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Mr. Nice!
Oct 13, 2005

c-spam cannot afford



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Ruse
Dec 16, 2005

Gentlemen, let's broaden our minds!

My Spirit Otter posted:

Try living in Shilo, Manitoba. Yea gently caress all of you.

My brother is stationed there. Combat Eng.

CanadianSuperKing
Dec 29, 2008
How does the PT of BMOQ compare to BMQ?

Aidsteen
Mar 30, 2008

Fraser CDN posted:

" Will I have to join then and there", Please elaborate.

I had this image in my head where basically you go in, they take some info and theoretically right there on the spot you're in, thats that, be ready to go in a week kind of deal.

Ruse posted:

As far as being a Bos'un, I could answer a few questions if you want.


Even though I work in Ops, if we're doing deck evolutions like launching the RHIB or Man Overboards, I've been on the upper decks for all of that poo poo so I can tell you what they do day in/day out.
Basically, from my understanding, as a boatswain you're the typical "sailor" deckhand, pretty much jack of all trades, do a little of everything. whenever a body's needed, you're called up. is this more or less accurate? that said, any idea of options in terms of advancement and progression into other trades?

Ruse
Dec 16, 2005

Gentlemen, let's broaden our minds!
No, Bos'un types are not jack of all trades in the most conventional sense. Unless you mean, theres painting or making lines kind of poo poo, then yes, I suppose. Its not like they're up on the Flag Deck or Making the Gun mechanically safe.

My Spirit Otter
Jun 15, 2006


CANADA DOESN'T GET PENS LIKE THIS

SKILCRAFT KREW Reppin' Quality Blind Made American Products. Bitch.

Ruse posted:

My brother is stationed there. Combat Eng.

There are no combat engineer regiments in Shilo, is he perchance the base commander?

Ruse
Dec 16, 2005

Gentlemen, let's broaden our minds!

My Spirit Otter posted:

There are no combat engineer regiments in Shilo, is he perchance the base commander?

I'm aware of this. He was part of the Combat regiment, 4ESR in Gagetown. They sent him to be a heavy equipment operator in Shilo. They're building a road right now, somewhere up there.

compressioncut
Sep 3, 2003

Eat knuckle, Fritz!

Aidsteen posted:

I had this image in my head where basically you go in, they take some info and theoretically right there on the spot you're in, thats that, be ready to go in a week kind of deal.

Basically, from my understanding, as a boatswain you're the typical "sailor" deckhand, pretty much jack of all trades, do a little of everything. whenever a body's needed, you're called up. is this more or less accurate? that said, any idea of options in terms of advancement and progression into other trades?

Bos'n has a very, very strong union (not an actual union) on the ship so they are hardly jacks of all trades. They are specifically involved in upper deck evolutions, of which there are many, but that's basically it. As a bos'n you will generally know what and when you can expect to do certain things, which is good for job satisfaction. Very often they will be directing other trades doing upper deck evolutions, instead of actually doing them, outside of specific tasks, which is nice for them I guess.

Most deck apes enjoy their jobs, as compared to many others on the ship. The biggest downside is that there is very little opportunity for shore postings for junior ranks so it's likely you will be at sea for a very long time. Most other trades get a shore postings after about 5 years at sea, which is nice because sailing all the time gets pretty (really) monotonous. They also get paid significantly less because they and NAVCOMs are about the only trades in the Navy that doesn't get specialist pay, which is a pretty good bump.

That said bos'n is more likely to get spec pay than NAVCOM at this rate so keep your chin up (a little joke for my flag waving friends).

Aidsteen
Mar 30, 2008

compressioncut posted:

Bos'n has a very, very strong union (not an actual union) on the ship so they are hardly jacks of all trades. They are specifically involved in upper deck evolutions, of which there are many, but that's basically it. As a bos'n you will generally know what and when you can expect to do certain things, which is good for job satisfaction. Very often they will be directing other trades doing upper deck evolutions, instead of actually doing them, outside of specific tasks, which is nice for them I guess.

Most deck apes enjoy their jobs, as compared to many others on the ship. The biggest downside is that there is very little opportunity for shore postings for junior ranks so it's likely you will be at sea for a very long time. Most other trades get a shore postings after about 5 years at sea, which is nice because sailing all the time gets pretty (really) monotonous. They also get paid significantly less because they and NAVCOMs are about the only trades in the Navy that doesn't get specialist pay, which is a pretty good bump.

