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acumen posted:Seriously, I respect engineers more than other infantry. Those guys have one of the hardest jobs in the combat arms. Quoting for truth. Engineer bros, I love you. In a totally homo way.
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Aug 4, 2012 00:18
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tuyop posted:Which combat arms? Applied for Armour, Infantry or Artillery. Artillery was limited entry though so I'm thinking it's going to be either Armour or Infantry.
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Aug 4, 2012 07:02
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irongiant posted:Applied for Armour, Infantry or Artillery. Artillery was limited entry though so I'm thinking it's going to be either Armour or Infantry. Artillery officers have a really easy go, especially in the field. That being said they have to know a lot of technical poo poo.
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Aug 4, 2012 15:24
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irongiant posted:Applied for Armour, Infantry or Artillery. Artillery was limited entry though so I'm thinking it's going to be either Armour or Infantry. There's a lot of downsizing happening right now, especially in armoured. It may not apply to you by the time you make it to Gagetown, but the armour school just cancelled the big combined arms ex that happens every year because they only had five candidates left out of 50-60. Infantry has been going through a similar thing for at least two years, we just have a lot more guys to whittle down. Arty is pretty rough right now, too for attrition during phase training. Also, you guys need to chill about the combat arms dickwaving. I was obviously joking. The  meant that I, as an overpaid secretary in uniform who never managed to get qualified, am obviously a hard man and can judge which trades deserve your respect and which ones derision (artillery).
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Aug 4, 2012 17:10
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tuyop posted:There's a lot of downsizing happening right now, especially in armoured. It may not apply to you by the time you make it to Gagetown, but the armour school just cancelled the big combined arms ex that happens every year because they only had five candidates left out of 50-60. Infantry has been going through a similar thing for at least two years, we just have a lot more guys to whittle down. Arty is pretty rough right now, too for attrition during phase training. Artillery has a pretty high attrition rate even after phase training. Half of the lts and 2lts I knew hated it a lot and decided pretty early on that they weren't sticking around after their IE. tuyop posted:Also, you guys need to chill about the combat arms dickwaving. I was obviously joking. The I don't think anyone was serious about the combat arms dickwaving, at least I wasn't. I was taking a jab at someone taking a jab. Although there are a lot of people that I've met seriously believe that in similar positions. It's alright to hate on a trade you've been in or have a veritable 'sibling' rivalry. But you know there are people who genuinely hold those beliefs
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Aug 4, 2012 17:31
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People who don't think sappers should be combat arms are either really stupid or have never had any contact with us in the field. I mean, we have tankers, combat divers, and a jump troop who jumps with 1 and 3 VP regularly. Our field troops are basically multi-purpose infantry platoons. We do have some troops that don't do that kind of stuff like heavy equipment or ROWPU (water purification), but for the most part we do all the same stuff as the infantry. Except light our tents on fire or cook meth in the shacks. :P
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Aug 4, 2012 22:07
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Where do IMPs come from anyways? I'd love to field test them, or mail in ideas. The world needs to hear about my vision of beer battered fish & chips IMPs, we have the technology, let's do this thing!
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Aug 6, 2012 01:34
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Frosted Flake posted:Where do IMPs come from anyways?
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Aug 6, 2012 01:41
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My Spirit Otter posted:
Fixed that for you. Wait, same thing.
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Aug 6, 2012 01:59
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It makes too much sense that the lovely rations I eat and the lovely trucks I work on come from the same province.
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Aug 6, 2012 02:03
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Le belle province indeed.
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Aug 6, 2012 02:12
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Frosted Flake posted:Where do IMPs come from anyways? Unfortunately there are just enough people in the CF who refuse to ingest anything remotely alcoholic to prevent this IMP from being created. We have separate meals for vegans so I do not think they would want to diversify the choices any more then they have.
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Aug 6, 2012 02:50
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scaper exile posted:Unfortunately there are just enough people in the CF who refuse to ingest anything remotely alcoholic to prevent this IMP from being created. We have separate meals for vegans so I do not think they would want to diversify the choices any more then they have. I've only ever met one person who refused to drink and he ate halal meals anyway.
