Topic: Canadian Military ? (or any other army ,maybe I'd guess)

[Hexx]

Hey all
Just curious- do we have anyone around that's in the Canadian Army (such as it is)
As I've grown insanely bored of retail, I'm thinking of possibly joining up.
(The recruitment person seems to like me, I have "life experience" (??)~ probably slang for telling me I'm too old to join..

Anyway looking for info on what one's daily activities usually entail ( non deployed of course,)
Kinda went over it with the recruitment officer/person of some rank I can't remember , but they didn't really go into teh
day-to-day of being infantry on base.

[el-Karnak]

If you are looking at the US Armed forces, Dubya will be most happy to have you. 

 Since 9/11, US has been in "a state of war" for immigration purposes, so any foreign citizen can join the US armed forces whereas before 9/11 you had to have a Green Card. If your unit serves in a designated combat zone then you would be eligible for US citizenship within a year. Such US gov't. policy has not been in effect since the Vietnam War era.

There's also the French Foreign Legion which takes qualified candidates from anywhere with a "no questions asked" policy. If you survive your 10 year term of service (ie. there's a 10% casaulty rate and you will have to learn work-able French, free French lessons provided), then you will get French citizenship, and French pensions. Most French Armed Forces postings involve the sub-tropical areas in Africa, Middle East and guarding Ariadne rocket lauch sites in the Caribean and the far South Pacific. There's also anti-terrorist guard duty at the major French landmarks, airports and train stations.

That being said: I've heard that the current Tory Canadian gov't. is re-investing a lot in the Cdn armed forces so many new opportunities should become available.

[Green]

Karnak's uninformed views aside, you have to be a legal resident to join the US military.  If you aren't, then we kick you out of the military and notify ICE.


Hexx,

Can't offer any advise on life in the CDF (not Canadian eh).  But I have had the chance to work with a good number of CDF members.  Each one was very professional and each one appeared to enjoy what they were doing. 

Though it pains me to say this, you might want to ask Likker.  I thought he said some time ago he did a tour in the force.

Good luck in whatever you choose. 

[762_XC]

Do those rowboats come with booster chairs?

[el-Karnak]

Karnak's uninformed views aside, you have to be a legal resident to join the US military.  If you aren't, then we kick you out of the military and notify ICE.

I check USCIS.gov M-476 document on page 22 regarding USC eligibility requirements:

http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf

If you:
Performed active duty military service during:
• World War I (November 11, 1916-April 6, 1917);
• World War II (September 1, 1939-December 31, 1946);
• Korea (June 25, 1950-July 1, 1955);
• Vietnam (February 28, 1961-October 15, 1978);
• Persian Gulf (August 2, 1990-April 11, 1991); or
• On or after September 11, 2001.

You are not required
to be a Permanent
Resident.
Note: If you did not
enlist or reenlist in the
United States or its
outlying possessions,
you must be a
Permanent Resident on
the day you file your
application.

But, I can see where you are coming from. Getting into the US Army as a non-citizen w/o green card is more the exception than the rule.

I know that during the Vietnam War a few Canadians visited the US and enlisted in the US Army at recruitment posts in the US.

[FPF-Paladin]

Yes, there is someone...    get in touch with me via PM or we can hook up on MSN, we can talk all you want.

Seriously, if you're thinking about this let me know.  If you want to know what the day to day life is like, deployed or not I can fill you in on the little bits.

[Hexx]

Thanks Pal!
Sent the PM,

Apologies for the hundreds of questions, just trying to decide if the military deserves me or not 
(The first small step towards global domination begins.. )

[TraumaTech]

Hey all
Just curious- do we have anyone around that's in the Canadian Army (such as it is)
As I've grown insanely bored of retail, I'm thinking of possibly joining up.
(The recruitment person seems to like me, I have "life experience" (??)~ probably slang for telling me I'm too old to join..

Anyway looking for info on what one's daily activities usually entail ( non deployed of course,)
Kinda went over it with the recruitment officer/person of some rank I can't remember , but they didn't really go into teh
day-to-day of being infantry on base.

  heya hexx   if ya wanna be in the canadian forces,and you don't want the dailly routine of life on a miltary base,perhaps this link will help you decide what you want to do,although,u might get soem  deployment 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_special_forces

but i am thinking,it's trianing rigors will help you with that world domination thingie 

[likkerpig]

As Green stated... I spent 12 years in the Canadian Army.
Was a sigs pig, not infantry though. Did spend 3 years attached to the PPCLI Battle school on the other hand, as well as doing a couple leadership courses with the infantry... ( the nightmares never end).
If you are serious about going infantry, start running and wieghtlifting. The better shape you are in, the less the physical training will hurt.
Day to day on base for the infantry... from what I saw it was equipment maintenance. You would spend a lot of your time out in the bush training, various weapons and vehicle courses, time on the range and parade square.
Oh, if you are a hockey player, especially with some talent... heh...

