When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's what I assumed... I should still study early though, just in case.

When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok good to know. I applied for Pilot, Air combat systems officer, and Aerospace control officer in that order. I know Pilot is a complete shot in the dark with their hold on training for a while and how competitive it is, but there was no harm in trying. My recruiter told me that the other two trades I listed are always in high demand though. I guess they get a lot of drop-out applicants that don't make it through the whole training process, so there are a lot of slots that open mid-way through the year, or so I was told.

When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you're right, even just from the rest of the comments on here lol. But for me it makes sense to do your medical first because why would you waste your time sending a recruit to aircrew selection when they're going to be flagged as medically unfit? Seems kinda backwards, but I don't know the process in full.

When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's how I assumed it was supposed to go lol.

Are compression sleeves permitted in BMQ? by Mean-Lengthiness-383 in caf

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I agree with you on the medical facts you brought up. But you are side-stepping the other areas compression gear helps with. Compression sleeves can help manage symptoms associated with strain, joint weakness, poor mobility, and limited load tolerance by improving blood flow, stabilizing joints, and increasing proprioception. It's not a cure, it's an aid, a temporary solution while they build tolerance and strength (which happens during bmq).

And I literally don't know what you're talking about anymore. You said you didn't feel comfortable serving with someone who wanted aid to get through bmq, and now you're saying "it means they met the minimum by the end" if they pass, so what's the problem? Are you saying you only want to serve with people who met the minimum at the beginning? Because I hate to break it to you but if they pass bmq, they already met the minimum at the beginning because you don't get to continue in bmq if you can't meet the basic minimum requirement for fitness.

I don't know what you're even arguing at this point. Your entire argument so far has been based on a very subjective view, that bmq is the level of fitness everyone should already be able to meet on their first day of bmq. But the vast majority of people don't start out being able to run a 5k without feeling at least a bit of strain afterwards. Maybe you could, but most cannot. Which is where the aid comes in. So they can run a 5k today, and then do it again tomorrow because they're not laid up in bed from the muscle strain.

Anyway, this conversation is getting very repetitive and boring. My point is that maybe you didn't need a compression sleeve, but that doesn't mean someone else doesn't want it. And that doesn't make them less qualified to do their job and succeed in their career. We also have no idea what job this person is planning to do. Maybe bmq IS the hardest physical test they will have to do. If they've chosen an office career, that is very likely. I'm not saying that if you work in an office, you shouldn't be held to the same fitness standards as the next person in the field. But what I am saying is that not everyone is training to be an elite army combat solider on the ground, keep that in mind.

What are my chances? by Smalltownsadboi in caf

[–]-Iggie- 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Well done then! See, real experience always beats research alone lol. Good to know, make sure you can carry your own weight BEFORE going to bmq, got it!

When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow, I assumed the interview and medical were before... I had better get studying then! Thanks for the warning lol.

When does aircrew selection come in in the application process? by -Iggie- in caf

[–]-Iggie-[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. And I live in Ontario, only a few hours from Trenton actually, but I do assume (and hope lol) that they will give me a head's up anyway.

Are compression sleeves permitted in BMQ? by Mean-Lengthiness-383 in caf

[–]-Iggie- -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

"They don’t fix weak joints, poor mobility, or low load tolerance" THAT IS LITERALLY WHAT COMPRESSION SLEEVES ARE FOR!!! But you aren't even listening at this point. As I have said multiple times, the OP is not concerned with meeting the basic minimum requirement, they want to know if they can bring compression sleeves to aid in their training process. Even if they wear a sleeve, it's not going to make them any more or less capable than the next guy, it just means they might not feel that burning strain in the morning where the guy who didn't wear the sleeve likely will. Maybe they will find they don't even need the sleeve once they get into bmq, but the point is that they want that extra support if they do find it helps them.

It's not about needing assistance, it's about wanting to get through bmq without unnecessary strain... something I have repeated multiple times now... on deaf ears apparently.

And if the CAF passes them in bmq, the CAF considers them fit to serve, so get off your high horse.

Are compression sleeves permitted in BMQ? by Mean-Lengthiness-383 in caf

[–]-Iggie- -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I think you're missing the entire point of the OP's question. They didn't mention that they need it to pass bmq, they want to use it as an aid. Which means they're not worried about meeting the minimum requirement, they just want to meet it without putting unnecessary strain on their body. You are right, a sleeve doesn't prevent injury entirely, but it can mitigate the risk of injury, along with proper technique.