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Aug 6, 2012 03:08
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scaper exile posted:separate meals for vegans I've known a few people who opted for vegetarian meals because they're allegedly fresher and healthier. My Spirit Otter posted:I've only ever met one person who refused to drink and he ate halal meals anyway. I was never a drinker until one particularly wild promotion party. Now I have a beer fridge in the garage. It just takes time for some people 
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Aug 6, 2012 03:21
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My Spirit Otter posted:Hell. The veal cutlet with mushroom sauce was delicious and I'll fight you over it 
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Aug 6, 2012 19:13
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Mr.48 posted:The veal cutlet with mushroom sauce was delicious and I'll fight you over it Delicious compared to the other poo poo they throw into imps. Not actually delicious.
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Aug 6, 2012 21:47
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How hard would it be to make a decent chicken parm? We're clearly not putting our best and brightest into IMP development. The pasta ones always turn out pretty ok though. I've never had a bad boxed lunch, but that's probably because it's hard to gently caress up a sandwich and juice.
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Aug 6, 2012 21:51
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Frosted Flake posted:I've never had a bad boxed lunch, but that's probably because it's hard to gently caress up a sandwich and juice. I will literally vomit on sight if I ever see another ham sub boxed lunch.
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Aug 6, 2012 22:16
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Frosted Flake posted:I've never had a bad boxed lunch, but that's probably because it's hard to gently caress up a sandwich and juice. I have bad memories of biting into an expired egg salad sandwich from a boxed lunch. Also that vegetable juice is disgusting.
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Aug 6, 2012 23:09
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Oh god..box lunches. I could NEVER eat any of the sandwiches, and always had to force myself if there really was no other choice..although preferably on the beef one. I'd just trade them away for extra stuff from other people instead. I'd rather eat the loving Scalloped Potatoes and Ham IMP, and I loving HATE that IMP.
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Aug 6, 2012 23:35
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I don't particularly hate any IMP except loving Cabbage Rolls. Those give me the screamin' shits like nothing else on this earth. Box Lunches... honestly I'd rather eat IMP's instead. They could be improved with more loving mayo/mustard packets per box. 1 of each is an insult.
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Aug 7, 2012 04:54
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I've been getting by by trading cigarettes and candy for extra condiments. I do love me some roast beef though.
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Aug 7, 2012 05:12
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Anyone hear about this? http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/phoney-soldier-confesses-to-lies-but-avoids-jail-165392036.html Wow this guy had his family and fiance fooled... Using my google skills I found a picture of this guy. http://www.mysteinbach.ca/newsblog/456.html scaper exile fucked around with this message at 00:26 on Aug 9, 2012 |
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Aug 9, 2012 00:23
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He spent more time pretending than I've been in... Honestly though, you'd think he would just join the Reserves or something rather than pretend to be in for 2 years. Also a 21 year old cpl who's been to Afghanistan and Haiti? At least say you're a traffic tech or a cook or something.
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Aug 9, 2012 00:41
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The article mentions an Umpherville, but I don't see where is says who this person actually is? There's an Umpherville in 1VP and it'd be pretty amusing if that was the dude who called him on his bullshit.
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Aug 11, 2012 00:42
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I presume everyone's heard about the cuts to IR and Prohibited Posting benefits, effective Sep 1. That is to say, anyone on IR loses separation expenses, which is about $400/mo, and PPs lose that AND have to begin paying R&Q, which can run 5-900 depending on the base. Don't feel too bad for the IR folks because SE is kind of a gravy train, but a lot of the PPs are privates and junior officers on trades training, posted away from home through no fault of their own. The money was supposed to be able to help maintain their primary residences until they could move their families. So, the Ptes with families will be out $900 to $1200 a month in two weeks' time. I could see losing the SE only, but having to pay R&Q is outrageous given the rates, $600 and up. I feed my family for less than the CF is forcing these guys to pay to feed themselves. And I swear I was paying around $300/mo R&Q when I was in shacks in the early 2000s. $324 comes to mind. I read somewhere that R&Q in Halifax is now around $900/mo for a junior O! Hopefully I can IR to Moosejaw instead of getting a PP. It would be pretty cool if they cut PLD with a month's notice, too. I and many others would lose our homes, and there are certainly nowhere near enough PMQs for us. Victoria has an 18 month wait as it is.
