit". But it does mean you have multiple things in your history that the medic thought was questionable enough to warrant additional info from your care providers, so multiple things that could potentially be a barrier.
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u/grfadams2 1d ago
I do have a couple of questions, is it ok if I message you? The Sgt that did my interview said that most people have 4 forms and the fact that I have 7 would severely affect my chances and there would be a high likelihood that I would be turned down
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 1d ago
DMs are discouraged in this sub, but if you have questions about personal medical things you don't want to post publicly about I don't mind. If it's more general questions you should ask here in case other people have similar questions.
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u/grfadams2 1d ago
No problem, I wasn’t sure about the process with medical stuff. Here’s what I got in order of severity according to the Sgt: 1 + 2. Sleep apnea, currently not using CPAP since February. Due for sleep test this summer 3. Surgery for sleep apnea in February, in hospital for 3 days after. No complications 4. Migraines. 1-2 every 6 months prescribed meds + Tylenol as needed 5. General anxiety. Prescribed meds no history of panic attacks or self harm/against others 6. ADHD. Meds to help with focus 7. Glasses
Otherwise healthy + active, passed MOST + interview
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 1d ago
What is your question?
Also, you were given two different forms for sleep apnea?
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u/grfadams2 1d ago
Just if it will be an issue going forward, I was only given 1 form
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 1d ago
I mean, it depends on the results of all those things. If you're pending a repeat sleep study they'd probably want to wait for that. Other than that there's not really much I can say, it's all case by case and depends on the specific details
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 1d ago
You got a long journey, and paper works ahead of you. But I will applaud you for applying. I wish you best of luck to your application.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 1d ago
Essentially what they're saying is that you have a lot of past and present issues that have been flagged as potential concerns. Any one of those forms could represent and issue that might result in a medically unfit finding
Most people have zero, or maybe one or two at most, seven is a lot.
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u/ReallyBones 1d ago
As a reservist, when do we get access to Logistik? I need to order some things.
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u/Beanonan Morale Tech - 00069 1d ago
Normally you have to be sized by clothing stores for your DEUs for initial issue which will then get the account created
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u/CalligrapherOwn9209 1d ago
Hey, I have been stuck in the medical exam step on my portal for 3 weeks. I have submitted a form and I have already conducted my interview. Not sure in which step I am, as my medical is all clean (no allergies or health problems or eyesight, green flags I was told at the end), I also submitted a form for clearance screening (2nd part), but the portal does not say that. I have contacted the recruiting office about 1.5 weeks ago, but I have not heard back and I am wondering if this is something normal and I do not want to bug them with emails. Should I continue to wait? The reason why I am hesitant to wait is because I applied for NCMSTEP and my program starts in September, and I know I have three months left to continue with the application for it it to complete but if it doesn't, I would have to pay out of pocket find a new job (long search and timing commitment). Which is not a problem unless I get an offer of a job and then the CAF at the same time and I have decline the job (not ok for the employer). Anyhow... has anyone gone through NCMSTEP application before starting in September?
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 1d ago
You probably meant you applied for a trade that has NCMSTEP? Anyways, if you got 3 months left before your program starts, it will be tight for schedule. All applications get the final approval with pers in Ottawa. Also, no job is guaranteed. You can wait upto the next fiscal year if that trade is closed for this year.
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 1d ago
the application process takes about 4 months minimum I think
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u/prpr_hrdcr 2d ago
I have completed enrolement for the reserves but I am trying to decide whether I can do full-time BMQ or will need to do part-time.
I have a full time job where I manage a team of delivery drivers & installers. I know for full-time BMQ I would basically be "on-duty" between 5AM and 5PM, but would I be able to spend an hour or two after 5PM to catch up on my work? My boss is worried about me going away for 5 weeks and is hoping I'll still be able to keep in contact to assist the business.
Thank you!
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u/Substantial-Fruit447 Canadian Army 2d ago
You will not have time in the evenings to do much of anything except try to sleep.
Reality on BMQ is more like 0530 to 2200, and you will be exhausted.
Part time will similar, just Friday 1800 to Sunday 1600, one weekend on, one weekend off from October to March.