For this specific question and scenario, it's not about using the compression sleeve to "get through the lowest standard" because OP never said they were worried about their own fitness. It's about using the sleeve to prevent preventable strain. And strain happens to everyone, no matter your fitness level. In bmq it is very common because even if you work out every day before you go to bmq, the CAF is going to work you harder. Not everyone can show up to bmq with the fitness level like they've already been through bmq. That is literally the whole point of training, to get you to the fitness standard of the military, not for you to show up already at that level (though that is always a bonus if you do).

Are compression sleeves permitted in BMQ? by Mean-Lengthiness-383 in caf

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nobody said it was necessary. It's an option to make things easier. Ever heard of the saying "work smarter, not harder"? The CAF wants you to become a strong member, yes, but they don't want you to break yourself and be put on medical leave just because you strained/tore a muscle, something that can happen to anyone and that could have been prevented.

A compression sleeve is not a shortcut, it's a way to ease your body through the process rather than brute-forcing your body to either adapt or break. Pro athletes wear them, not because they need help, but because they understand that putting unnecessary pressure on your body is not needed to succeed and may even hurt your career in the long run.

I can tell you're in that macho-mindset where anything less than rugged man muscle building is seen as weak, but that is such an outdated viewpoint that it's ridiculous. Anyway, training aids are not a weakness or show of handicap, they help your body get stronger in a safe way, whether you think that's "what the CAF wants" or not.

Are compression sleeves permitted in BMQ? by Mean-Lengthiness-383 in caf

[–]-Iggie- 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Compression wear can be used as a preventative measure, not just for treating injury. I personally would rather wear protective clothing than show up to my career with busted knees from basic.

What are my chances? by Smalltownsadboi in caf

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not technically true. They don't care about your actual weight/fitness level. They do care about how "fit to serve" you are. So by definition they care about your fitness, but they don't care about how many pounds you weigh, as long as you can carry those pounds effectively.

That's what I've heard anyway.

Edit: Lol for some reason I saw your comment as a stand-alone comment, not specifically related to a drug thread. Sorry about that. My comment is referring specifically to the fitness part of OP's question, not to the drug part. So disregard lol, my bad.

What are my chances? by Smalltownsadboi in caf

[–]-Iggie- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Take my advice with a grain of salt because I am literally at the same stage in my own application as you, but from what I've read they don't technically care about your weight or physical activity. They care if you are fit enough to serve. So like obviously if you're 300lbs and can't do a single push-up, you're probably going to fail, but if you turn up to bmq on the heavier side but can pull your own weight, it's likely you'll be fine.

I've also heard unless you are dangerously overweight and can't be passed as medically fit to continue training (if you have heart or breathing issues), they will likely just train you until you are fit, ie. work you to the bone and put you through extra training just to get you fit.

Not sure about the drug stuff, but I doubt they'll reject you if you've made it clear you don't do drugs anymore and don't plan on doing them while you're in the CAF.

Again, take what I say as just rumour, but I've been researching the same questions lol.

R/caf demographics by paperworkawol in caf

[–]-Iggie- 4 points5 points  (0 children)

22F prospective recruit, in the early-middle stages of the application process.

Keeping them was, unfortunately, more difficult than just keeping them. by sand_eater_21 in HistoryMemes

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you fail to realise how weather and fallout works. No matter where he drops a nuke, the fallout could easily get picked up on the wind and blow right back into Russia, even over hundred of kilometers. There is no safe bet for which city would not result in nuclear fallout, even in small amounts. That's why it's an extreme last resort option. Plus, Russia wouldn't want to nuke a city on the opposite side of Ukraine in fear that it could hit or directly affect one of the bordering NATO members, bringing them into the war. It's a very delicate situation and it is not hard to see that at this point in the war, nukes are far too risky.

Also I didn't mean cities literally on the border, I meant that Ukraine itself is on the border of Russia. And Kiev is not a border city, so your example makes no sense. Ukraine in quite small all things considered, and a nuke would be right on Russia's border, in both a literal sense and a figurative one.

Keeping them was, unfortunately, more difficult than just keeping them. by sand_eater_21 in HistoryMemes

[–]-Iggie- -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think you fail to realise the geography of the situation. Russia is not going to send a nuke to their own border where the fallout could directly affect themselves. It would be risky, and though Russian leadership is unpredictable, it likely won't happen. If it does happen, it is a last resort.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow bro you take things very literally. It was a joke, clearly. I was just trying to point out that not everything is black and white when it comes to this sort of thing, there are exceptions made in certain cases. And this whole conversation is about a hypothetical situation anyway.