That said bos'n is more likely to get spec pay than NAVCOM at this rate so keep your chin up (a little joke for my flag waving friends).

Excellent. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I'm not concerned with shore postings at the moment, though I can see in the future why it might become a problem.. But meh, I've been stuck on land long enough as it is.

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.
Anybody got any useful financial advice for when I start basic? I'm a dumb kid right out of high school and I have no idea what to do with the money I'll be making since prior to this I've lived at home and drank/clubbed away my lovely grocery store paychecks. I want to avoid making common mistakes that young junior enlisted make, and I was wondering if anyone could impart some wisdom.

I want to set money aside to go back to University when I'm done my enlistment, so I want to save up a good chunk of change that I can use 4 years from now. I don't have a car but I'll probably have to get one once I finish training. What's the smartest way to put money away/get a vehicle?

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Samu posted:

Anybody got any useful financial advice for when I start basic? I'm a dumb kid right out of high school and I have no idea what to do with the money I'll be making since prior to this I've lived at home and drank/clubbed away my lovely grocery store paychecks. I want to avoid making common mistakes that young junior enlisted make, and I was wondering if anyone could impart some wisdom.

I want to set money aside to go back to University when I'm done my enlistment, so I want to save up a good chunk of change that I can use 4 years from now. I don't have a car but I'll probably have to get one once I finish training. What's the smartest way to put money away/get a vehicle?

Initially, you will have more money than you know what to do with. What I recommend is setup something like an ING savings account with automatic withdraw from your checking account, so even if you do spend a hell of a lot on stupid poo poo (and you will), some still goes towards your future plans.

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Samu posted:

Anybody got any useful financial advice for when I start basic? I'm a dumb kid right out of high school and I have no idea what to do with the money I'll be making since prior to this I've lived at home and drank/clubbed away my lovely grocery store paychecks. I want to avoid making common mistakes that young junior enlisted make, and I was wondering if anyone could impart some wisdom.

I want to set money aside to go back to University when I'm done my enlistment, so I want to save up a good chunk of change that I can use 4 years from now. I don't have a car but I'll probably have to get one once I finish training. What's the smartest way to put money away/get a vehicle?

Don't buy a car is #1. Don't lend out money ( I was the one in basic with money, and I got burned twice).Have fun but do it within limitations. Don't be that guy who cant keep a pay because he drank it off on Friday night and then spend the rest on strippers on Saturday. If you really want to make money, take people weekend fire picket/ course Sr. I got offered $200 for a Saturday course senior ( I was 17 and couldn't drink, It didn't stop me...). This will help you save money and make money.

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.

Fraser CDN posted:

Don't buy a car is #1. Don't lend out money ( I was the one in basic with money, and I got burned twice).Have fun but do it within limitations. Don't be that guy who cant keep a pay because he drank it off on Friday night and then spend the rest on strippers on Saturday. If you really want to make money, take people weekend fire picket/ course Sr. I got offered $200 for a Saturday course senior ( I was 17 and couldn't drink, It didn't stop me...). This will help you save money and make money.

After spending $400 on lap dances when I turned 19, I vowed never to spend money at a strip club again (besides cover/drinks). Is it really that easy to blow your checks in Montreal?

I'm not planning to get a car until I finish all my training and get put in my unit, so that's fairly far down the road. I guess I'll just cross that road when I come to it.

Oh, and my buddy told me that since my basic is in July I'll get 2 weeks of summer leave right in the middle of my course. Is that right?

Oh and if anyone has any general advice for regular force basic at St.Jean I'd appreciate it.

Samu fucked around with this message at 03:24 on May 26, 2010

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Samu posted:

After spending $400 on lap dances when I turned 19, I vowed never to spend money at a strip club again (besides cover/drinks). Is it really that easy to blow your checks in Montreal?

I'm not planning to get a car until I finish all my training and get put in my unit, so that's fairly far down the road. I guess I'll just cross that road when I come to it.

Oh, and my buddy told me that since my basic is in July I'll get 2 weeks of summer leave right in the middle of my course. Is that right?

Oh and if anyone has any general advice for regular force basic at St.Jean I'd appreciate it.

hahah. No you don't get summer leave during basic ( I did July - Oct basic). Its good you don't plan on buying a car till the end of your training, ive seen guys buy one and have no money because they spend it on a car they cant afford. What other "facts" has this buddy told you?