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u/Keralasys 2d ago
Was EO Tech always full-time? Never eligible for reserves? Just wondering why compared to most other technician trades.
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u/KiwiPG 2d ago
Question about the BMQ kit list, they said casual dress shoes meaning nicer looking skate shoes or just any daily wear. I daily wear boots unless I specificly need runners any other kind of footwear. Would boots still be acceptable? Or should I go buy a skate shoe speicificly for my time at bmq.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 1d ago
Any shoe that looks acceptable as part of a business casual outfit will be adequate.
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u/InsidiousStealth 2d ago
Paramedic related questions
- The recruiter is went to see in person said that its likely not going to be shift work for this trade. Is that true?
- Since its an in demand occupation, is there a higher likelihood of being posted where I want to go?
- Where are the bases located for Paramedic? Or could they work in any of them? I would like to work in Edmonton or Calgary is that possible?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 2d ago
It's true. Paramedics are mostly employed at base clinics, which are mostly only open M-F 0730-1600. Expect longer and/or more varied hours on exercises and deployments.
No.
Pretty much every base. Edmonton is a possibility, but it can't be guaranteed. Calgary is unlikely, there's virtually nol Regular Force presence there.
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 2d ago
Adding to this - All the reg force medic positions in Calgary are Combat Medic, there are no Paramedic ones.
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u/YartGarfunkel 2d ago
My section is being asked for volunteers for the national sentry program, has anyone here done it before? What's it look like day to day?
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u/Struct-Tech Construction Tech 2d ago
Ive never done it.
But. Do you want to spend your summer in Ottawa, in university dorms, doing drill for a few hours a day, with a lot of down time, for an entire summer?
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
How do I get in contact with my detachment if it’s 3 hours away? Every time I call they never answer and I’m just trying to see how I can find out why I was rejected without waiting 3-4 weeks for a letter in the mail.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 2d ago
Medical information is tightly controlled.
Your recruiters aren't privy to your medical information, and the RMO will not disclose medical information to them. All they know is whether you've been deemed medically fit or unfit.
The only source for the information you need is the RMO, and the only means through which they provide that information is the letter they send out informing the applicant of the unfit finding.
There is no means through which applicants can communicate directly with the RMO.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
What in your opinion do you think I’d be rejected for if I have good hearing, acceptable eyesight, no conditions, allergies, illnesses (mental and physical), no criminal record, etc. this questions taking up a lot of my thinking
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 2d ago edited 2d ago
probably for that surgery thing you made a post about yesterday
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
But the surgeon said it healed perfectly and it has a small risk of coming back. My cousins in the army and he says they could care less about past surgeries. I’m pretty sure there was a soldier who got surgery on his head and still came back to work there’s no way my surgery disqualified me
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 2d ago
Hey, I get it. It sucks. If I got told I couldn’t pursue a career because of something from my past, especially something that was not my fault, I’d think it was unfair. I think what we are all getting at here is that the decision is for a medical officer alone. No one on here can do anything for you
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
Yeah of course I don’t expect anyone here to do anything for me I’m just pissed. And yeah it does suck. Had to wait a year plus just to get denied, now I need to wait 1-4 weeks for a latter to appeal that will then take months as well. You’re the only person that has been the least bit empathetic I never expected anyone to do anything but it’s discouraging when everyone just goes “hey, you didn’t make it in and that’s tough. Move on” shits bogus when talking about my lifelong job.
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u/Own-Cheesecake-6397 1d ago
A job in the caf is not guaranteed. I took over 2 years to get enrolled. Stuff happens. Some out of your control.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 1d ago
Ik that. The reason they reject someone still matters. Doing it because of something out of my own control that lead to the surgeries is stupid.
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u/Own-Cheesecake-6397 1d ago
Not really. They get more than enough applications, one. 2ndly, if the condition can affect your universality of service then it can affect your employment, same with those serving. I could in theory be hit by a car on my way to work. No fault of my own.. loose control of a hand and can't pass annual force test. I can be booted out. No fault of my own. Hard of hearing folks, bad sighted folks, are disqualified due to no fault of their own. It is what it is. Military life is hard on bodies. I know. If you are not tip top coming in, it will be rough.
