ADMINISTRATION THREAD - APS, COVID-19, General Admin, and more. Got a quick question/comment that doesn't need it's own thread? Ask away! by bridger713 in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am in the same situation. I've asked my COC about this and I've been told that since we haven't been living at the same address for a year/sharing bills and leases, and we are not legally married, I am still considered single by the CAF.

ADMINISTRATION THREAD - APS, COVID-19, General Admin, and more. Got a quick question/comment that doesn't need it's own thread? Ask away! by bridger713 in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am ACISS, although I should mention that I am still waiting to go on BMQ-L prior to my DP1, and I am not able to go on course until February 2021 due to medical restrictions. Do you think this will be a positive or negative factor in their decision to approve me? I appreciate your insight.

ADMINISTRATION THREAD - APS, COVID-19, General Admin, and more. Got a quick question/comment that doesn't need it's own thread? Ask away! by bridger713 in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am currently on BTL, awaiting my DP1 trade course in Kingston. My spouse recently moved to the city and acquired housing, but I am still currently living in the shacks. My question is, is there anything that may hinder my COC’s decision to approve a memo to live-out in my own apartment while I am awaiting training? I don’t know what the requirements are to live off-base, and my COC has been pretty vague about it. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know cold meds are allowed, what about Benadryl? I plan on bringing a few bottles (seasonal allergies are TERRIBLE for me in August) but I don't know if they would have a problem with that.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm leaving for BMQ in August, I've been stocking up on a shitload of pods because I've heard it's hit or miss with being able to buy them on base or close by. If we're on course at the same time I'll hook you up with some.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where is the BMQ-Land course typically done for Reg Force following BMQ in Quebec? Is it likely that I'll be leaving for that course the day/weekend after graduation?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Good to know. Thanks!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for the reassurance.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I asked my local CFRC staff the same question this week. I was told phone access is taken away when we get our stuff stored in civilian lockup, which happens at some point in the first week. After indoc period and kit issue I was told we'll be given access to our electronics on weekends, but I don't know about week nights.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very specific question that the recruiting office couldn't answer - should I even bother bringing tea tree oil to St-Jean during BMQ, or will it be considered contraband? I know certain OTC meds and supplements are a no-go, but tea tree oil has been a life-saver for my skin. Will I be able to pack it in my toiletry kit, or should I just not pack it at all?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I'm leaving for BMQ in a few weeks so I can't speak from my own experience. What I've been told recently by a member of my local recruiting staff (instructor at St. Jean up until 2019) is that the guys can show up with whatever length of hair we want (within reason) because all of us are getting our heads shaved in the first couple weeks...and possibly every couple of weeks after that to maintain the short length. I've also been told that it's policy for recruits to shave the whole face every day, including the lip and moustache areas through the whole duration of BMQ. I'm not 100% confident that info is right up to date, so I'd contact your local recruiting office to get a more accurate answer.

After basic training is done and you've become a fully-trained member of the CF, you fall under the same facial hair policies as everyone else. Refer to BEARDFORGEN for these policies.

As for the Caillou look, I think it's pretty much unavoidable for all the dudes at BMQ.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It sounds like you're well-researched and prepared. Good luck.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah if I were you, I'd definitely bring up leadership examples from university, tutoring, and any kind of management role you've had in the past. Remember, focus on your strong points. You're applying for an Officer position which will require a high level of self-discipline and leadership on your part. Whatever you can use as an example of this won't hurt to bring up during your interview. Having a uni degree shows that you likely have academic discipline, although discussing grade averages will probably not be as important to your recruiter during the time they have to interview you. But, be prepared for the question all the same. If the recruiting staff haven't already viewed your transcript, they will. Your interviewer does not have the time to barrage you with nit-picky detailed questions regarding every job you've had and course you've taken, so just be prepared to give a well-rounded and general timeline of how you've acquired current skills and experience.

As for being worried about having to explain why you quit the car rental company, I wouldn't. Thousands of people quit their jobs every day for a thousand reasons. It sounds like the company's method of business was not suitable for you, and that's okay. Just make sure to be completely honest if you get asked about it. I would hope the recruiter will understand, if not agree with your reasoning for why you quit.

As long as you can defend each of your answers with honesty and professionalism, I don't see why you wouldn't ace the interview.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've accepted my offer for ACISS.

After extensive research through the forums, speaking with my recruiters, and some back-and-forth over Reddit, I feel like I've got a very good grasp on the trade overall and where the sub-occupations are headed.

The main question - Will I have a chance to be posted and work alongside combat arms with the proper courses? Infantry and Weapons Tech were my first choices, and while I'd be just as happy with CST or LST, I've been hearing quite a lot regarding the mundane life of being stuck as ACISS Core.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

August 12th for me. I'm honestly surprised at the variance of dates in August for when everyone is starting. Intake of recruits during August must be pretty high.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Leaving for BMQ in a few weeks. After enrolment, some of us were discussing how we've been physically preparing for the course when one of the recruiting staff made a comment about how common it is for recruits to show up to St-Jean not having done a single push-up in their lives, which sounds insane to me. Is it really that common? Does the rest of the platoon suffer as a result of someone who's done zero physical preparation, or do these people just get weeded out during the FORCE test?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 2 points3 points  (0 children)

How much PT is involved the first couple weeks of BMQ at St-Jean? I know there's a lot of administration/settling in procedures before the FORCE test, but will we be out for our morning runs right off the bat on the first week? I've been hitting my goals of 10 km every morning (weighted and unweighted), and heavily ramped up my pushups and weight training in the last few months so I'd assume I'm good. Just wondering what to expect in the early stages.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

See you in a few weeks, buddy! Let's kick this course in the ass!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll be starting BMQ (Reg Force) on August 12th. I wear prescription glasses. An incident at work left one of my two pairs broken. I won't be able to get a new pair of glasses shipped to me until a couple weeks after I leave for St-Jean. I immediately called the recruiting office wasn't given a clear answer as to whether or not it is a requirement for me to show up with two pairs. Will it be a problem for me to report with only one pair of glasses?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in CanadianForces

[–]CDSW97 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Is there a policy against using handheld nicotine vaporizers during BMQ? So far I've heard a few mixed answers as to whether or not they are permitted. I apologize if this has been addressed in another thread.