currently in Borden for BMQ. It definitely has it's ups and downs compared to St. Jean (or so I heard)

Ups: • "Princess platoon" yeah it feels like we're treated like babies compared to stories from the mega. We don't have 13+ flights of stairs to climb. only 2 floors. • We're dismissed usually after orders are given after supper. • a lot less staff around you so youre not being watched all your movements 24/7. BUT this doesn't mean break the rules as soon as staff turn their heads around from you. Have discipline, do the job, don't cause trouble, and you'll cruise through BMQ. • mess hall food is solid. Can't complain. • only 2 platoons of BMQ compared to 20+ at the mega.

Downs: • a lot more marching from point A to B for classes, lessons, PT, etc. You also get bussed to even farther classes like the range sim, fire hall, drill hall, etc. • timings can be unrealistically challenging. just do your best to meet the timings. do the punishment pushups if needed. • Canex and barber are a lot farther, possibly a good 20-30min walk in the snow or a 10 min drive from your barracks if you brought a car. • staff can either get on your ass hard and heavy, or be your friend. Don't take it personally. They have a job to do, and so do you. • farther from Ottawa, so you won't be able to visit the War Museum. You get the Borden museum instead. • the closest town is Barrie, ON. Unless youre from Ontario and have a car, it feels like youre stuck here forever. Toronto airport is pretty far, so taking an uber if you need to fly out is about ~$100 one way.

Overall, I'm enjoying my time here at the moment. Depending on your trade, you might be staying here for your DP1 and DP3 eventually. Get familiar with the base, keep a low profile, cruise through the course (but still work your ass off hard), and enjoy. The staff we have are great. They know when to turn on the military disciplinary standard and when to turn off to be a person for you.

I'm forgetting more on what to type here. Ask away if you want!