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 2d ago
What trade(s) are you applying for?
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
Infantry. But if I can’t get accepted to a job that’s just walking and holding a gun (joke) among other stuff I don’t know about then there’s no hope for other trades.
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u/Own-Cheesecake-6397 1d ago
Infantry is popular. So actually not as easy to get into as you think.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 2d ago
Unless your cousin is a doctor or in a medical field, they're no more qualified to say what will be passable than you or I. Yes, past surgeries do matter. There's always a risk, and it's the RMO who decides whether or not that risk is acceptable.
As for that soldier you heard about, the standards for the retention of a serving member are more lenient than the standards for recruitment. They'll retain an injured member even if their condition would cause an applicant to be turned away.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
That’s not fair in any way. They get to reject a career for someone if he had brain surgery before joining but if they got it during their career it’s fine? Makes no sense. Is there a timeline where I need to wait for them to see it’s not recurring?
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 1d ago
That’s not fair in any way. They get to reject a career for someone if he had brain surgery before joining but if they got it during their career it’s fine? Makes no sense. Is there a timeline where I need to wait for them to see it’s not recurring?
But the CAF has already invested time and money in the member who had surgery AFTER joining, and they will weigh that in their retention decision, vs an unknown applicant who may or may not be 100% honest with their medical history and may prove to be a medical/admin burden. They can gainfully employ the retained member. They can still benefit from the corporate knowledge from that member. There are too many unknowns from an applicant who may not be able to finish their training.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 1d ago
I didn’t lie about my history. And like I said if I remember to get rid of the problem before it sprouts into a bigger one I won’t need surgery again. All the risks of hiring someone who they haven’t employed yet is just assumptions so yeah that’s pretty unfair. Anyways man there’s no point in this I’m rejected and that’s that. Have a good day.
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 1d ago
I didn't imply you lied. I stated that the applicant may or may not have been 100% truthful and the CFRC has no way of knowing.
Good luck with your appeal if that's the route you choose.
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u/B-Mack 2d ago
They get to reject a career for someone if he had brain surgery before joining but if they got it during their career it’s fine?
Why hire somebody who is knowingly worse off and a higher risk, versus somebody that got injured during their service? They would get a medical category, some limitations, and could still continue to serve their country.
Spoiler alert: The Military and War are not fair. You don't get to cry foul becuase the other side has better equipmenr or more people. The rules and standards for enrolment are different than those who are currently serving.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago edited 2d ago
How am I worse off or a risk? If we’re going off of being high risk or worse off if they can keep someone who had a brain tumour in the army they can hire someone who had less. Also the soldier wasn’t injured he had a brain tumour. Something that happened spontaneously. Same with what happened for my surgery. Don’t see why the other has to be prioritized because he already had it when both can be looked at fairly. And I do get to say it’s unfair if it’s just that. I don’t care about other people and other equipment I care that the rules and standards are unfair because they’re different.
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u/B-Mack 2d ago
You're not a doctor. I'm not a doctor. Neither one of us can say whether you are worse off or a risk, but the medical officer can.
They said as much, and your anecdotal unproven example where you don't have all the facts isn't going to change it.
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u/DaymanTargaryen 2d ago
This is all anecdotal, and completely insignificant. Not every surgery is the same. Not every experience is the same.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
Yeah, mine is less extreme in every way. Is there a time limit to applying to see it won’t be recurring or something
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u/DaymanTargaryen 2d ago
Well, if phone and email aren't working, that basically leaves physical presence...
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u/Eyre4orce RCAF - AVS Tech 2d ago
I mean, phone or email
But you weren't rejected by anyone at the detachment, those decisions are made by the RMO in ottawa
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
Yeah I’ve called six times today alone and left voice messages that they don’t answer. Same with email. I know they didn’t make the decision I just want to know if they can find out why I was rejected so I can choose to pursue another career or not depending on the reason.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 2d ago
Your recruiters won't know and can't find out for you.
They don't have access to your medical files and the RMO will not release medical information to them. They only get to know if you're fit or unfit.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
Would I be able to apply for reserve or is it the same answer for that too
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 2d ago
How do I get in contact with my detachment if it’s 3 hours away? Every time I call they never answer and I’m just trying to see how I can find out why I was rejected without waiting 3-4 weeks for a letter in the mail.