Talking about basic ive heard they have redone the weeks. My friend said the weeks were something like week 2 you get your weapons, week 5 you shoot, week 7 is gas, week 10 is some big test. He also got his electronics for good at week 5.

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.

Fraser CDN posted:

hahah. No you don't get summer leave during basic ( I did July - Oct basic). Its good you don't plan on buying a car till the end of your training, ive seen guys buy one and have no money because they spend it on a car they cant afford. What other "facts" has this buddy told you?

Talking about basic ive heard they have redone the weeks. My friend said the weeks were something like week 2 you get your weapons, week 5 you shoot, week 7 is gas, week 10 is some big test. He also got his electronics for good at week 5.

Yeah, I didn't believe him about the leave. That would just be stupid. He's not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer.

And yeah I figure once I wind up in my unit in Pet, Edmonton or wherever I'll get a vehicle. I'm not gonna buy a charger or something stupid like that. I'll probably wind up buying a used late 90's Silverado or F150 and beat the poo poo out of it.

I don't think they've changed basic, or if they have they haven't updated the St.Jean website to reflect the change.

[edit, actually you're right, you do weapons in week 2. theres a day by day schedule here if anyone is curious: http://www.cflrs.forces.gc.ca/menu/ps/rec/es-wt/index-eng.asp

Samu fucked around with this message at 04:22 on May 26, 2010

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Samu posted:

Yeah, I didn't believe him about the leave. That would just be stupid. He's not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer.

And yeah I figure once I wind up in my unit in Pet, Edmonton or wherever I'll get a vehicle. I'm not gonna buy a charger or something stupid like that. I'll probably wind up buying a used late 90's Silverado or F150 and beat the poo poo out of it.

I don't think they've changed basic, or if they have they haven't updated the St.Jean website to reflect the change.

[edit, actually you're right, you do weapons in week 2. theres a day by day schedule here if anyone is curious: http://www.cflrs.forces.gc.ca/menu/ps/rec/es-wt/index-eng.asp

I checked out this site, wow.

05h10 - 05h25 Morning Physical Training
05h30 - 06h00 Morning Preparation
06h10 - 06h50 Breakfast

WTF. This is hosed up. Basic for me was

4:30 Wake up and get poo poo ready
5:10 PT
6:00 Run upstairs and get inspection
6:50 Breakfast
7:00 Inspection

Im actually surprise this site is updated, it usually takes the military 6 month + to get something corrected (if ever). Heck it still says Infantry does SQ then 17 week infantry school( pre 2008 information).

Also about your posting. After basic you will go to Gagetown to do training. After that they will send you where you are needed. You can put in a memo about where you would like to be posted.

Fraser CDN fucked around with this message at 06:39 on May 26, 2010

Lassitude
Oct 21, 2003

Only 15 minutes of PT? What the gently caress?

Aidsteen
Mar 30, 2008
Wow, after reading that site I'm convinced BMQ is gonna be pretty sweet.

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Lassitude posted:

Only 15 minutes of PT? What the gently caress?

I think they have hosed up BMQ. I know my BMQ wasn't as hard as it was in the early 2000's or before that. But seriously. Are they trying to make a joke. My brother did BMQ a year after I did and they wouldn't let anyone VR before week 4. Whats the point of now of filling out a VR for someone and leaving it their bed now?

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.
What I think is the craziest thing about BMQ is that you get off at 5 on Fridays to gently caress off to Montreal. That is going to own so hard.

But yeah, some of that stuff is seriously a joke. 15 minutes of PT? 6k ruckmarch? 5k runs? I though basic was supposed to be hard...

OK so tell me if this is right: I'll do my BMQ at St.Jean, then ship out to Gagetown for SQ/Driver Course, then I'll be a "personnel awaiting training" until combat engineer school in Gagetown. After that's finished I'll go to either Gagetown, Edmonton, or Petawawa to join a regular unit.

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Samu posted:

What I think is the craziest thing about BMQ is that you get off at 5 on Fridays to gently caress off to Montreal. That is going to own so hard.

But yeah, some of that stuff is seriously a joke. 15 minutes of PT? 6k ruckmarch? 5k runs? I though basic was supposed to be hard...

OK so tell me if this is right: I'll do my BMQ at St.Jean, then ship out to Gagetown for SQ/Driver Course, then I'll be a "personnel awaiting training" until combat engineer school in Gagetown. After that's finished I'll go to either Gagetown, Edmonton, or Petawawa to join a regular unit.