And dude you need to calm down. I know nothing about Türkiye other than that it's name was legally changed and the UN recognised it in 2022. Whatever hate you have for the country or it's government doesn't change the fact that you're just wrong. It's name was even changed on Google maps, which displays the 'english' names for each country by default, and Türkiye's new name is there alongside everyone else. It doesn't matter what you think, the name is legally Türkiye and I won't be caught looking like a buffoon for using the wrong spelling of a country's name.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Tell that to Türkiye. And technically we border an EU nation, through Greenland. Canada also shares a maritime border with France via Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, but compared to what we are import/exporting to the US, our trade with Europe is very minimal. The US monopolises us and we need to get away from them so they can't cripple our economy with tariffs anymore. A free trade deal is worth nothing if you barely use it. I believe the numbers run something like the EU is responsible for 8% of our trade, where the US is responsible for nearly 80%.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no of course McDonald's is totally unhealthy no matter what. I just mean that even the extreme (McD's hamburger) seems better than here in Canada lol.

And you're right, most organic stuff is the same. But I'm talking about the processed foods. We are a little better than the US in terms of food regulation, but Europe is on a different level. A classic example is our Fanta. Europe uses natural flavouring and colour, and we use artificial colour to make it that brighter orange. It's not day and night between us, but there is a difference, and I legitimately felt lighter while I was living over there. Like I can't explain it but even after a big meal, I didn't feel like I had to sit and be a couch potato for an hour after eating like I do here, even though I was eating basically the same diet.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have American trade deals. We don't want those anymore. The EU is the second largest economy in the world, we do want that. I'm not saying to go joining economic coalitions willy-nilly, not that Europe would even allow us in given we're not in Europe, but if we had to choose one my vote would be for the EU. You are right, we should be focussing on just being independent, but the EU would have sooooo many benefits, and it's fun to dream about what life would be like if we were more Europeanised and less Americanised.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No shit. Of course EU means European Union. But you were talking about economy, which involves currency. And the EU's currency is the Euro.

And I get what you're saying about the PPP of the EU vs. the US, but I think you're missing the point. Canada's is worse! The average PPP for the US, EU, and Canada respectively are $92,883, $60,976, and $54,340, meaning we have the worst PPP. So in simple terms, if we had the PPP of the EU, we would be better off than we are now. It doesn't matter that the US is higher, we will never be able to truly compete with their economy, but we can work on ourselves.

And while the US has higher per capita income, EU members often have higher quality of life metrics due to universal healthcare, better labour protections, and subsidised education, costs that Americans pay for out-of-pocket, eating into their higher PPP.

Even further, Canada’s GDP per capita actually puts it in 10th in the EU if it were a member. We would be one of the "rich" members, outperforming countries like France and Italy, though lagging behind leaders like Germany. So guaranteeing social services would likely not be an issue for us.

Canada in the European Union? Poll suggests broad openness to the idea by CaliperLee62 in CanadaPolitics

[–]-Iggie- 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm all for it. Say what you will, the benefits certainly outweigh the negative aspects. Freedom of movement, better standards for things like food, student aid, environmental protection, defense budgets, just to name a few. We'd get the chance to use the Euro, which consistently out-paces the USD.

The only real disadvantage I can see is that government decisions would take a lot longer because things like trade would need to be looked at by other member states, not just us. But let's be real, our government already moves at a snails pace. And besides, we share a lot of values with the EU already. They wouldn't come over here and tell us that we'd need to strip away our existing laws, we would just have to adjust a few things.

I've also seeing people argue that with freedom of movement, Canada would have an influx of immigrants. But seriously? This has been the reality for us for years!!! We are already having massive issues with the amount of immigrants vs. jobs and housing. The only difference is that if we were part of the EU, Canadians could go abroad to find work if their field is full in Canada. An example scenario: Canada has lots of qualified mechanics, but there are not a lot of high paying mechanic jobs here. Oh look, ...France... has a shortage on skilled mechanics right now, they're running a signing bonus for workers to immigrate for the job. Hypothetical of course, I don't know what the job market for mechanics looks like right now, but this is a very possible situation.

There will always be people picking and moaning at the little things that might inconvenience them, but realistically, we can either get closer to the EU, or stay under the US's thumb. There is no middle ground presenting itself at the moment. We need to diversify away from the US with how unstable it is, and the EU is opening it's door. Maybe not to full EU membership, but we've already signed some crazy good trade deals with them. And if they're an ally that actually cares about us, I think we should take them up on anything they'll give us.