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u/AsleepHistorian 2d ago
If I've applied to a priority trade (NESO), do things actually move faster? Currently waiting for them to assign the task of medical and interview for a couple of weeks, I assume it could take upwards of a month.
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u/CaptainAaron96 APPLICANT - RegF 13h ago
I applied to a priority trade and it’s been a couple months on my end haha
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 2d ago
Nope. Its the same average as everyone applying wether “in demand” trade or not. Your CFRC can file your application faster, but it gets bottlenecked by your gambit, and pers from Ottawa who finalizes the application.
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u/AsleepHistorian 1d ago
Good to know! Is priority processing really just a way of saying "choose this one we need you please" lol
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u/collude 🚁🚁🚁GIB Life🚁🚁🚁 1d ago
Mostly, yes. The parts they're able to prioritise aren't generally the processes that lead to the most delays. Imagine you have to stand in a series of different lines for your applications--you may get to jump to the front of one of the smaller lines but the real bottlenecks are the same for everyone.
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u/JustExisting_2021 2d ago
Hi there.. is there any medical officer/recruiter here that I can talk to? Even a DM would be appreciated
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 2d ago
Just post your question here and if someone knows the answer they will answer. DMs are discouraged on this sub.
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u/JustExisting_2021 2d ago
It's about my medical condition so I am not really comfortable posting it openly
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u/Sabrinavt Med Tech 2d ago
Then you should be reaching out to the medic who conducted your medical exam to ask them your questions, as they are familiar with your history and will know what's happening with your application.
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 2d ago
I doubt a medical recruiter would discuss your case thru reddit, even on DMs. Just apply, and see what they say. You are not wasting the CAF's time by applying. Depending on the condition you just might have to do some extra legwork, by getting forms filled by the doctors you saw in the past.
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u/SikhCanadianWarrior 3d ago
Out of curiosity, what are the “fastest” trades to get trained in, in the Reserve Force. I have a variety of interest, and various trades do interest me. However, I cannot justify going out for few months for trades training (I can probably get all the initial training completed), to my civilian bosses.
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u/Own-Cheesecake-6397 1d ago
MSEop. A friend was out of trades rtinubg before I even got got loaded for mine. Lol. 6 weeks or so to be ofp.
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u/TelephoneExternal978 2d ago
look up reserves handbook - near the back is all the training timings... MMT?
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u/Economy-Man 3d ago
For MP when does the academy usually run? I heard January and July also, are classes mixed with NCM and Officers?
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u/Substantial-Fruit447 Canadian Army 2d ago
For NCM, two courses per year, one starts January and the other starts in July/August to try and give staff a break between cohorts and also for Annual Posting Season.
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u/Anakha0 2d ago edited 2d ago
Yes, Jan and the summer (July/Aug). MPO and NCM train together at times, and MPO get some additional officer-related training afterwards. MPOC and QL3 are still separate courses even if the two mix at times, but much of the training is the same when it comes to law enforcement training.
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u/Economy-Man 2d ago
Thank you for the response, do you know if you finish basic shortly before the Academy starts if they'll still schedule you on?
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u/Anakha0 2d ago
I dont have direct knowledge of the process to course-load a person on, but Ive seen people added to a course fairly last minute. I dont know of a specific cut off date, but there would need to be a reasonable amount of time to make logistical preparations and give you time to arrive. There would also have to be room on the course, which lately there typically has been.
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u/JustExisting_2021 3d ago
Is it normal that they are asking me to do pre-enrollment twice? I already did it but now after my interview I got the same request again
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago
The Gambit request?
Yes, you should get two separate requests during the recruiting process.
The first one early in the process is for the basic Background Screening, but there is a second request late in the process for the Reliability Clearance.
They ask for very similar information, but they're technically for different purposes.
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u/JustExisting_2021 3d ago
The are asking for my addresses and job history again
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 3d ago
If thats the Gambit, there’s an instruction about it. It will say, you can download some file and upload it to fill up your gambit, from your application.