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Aug 16, 2012 06:00
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Hey, they have to hit PML somehow, and if everyone just happens to be forced out financially, welp...  It's a lovely thing to do, and it's little things like this that don't make it to the front page - gently caress the F35, once privates start having to raid food banks, this is going to be an embarassment. I've been told that something will be put in place as a stopgap measure, and that it kind of came out of the blue for everyone, so...
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Aug 16, 2012 07:11
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This might just be because army dudes are dumb and can't handle their money, but I know several cpl's with families who have side jobs doing terrible or humiliating poo poo like bagging groceries at night. There's a sgt who works the counter at my local 7-11. When I recognized him from work he played it cool, like he was doing somebody a favour or something, but that's pretty brutal. The particular dude in question is not somebody I'd think of as a dumbass or a loser or someone prone to spending their whole paycheque on lift kits and beer, either. On the other hand, when I was in, I remember feeling like I had all the money I could want. But that was last year, I'm told there have been some cuts since then, and I'm a single dude that doesn't really spend that much at the end of the day.
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Aug 16, 2012 15:28
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Morristron posted:This might just be because army dudes are dumb and can't handle their money, but I know several cpl's with families who have side jobs doing terrible or humiliating poo poo like bagging groceries at night. That might play into it a bit, but I have known some guys with second jobs, mostly in Halifax. They would typically have a few kids and wife that doesn't work - not necessarily the wife's fault, finding a job that outweighs the cost of chilcare in the Maritimes can be hard. I also know complete idiots that spend everything they make on dumb poo poo and keep payday loan places in business. I also know a 2-Cpl household in Edmonton and they own three homes and have lots of cash socked away, so who knows what the gently caress. I feel I make decent money (with PLD) for the area I live. If only my wife hadn't dropped out of law school ($$$), we'd be very comfortable.
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Aug 16, 2012 18:20
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Yeah, as it is now, if you budget your money properly (I'm not saying be overly frugal, just track your spending) there's no reason to be struggling financially as a single soldier. The biggest mistakes I see are people buying cars they just straight up can't afford. If you are a Pte(b) and own a new V8 Camaro, F-150, Impreza WRX ect. I will have no sympathy for you being broke all the time. A lot junior privates too get sucked in by CanEx plans that start to add up. I can't count the number of people who got those $2000 gaming laptops at the CanEx after basic, or huge TV's in Gagetown on PAT. Not only is the base price higher than it should be, the CanEx sneaks in extra fees. For example the one here in Edmonton sells Ashley furniture, so I went and asked if I brought them the part # for a bedroom set I wanted out of the Ashley 2012 catalogue if they could order it in for me. They gave me a price quote that was around $200 more than the quote I got from the Ashley furniture store. When I asked the clerks at the CanEx they told me it's because they charge an additional fee on everything for convenience or some bullshit like that. They also market it as way to build your credit, when in reality it has no effect on your score at all. If people actually used their money intelligently, PLD/LDA being cut would still suck, but it wouldn't bankrupt people. They tell you to not factor PLD in your budget when you apply for it for a reason. And bagging groceries? Where are you posted that you can't get a job as a bouncer, security guard or working for the commissionaires? I'm probably just taking Alberta for granted but I can't even imagine someone working minimum wage part time like that. Oh and we are pretty spoiled in Edmonton. Almost $700/month in PLD and $150 and up for LDA in you're in a combat unit. A Pte in Edmonton makes around $700 more per pay than a Pte in Gagetown. Edit: Sorry, I'm misrepresenting that. I mean as a Pte living out of the shacks in Edmonton I make 700 more per pay than a Pte living in the shacks in Gagetown. Samu fucked around with this message at 22:47 on Aug 16, 2012 |
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Aug 16, 2012 22:17
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poo poo, as a private in Shilo, where my only extra money was LDA I could still easily afford the truck I bought without going broke. Then again, that truck was my first real debt too.