The whole getting weekends off is the staffs choice, or if your course fucks up. Everything sounds about right, not sure about SQ/ driver wheel for combat engineer though.

Fire Above
Mar 28, 2010
Basic's what it is. The fun times start when you get to your trade school. Infantry battle school was everything I wanted out of a military experience that basic left me high and dry for. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if you guys stop doing PT after half way through. Still 15 minutes of PT is a pretty big joke...

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Jesus christ, 15 minutes of PT. I did a Co-Op basic, and we did 1 and a half to 2 hours per day.

Blade_of_tyshalle
Jul 12, 2009

If you think that, along the way, you're not going to fail... you're blind.

There's no one I've ever met, no matter how successful they are, who hasn't said they had their failures along the way.

I do more PT a day on my own, and I'm just a civilian. That's... underwhelming.

acumen
Mar 17, 2005
Fun Shoe

Fire Above posted:

Basic's what it is. The fun times start when you get to your trade school. Infantry battle school was everything I wanted out of a military experience that basic left me high and dry for. Hell I wouldn't be surprised if you guys stop doing PT after half way through. Still 15 minutes of PT is a pretty big joke...

Basic training is a joke. Actually if some of my good civilian friends decided to join I'd probably try to do basic with them just because it'd be fun. If you want to be all crazy Full Metal Jacket brainwashing and getting lightly tortured, go through battle school.

Gay but Spooky
Oct 25, 2005
It depends on your course staff. We were lucky to have pt end before 6 am (on inspection days even) but we had a hardcore infantry captain who showed up for most morning pt. I saw platoons checking in at ~530/535 before though, its infuriating.

Ruse
Dec 16, 2005

Gentlemen, let's broaden our minds!

Samu posted:

OK so tell me if this is right: I'll do my BMQ at St.Jean, then ship out to Gagetown for SQ/Driver Course, then I'll be a "personnel awaiting training" until combat engineer school in Gagetown. After that's finished I'll go to either Gagetown, Edmonton, or Petawawa to join a regular unit.

Thats if they dont send you to Borden for BMQ. They do that sometimes during the summer.

Also, you will not get a dive course after SQ. Especially Combat diver, there are only a hand full of those guys and they dont just take anyone. You can only hope to apply for dive course AFTER your QL3, maybe not even until QL4.

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.

Ruse posted:

Thats if they dont send you to Borden for BMQ. They do that sometimes during the summer.

Also, you will not get a dive course after SQ. Especially Combat diver, there are only a hand full of those guys and they dont just take anyone. You can only hope to apply for dive course AFTER your QL3, maybe not even until QL4.

I already have my course date/location for Basic, and it's at St.Jean in July.

I was thinking of trying to get on the combat diver course, but I figured that course would be available after I finish my MOC school. What's QL3/QL4?

Ruse
Dec 16, 2005

Gentlemen, let's broaden our minds!

Samu posted:

What's QL3/QL4?

Sorry! QL3 is your Trades qualification. QL3 is your first trades course, for Reg force. QL4/QL5 etc are the subsequent courses you take after completion of your QL3 (Everyone calls them Threes). Depending on the trade and the current requirements and your MPRR (Military Personal Record Resume, just a summary of all your courses, postings, deployments, medals and so on), it can also mean promotions.

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Ruse posted:

Thats if they dont send you to Borden for BMQ. They do that sometimes during the summer.


Pray to get posted to Borden. By far, one of the best bases in the CF.

Samu
Jan 11, 2010

The only thing I hate more than hippie neo-liberal fascists and anarchists are the hypocrite fat cat suits they grow up to become.

MA-Horus posted:

Pray to get posted to Borden. By far, one of the best bases in the CF.

I'd rather go to St.Jean, it's closer to home and right next to Montreal.

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

Samu posted:

I already have my course date/location for Basic, and it's at St.Jean in July.

I was thinking of trying to get on the combat diver course, but I figured that course would be available after I finish my MOC school. What's QL3/QL4?

I think July is one of the best months to start BMQ. All the class work in done in the hot heat of July/ early August. Then when you get to the field in September its warm out.

acumen posted:

Basic training is a joke. Actually if some of my good civilian friends decided to join I'd probably try to do basic with them just because it'd be fun. If you want to be all crazy Full Metal Jacket brainwashing and getting lightly tortured, go through battle school.