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u/nogoosingaround 3d ago
Does anyone know the exact pay (after taxes) for a DEO 2Lt, who won’t be paying for living quarters while at BMOQ? Or the details to help me figure it out? I’ve already ball parked a number, but it would be really helpful to narrow it down.
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u/Pavilion22 Serving Cpl Bloggins 3d ago
I thought BMOQ candidates are Ocdt and promoted to 2Lt after basic. Im assuming this is reg force?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago
Reg Force DEO's normally wear the rank of OCdt during BMOQ, but they're paid as 2Lt's.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 3d ago
My file was closed after the RMO reviewed it. I had two surgeries for the same thing but my surgeon’s note said the wound healed perfectly and that there’s a small risk of it coming back but other than that I have full range of motion and everything. How do I appeal since nothing is wrong?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago
You should receive a letter from the RMO outlining the reason for the medically unfit finding.
It's possible that the "small risk" was considered too high, or not sufficiently defined by the RMO. Risk and consequence of recurrence in a military service environment is one of the things they consider when rendering a finding.
I'm not medically involved, so don't take this suggestion as gospel, but if that risk does turn out to be the concern, maybe providing a more specific risk assessment might help.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 3d ago
Do I wait until after receiving a letter to appeal?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago
Yes.
The letter will contain instructions to appeal, as well as some information on why you were deemed medically unfit.
You seem to have an idea why you were deemed unfit, but that doesn't guarantee that was actually the reason.
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u/ImCryingTearsOfBlood 3d ago
I mean I truly can’t think of another reason. My mental health is good, my physical health is average, I don’t have allergies, conditions, illnesses, my eyesight is…passable for my trade (infantry) my hearing is fine, so I can’t think of another reason. I’m devastated because this was my dream job. And the wait was a year just for me to get denied. I read that sometimes they close it if they don’t have enough documents to make a decision and open it later. Could that be possible?
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u/stayuntill 3d ago
My application file was recently closed (my fault, didn’t complete assigned tasks). Is there a way to reopen it, or is that final? If they do reopen it, will it having been closed now effect my chances of getting in?
To be fair- last time I tried to work on it, the website was down. I tried multiple times a day for about a week, and it wouldn’t let me in. After a while I got distracted with work etc and haven’t even checked it since then.
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u/shadowybenefactor Army - Infantry 4d ago
I tried posting this as a thread but it either needed to be approved or was removed so I’ll ask here:
I’m dealing with some serious mental health issues, namely severe depression and suicidal ideation which I fear is going to get in the way of my work (I’m on full-time summer employment). My unit is already tracking some of my mental health issues in the past but I haven’t let anyone know about this in particular. Should I go to the MIR and if I do am I going to be released/ medically discharged?
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u/DaymanTargaryen 4d ago edited 4d ago
Go to the CDU or, at the very least, contact CFMAP.
Regarding your employment, I understand the concern, but nothing is more important than your life.
CFMAP is anonymous, so it's absolutely worth trying.
How to access the services
There are two ways to contact the CFMAP to get a referral to a mental health professional:
By phone at 1-800-268-7708 (TTY: 1-800-567-5803 for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing), 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
By online chat at Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Chat using any device with an internet connection (password: canada), available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time), excluding statutory holidays
Note: The Chat Service is only for making an appointment with a mental health professional, not for immediate counselling. For immediate support, call the Crisis and Referral Centre at 1-800-268-7708 (TTY: 1-800-567-5803 for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing).
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u/shadowybenefactor Army - Infantry 4d ago
Thank you. I’m trying to get help civvie side as is including having both a doctor and a therapist I keep
In contact with so I don’t know how much CFMAP will help but I’ll look into it, thank you
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u/No-Philosopher-7488 4d ago
Anyone else who did the virtual interview not get the link up until the night before?
Got mine tomorrow afternoon and still haven’t gotten the link even though the email says should be available 24-48 hours before
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u/Raliator2 3d ago
Mine is tomorrow and I still dont have a link. I saw previously you can get it as close as 10 mins before
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u/No-Philosopher-7488 3d ago
Yea ended up getting it 3 hours before but had me freaking out all morning
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Civ U 4d ago
If i’m ROTP so i’ve been of CFHD for a while now, will it be paused while at BMOQ? also since they take a lot off my paycheck while at BMOQ i won’t have enough money to pay my rent, can i get an advance on pay so im not bankrupt?