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Aug 16, 2012 22:37
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Well I've seen a lot of guys who make 36 grand a year buy brand new crew cabs for $30 000 plus who are going to be forced into the shacks or have to sell their vehicle at a significant loss if they cut PLD. I have the bad habit of buying everything cash. It's good in that I have no debt, but my credit isn't very good because of it. But I'd rather have mediocre credit than debt, if that makes any sense. I bought a good quality used truck in cash, I pay next to nothing for insurance on it and I have enough to buy a brand new Harley. Not having those monthly payments means I'll save money in the end and never have to worry about pay cuts. I'm not saying everyone should do this but it does alleviate a lot of money related stress.
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Aug 16, 2012 23:02
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All the money I'm making goes to school and rent, but I know guys who have come back from deployment and gotten Shelby Mustangs and Camaros and all that. Being a Gnr(b) sucks. I want a sports car too! I know a girl who worked at the KAF Timmies and Canex and made major bank.
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Aug 16, 2012 23:22
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Frosted Flake posted:All the money I'm making goes to school and rent, but I know guys who have come back from deployment and gotten Shelby Mustangs and Camaros and all that. Being a Gnr(b) sucks. I want a sports car too! Along with First Aid, there should be a course on fiscal responsibility in Basic. Not that anyone would listen, but I know some gunners and bombers that would have no trouble dropping 400 bucks a week at the bar.
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Aug 17, 2012 02:15
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The one thing I was a sucker for (other then the $2000.00 gaming laptop...) was loaning people money... My first weekend out in basic I loaned this guy from my sister platoon $200.00...literally for strippers and beer. Needless to say I never saw that money again...
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Aug 17, 2012 02:39
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MA-Horus posted:Along with First Aid, there should be a course on fiscal responsibility in Basic. Not that anyone would listen, but I know some gunners and bombers that would have no trouble dropping 400 bucks a week at the bar. I'm pretty sure I went through some sort of "don't spend your money frivolously" class back in basic in 2005, and again on PLQ. But I totally agree.
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Aug 17, 2012 04:02
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Yeah, there's an hour long class put on by SISIP.
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Aug 17, 2012 05:13
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Samu posted:
Yeah, this is horseshit. That's precisely what PLD is for, to go right in your budget so you can realistically live in certain areas you have no choice about. Perhaps the single Pte-Cpl is using it to fund a Camaro, but actual grown ups use it for things like childcare, mortgages and other living expenses. Where I live the average home price is north of 600 large and daycare is $1000/head/mo at least (even at the MFRC). It costs more than $100 to leave the island by car, and another $100 to come back. I'm not exaggerating when I say if PLD takes a hit, many people will lose their homes or end up at food banks again. Ten years ago we made a lot of money, but costs are rapidly beginning to outstrip income again. But my original point was that married-with-families folks that want to join are going to be very hard pressed now that they will have basically 6-900 stripped off their income while trying to maintain their original homes until they are actually posted. The CF has literally pulled a bait-and-switch on those that joined under the impression that their families would be taken care of while the member was in training.
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Aug 17, 2012 06:40
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CANEX knows exactly who they're dealing with. When I went in there to look for a chesterfield, they had 60" 3D TVs, Gaming Laptops and high-end BBQs and Smokers.
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Aug 17, 2012 07:48
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compressioncut posted:Yeah, this is horseshit. That's precisely what PLD is for, to go right in your budget so you can realistically live in certain areas you have no choice about. Perhaps the single Pte-Cpl is using it to fund a Camaro, but actual grown ups use it for things like childcare, mortgages and other living expenses. They only started saying this once the rumours started that PLD was going to be cut sooner or later. PLD's purpose is right there in it's name, ffs.
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Aug 17, 2012 22:57
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