Im reenlisting right now and I actually asked them if I could do basic again. I was told no. After being lightly tortured though battle school basic just seems like even more of a joke.

Fraser CDN fucked around with this message at 02:53 on May 27, 2010

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Samu posted:

I'd rather go to St.Jean, it's closer to home and right next to Montreal.

Alright, either St.Jean or Borden. Borden is close to Barrie and cottage country. Spending your weekends at Wasaga Beach is balling.

Mr.48
May 1, 2007

MA-Horus posted:

Pray to get posted to Borden. By far, one of the best bases in the CF.

I'm more partial to Pet myself, a little further from major cities but the base itself is much nicer.

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Mr.48 posted:

I'm more partial to Pet myself, a little further from major cities but the base itself is much nicer.

I do like Pet as well. White Water rafting on the loving ottawa, hooah! One raft for people, one raft for beer.

Commander Jebus
Sep 9, 2001

You came in that thing? You're braver than I thought...

I assume you are ignoring Esquimalt, Halifax\Shearwater and Comox when you say " Best Base in the CF"

Or maybe best army base. :colbert:

MA-Horus
Dec 3, 2006

I'm sorry, I can't hear you over the sound of how awesome I am.

Lt. Jebus posted:

I assume you are ignoring Esquimalt, Halifax\Shearwater and Comox when you say " Best Base in the CF"

Or maybe best army base. :colbert:

Is it wrong while in shacks in Borden there was a Navy BMQ on the floor above me? And I enjoyed immensely listening to them get smoked endlessly?

I should. Fuckers got the cable cut off during the '04 Olympics. Goddamn squabbies.

HammerOfHope
Apr 21, 2003

Pounding away since 1984.

Samu posted:

Anybody got any useful financial advice for when I start basic? I'm a dumb kid right out of high school and I have no idea what to do with the money I'll be making since prior to this I've lived at home and drank/clubbed away my lovely grocery store paychecks. I want to avoid making common mistakes that young junior enlisted make, and I was wondering if anyone could impart some wisdom.

I want to set money aside to go back to University when I'm done my enlistment, so I want to save up a good chunk of change that I can use 4 years from now. I don't have a car but I'll probably have to get one once I finish training. What's the smartest way to put money away/get a vehicle?

We have a company called SISIP that's there specifically to help you manage your money. When you start BMQ they'll give you a couple briefs about life insurance and their financial counseling/planning services. Ironically your staff won't let you make appointments until you finish your course (unless people are coming to break your knees, maybe) but you should give them a call when you have a chance.

Fraser CDN
May 16, 2009
MORON

HammerOfHope posted:

We have a company called SISIP that's there specifically to help you manage your money. When you start BMQ they'll give you a couple briefs about life insurance and their financial counseling/planning services. Ironically your staff won't let you make appointments until you finish your course (unless people are coming to break your knees, maybe) but you should give them a call when you have a chance.

One weird thing about them is if your 17 you cant buy life insurance. I asked the guy why and he couldn't give me a clear answer.

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surivdaoreht
Jan 22, 2009

I posted a little ways back in this thread when I was approaching my CFAT date. That day has come and gone, did as good as I had to do to qualify for my trade (not sure what my grade was, or even how many things I qualified for).

I'm joining for AVN TECH 00135, and I've just completed my two year college course for Aviation Technician. I just had my medical this morning, and the Doc said everything is good to go and now they just have to wait for the paperwork to go through to Ottawa and come back. Apparently this can take anywhere from two to four weeks.

My interview is approaching quickly (roughly a week from now), can't wait. I'm intending on wearing; dress pants, dress shirt, dress shoes, no tie. That should be fine, I think? Any tips for the interview itself? I think I'll do fine, but it doesn't hurt to ask.

Couple more things;

Because I've completed college and I'll be joining as semi-skilled (should I be accepted), is there any sort of signing bonus? It's not a make or break issue for me, I'm just curious.

And the other; On the way back from moving back from residence, I stopped in at my job from last summer and got my position back starting Monday. I let my boss know about the military stuff that's going on and he's cool with it. My question is; Once I have my interview and they have all the supporting information that they need, if they choose to offer me entry to the forces, are they going to want me to quit my job and work for them immediately until basic? Or how does that work? I only ask because I've gathered from a close friend, who also just finished the program (already in the service) that he won't be doing basic until the 28th of August.

I'm just trying to get a feel of how fast the process is going to be moving from this point, thanks guys.

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