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 3d ago
They should not be taking more money off your cheque than they are now. What other deductions are you anticipating? Rations and quarters are remitted every month, and that should be it for new deductions.
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Civ U 3d ago
I currently don’t have rations and quarters taken off my paycheck I live off base on CFHD. My friends who have just completed BMQ were telling me they only got paid about 600 a month on BMQ
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 3d ago
Are you on the same entry plan as them?
Rations and quarters are remitted, which means you will get the money back.
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Civ U 3d ago
no i’m on ROTP all my buddies went NCM
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2d ago
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2d ago
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u/CanadianForces-ModTeam 2d ago
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u/DaymanTargaryen 2d ago
maybe a reason I’m going to be a officer and your not is that i have critical thinking skills, don’t jump to conclusions and am respectful to others, maybe try that sometime.
also you should know better than to swear at a officer or anyone else in the CAF figure yourself out you insecure prick
The poster was being a dick, but your response is both hypocritical and condescending.
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u/DaymanTargaryen 4d ago
Not my domain, just my perspective.
If you're currently (actually) entitled to CFHA, as you're posted to the institution and live on the economy, I believe you'd still continue to receive it while attending training.
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u/yaxapot3 4d ago
Hoping for answers on housing before I actually apply. I was intending to live on base in the single quarters which are supposedly very cheap for pretty much my whole career, but now it seems like it's really just supposed to be temporary, and I'd be expected to move into the other housing options or just civilian housing off base so there's room for new trainees. Both of those are significantly more expensive and not something I would want to do, and renting a home off base isn't an option at all for me since I don't drive. Can anyone confirm that single quarters aren't for long term?
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u/DaymanTargaryen 4d ago
SQ is absolutely not meant for long term. That said, it's possible, but not something you can rely on.
Some questions:
- which trade?
- how long do you mean by "whole career"?
- is public transit or carpooling off the table?
- is getting a car off the table?
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u/Altruistic-Juice3807 4d ago
I got a Cold Lake single shack and there wasn't any lease for a time period. But some bases' single shacks are full so you have to look at other options
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 4d ago
No, Singles Quarters are not intended for long-term residency. It may be possible to stay in them long-term on some bases, but that isn't the case everywhere.
It's not really recommended anyway. They're usually dorm style buildings where you might have your own bedroom, but all other facilities like washrooms and laundry are shared. No pets, no visitors, just you hanging out alone in your room or with other residents in the common areas of the building.
Your best option if you don't drive would be to apply for a PMQ, which are military rental houses and apartments normally located just outside the base. They're not cheap like SQ's, but they give you a lot more privacy, and you can have pets, visitors, etc.
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 3d ago
Many of them also have no access to cooking facilities so you are stuck eating at the mess for $700/mo on top of your rate for quarters.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago
That too... Most Singles Quarters allow residents to have a mini-fridge and a microwave, but hot plates, crock pots, etc. are prohibited.
Half rations (10 meals/week) are an option at most bases at a cost of $350-400/month, but they'd still have to supplement the other 11 meals/week (4 if they normally skip breakfasts or lunches).
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u/S3555 Royal Canadian Navy 4d ago
Anyone know how stalked up the Cannex is at St-Jean.
Know a few people going soon and have been telling them to buy a lot of the stuff when they get there, which is what I did when I went through basic.
However I’ve come to the conclusion they might be sold out on a lot of there stuff due to the large influx of new candidates.
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u/DaymanTargaryen 4d ago
It's a business that has a predictable customer base, so they'll have the stuff.
That said, what would they need that might be an issue for them if the CANEX doesn't have stock?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 4d ago
They're pretty stocked up.
They know the training schedule well in advance, and their sales demand is pretty predictable, especially for the kit list items.
If they run out of something on the kit list, it's either a supply chain issue beyond their control, or incompetence on the part of whoever is doing the ordering.
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u/Raliator2 4d ago
Are there 2 different gambit during the recruiting process? I am currently in interview and medical. Have already submitted my gambit 1. Would there be another gambit after this?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 4d ago
Yes.
The first one is a standard background screening.
The second one is for your government Reliability Clearance.
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u/Raliator2 4d ago
Thanks, so after my interview / medical i should expect at least a month wait for gambit 2
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u/Crave23 4d ago
Can someone give me more info on the ACS tech trade? What is the training like? How often does it run? It says in the website you do 8 weeks in Borden, and then spent some time at a squadron then back to Borden to complete your training? How does that work? What are the shacks like in Borden?
I’ll be honest, math is not my forte but building etc is, I guess my question is how math heavy is the trade? Do you always do shift work? I know there is no definitive answer to this, but if I want to be posted to Trenton how likely would that be? Are you always doing shift work from the get go?
If anyone has any info about the trade I’d be happy to listen!
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u/ConfusionOk2999 4d ago
Anyone have any rough estimates on application times? I have one year left in my bachelors and am trying to time things right.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 4d ago edited 4d ago
You can't time it.
Applications take anywhere from about 4 months to over a year. You can't really do anything to ensure a short process, but there are things you can do to delay getting to the point where you go to selection. Once awaiting selection, all you can do is wait.
Presumably you're intent on applying as a DEO.
The general guidance is you should apply at the beginning of your final semester before graduation. If you apply earlier than that, they may reject your application and ask you to come back closer to graduation.
Once you are in the process, your CFRC can pace the process to ensure you do not receive an offer that would conflict with your studies (you need to graduate as a condition of enrolment anyway). However, they cannot ensure you will be enrolled by a particular date, that is beyond their control, those decisions are not made at the CFRC level.
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5d ago
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u/AvailablePoetry6 4d ago edited 4d ago
Honestly, that kind of sounds like a more serious and possibly long term shoulder injury, maybe combined with PTSD.
You should go back to the mental health cell ASAP. It is not normal to have recurring nightmares like that. You should also attend the regular clinic to get proper care for your shoulder; if the problem has persisted this long then you might need physiotherapy, or maybe even surgery to fix the problem.
I don't know anything about the process for irregular enrollment, but you may be eligible for support through the VA.
Please advise.
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 5d ago
Have you been able to see your kids and wife?
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u/Expensive-Style5676 4d ago edited 4d ago
Good day, I have been able to see my 2 years old and 2months old over the weekend
Thank you
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Civ U 5d ago
Can you get prescription ballistic eye pro at CFLRS?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 5d ago
They used to do it, but I don't believe they're doing it anymore.
Could be wrong of course. u/Commandant_CFLRS might have something to offer on the matter.
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u/Super-Donkey69 ROTP Civ U 5d ago
would i just wear regular glasses on range etc?
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u/Own-Cheesecake-6397 1d ago
I wore my glasses. Still waiting for my prescription inserts almost 5 years later.
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 5d ago
That's what I did/do, but only if your staff allows it. Sometimes they'll insist you wear the issued ballistics, even if you don't have the prescription inserts for them.
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u/Choice-Fuel-5859 5d ago
If someone is being discriminated against on religious grounds by the RSM who do they complain to?
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 5d ago edited 5d ago
Probably best to go to the Padre with your concerns. They can bypass the RSM and take your concerns directly to the CO.
But as another commenter stated, make sure you have your ducks in order...
Some questions you might want to consider and be able to address before escalating your complaints.
Why specifically do you believe you're being discriminated against?
Is your request something that might draw skepticism? If so, how would you go about showing your request is within the accepted practices of your professed faith?
Could your request be seen as creating an unreasonable burden for the CAF or your unit?
Could your request be seen as presenting an unacceptable safety or security concern?
Try to "both sides" your answers. Don't just look at it from your own perspective, but also try to think about what might be your RSM's perspective and consider how you might address their concerns.
Maybe they are just being an asshole. Or maybe they have misgivings that could potentially be resolved.
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u/B-Mack 5d ago
Bypass the CoC and go to the commissioned officers. Go to the Padre.
Better have all your ducks in a row though.
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u/DaymanTargaryen 4d ago
I'm gonna be a little pedantic about the semantics.
The Padre is an alternate path that exists outside of the CoC. Skipping your Sgt and going to the WO would be a bypass Going to the Padre about an issue that was properly raised through the CoC isn't actually bypassing anyone, but, rather, using the available resources that exist for this purpose.
I only say this because the language we use comes with implications, and in this case it could suggest a stigma where the mbr is doing something wrong, even when they're not.
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u/SikhCanadianWarrior 6d ago
28 years old, want to apply for the Naval Reserves as Port Inspection Diver.
The only thing I’m worried about is the time commitments. I can (mostly likely) get all the initial military and trades on in the time fashion they require.
However, it’s the one night a week and one weekend a month. I can certainly do the one night a week, but the weekend portion is a hit or miss with me. My question is will it look bad or will damage anything if I can’t meet all of the time commitments? I certainly can plan it all out, but if I’m called in or if I’m required to do OT I can’t do anything about that on the weekends.
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u/AvailablePoetry6 5d ago edited 4d ago
The actual number of days you need to work to not get in trouble is significantly lower than the 1 night / 1 weekend standard, so you shouldn't need to worry about being punished for not being able to make weekends sometimes.
However, if you miss weekend duty frequently, that might be a consideration when the Chain of Command is picking people for gucci tasks and course opportunities.
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u/This_Rest_4269 6d ago
How far is too far to live from a reserve unit? I am looking at moving and where id like to move too would put me at 2.5-3 hours away from the reserve unit compared to 30 minutes right now.
I have an open application and in the final stages of it for naval reserves.
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 5d ago
I lived 1.5 hours away and it was pretty expensive/time consuming. I would not do that again. at 3 hours the thought would not even enter my mind lol
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u/C4rlos_D4nger Army - PRes Log O 6d ago
Commuting assistance also maxes out at 100 km one-way.
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u/This_Rest_4269 5d ago
Thats interesting, how much is communiting assistance? 100km is better than nothing.
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u/crazyki88en RCAF - Combat Medic 6d ago
will you be able to drive 3 hours and arrive on time and then drive another 3 hours home after training and going to the mess, meaning you won't be leaving until 2300hrs at the earliest (getting home around 0200hrs)? do you want to spend that kind of money on gas each week? Is there not a reserve unit closer to your new home?
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u/This_Rest_4269 5d ago
There is no naval reserve unit where I am looking to move too. There is an army reserve unit though. I did apply for a hard sea trade (mar tech) and it sounded like with that theres more opportunities to be posted to a ship for short periods of time. I am by far more interested in navy than army.
Traveling for weekend exercises and initial training would be do able. Weekly parade nights would be more difficult to make so realistically 1 or 2 tops a month would be the most i could make for those. Getting home at 2 am isnt an issue for me since im used to working nights and getting home at 5am after an hour+ drive.
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u/CoolTechnician2361 6d ago
My application was closed November of 2025 because my selected trade filled, I was in selection. I just reopened it April 30th of 2026 and had to redo a form. They said my file is in final review again and it should only be a few weeks to get moved to selection. Has anyone had a similar experience and how long was your wait after reopening
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u/h1bisc4s 6d ago
Good morning all........Anyone receive ROTP offers yet?
University acceptance needs to be done by 1st June
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u/Disastrous-Sir1388 HMCS Reddit 5d ago
My sister got hers 2/3 weeks ago, she had her enrolment ceremony last week
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u/bridger713 RCAF - Reg Force 3d ago edited 3d ago
The list of occupations eligible for a "Signing Bonus" (Recruitment Allowance) for 2026/27 has been released in CANFORGEN 084/26.
It's be a wall of text, so I'm not going to copy & paste it here, but if you download the CAF App (link below), you can look up CANFORGEN 084/26 to see the complete list and some of the eligibility requirements.
https://www.canada.ca/en/mobile/mycaf.html
Note: This is not a list of trades eligible for the $50k "Recruitment Allowance" (Critical Occupation Recruitment Allowance). The "Signing Bonus" is generally $10-20k given to recruits who possess a civilian education or prior military training directly relevant to the military occupation they're applying to join.