[Laflin]

Also, be damned sure that you realize exactly what it is you are comtemplating.  This isn't like the old Cold War days where you sit in Germany and drink beer and chase skirts (wish it still was ).  You have a very good chance of deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan if you go US or Afghanistan if you go Canadian - not places that you decide you really didn't want to join up, after all once you get there .  Your life and those around you may depend on your actions - not a time to have second thoughts.  I  joined the US Army in 1984 and things have changed a whole lot since then...college money and bonuses are nice, but you may also find yourself humping crap in 120 degree heat to earn that money .  I applaud your desire to serve, but just caution you to be absolutely certain of your decision before you sign on the dotted line.

[Hexx]

Nah I've thought about it (it would be joining the Canadian army, figure if I do it may as well join the best)

Just I've spent the last 14 years of my life in retail, the actual last 4 with my own business, and have come to the conclusion that
I loathe it. I want to do something that keeps me busy. Was thinking of carpenter/electrician, but there's no real job openings.
So I figured Air Traffic Controller or Military (gotta love how the mind works)
ATC seems like it would be engrossing, ~ but I can't get any answers on how exactly their hiring works.
You pay to take a test, get a certain mark on it (curved I believe) and pay more money to go to school, where (it seems) they
don't mark by grades, but by what position you are in the class and how many positions they have open.
Kinda chancy(and a little odd) for me.

Have an intense dislike of the sea, piloting would be cool, but (apparently) they want you to have 20/20 uncorrected vision
and have finished university. (bastards)
So I figured the army.

I'm just (a bit) concerned that after I mentioned I had run my own business for 4 years the recruiting guy seemed to think that would benefit me. Just really don't want to get stuck in some supply position.
(Some of those boxes look heavy)

Of course in the infantry someone might shoot at me, not sure if I approve of that either. Would think it might be unpleasent.

[NuclearWessels]

...Was thinking of carpenter/electrician, but there's no real job openings...

Wow - you're in the wrong part of the country!   They're absolutely screaming for people with/willing to learn any kind of trade skills out here.   (For the next few years at least, we'll see how well it holds together after the olympics.)  I'm pretty sure the same holds in Alberta, but then again, you'd be in Alberta   -- sorry Pig

dave

[TraumaTech]

Nah I've thought about it (it would be joining the Canadian army, figure if I do it may as well join the best)


Have an intense dislike of the sea, piloting would be cool, but (apparently) they want you to have 20/20 uncorrected vision
and have finished university. (bastards)
So I figured the army.

I'm just (a bit) concerned that after I mentioned I had run my own business for 4 years the recruiting guy seemed to think that would benefit me. Just really don't want to get stuck in some supply position.
(Some of those boxes look heavy)

Of course in the infantry someone might shoot at me, not sure if I approve of that either. Would think it might be unpleasent.

  i know the CAF has changed a lot in the last few years Hexx.....BUT  as long as you have the aptitude and they have the openings,you can ask for just about anything.At least when i was in there...NAVAL RESERVES,it went on availability of position requested and ability to do the work.They just won't put you in a supply techs position simply because you ran your own retail business.   

[Hexx]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

[FPF-DieHard]

Have an intense dislike of the sea, piloting would be cool, but (apparently) they want you to have 20/20 uncorrected vision . . .

Plus you feet have to be able to reach the the pedals 

[likkerpig]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

Ah! So it was you King Ralph was talking to when he said "Go home you Eastern bums!".

[TraumaTech]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

Ah! So it was you King Ralph was talking to when he said "Go home you Eastern bums!".

  king ralph?????    was he some one of importance in Canada?????        wasn't he a" poster child "for for ALCOHOLICS ANNONAMOUS????    didn't he prove the    +  more    made him and  and not on good terms with      wow   what a role model for the country 

[likkerpig]

Don't you be dissin' the old King Ralph, you cod kisser!
When he was on the sauce was when he was at his best! That's when he got rid of the debt.
Now that he is "sober" (well in public anyway) he spends like an east coast NDP'er!

Pffft... east coaster dissin' anyone is ironic....

[TraumaTech]

Don't you be dissin' the old King Ralph, you cod kisser!
When he was on the sauce was when he was at his best! That's when he got rid of the debt.
Now that he is "sober" (well in public anyway) he spends like an east coast NDP'er!

Pffft... east coaster dissin' anyone is ironic....

   lol   what is ironic  his how much you credit to a hasbeen for getting rid of alberta's debt,when he had nothing to putting the oil in the ground and/orgiving advise to unscrupulous speculators in other parts of the world who'd raise the price of a barrel of oil simply because some one said boo  ........  roflmao     

      so when he was a belligerent drunk.....lol    he was at his best??? 

[likkerpig]

Actually the oil boom's effect was getting us out of debt 2 years earlier than predicted. Nice to have but the result was inevitable anyway.
Heh, sensing a little eastern jealousy here. What do you care about King Ralph anyway? Guy lowered my taxes and gave me a cheque for 400 to boot, works for me.
As for him being a drunk... well I guess you should despise Churchill too, amoungst others.
You just stick with your tea totalling debt ridden turf if that makes you feel superior... don't matter to us Albertans.

[el-Karnak]

Actually the oil boom's effect was getting us out of debt 2 years earlier than predicted. Nice to have but the result was inevitable anyway.
Heh, sensing a little eastern jealousy here. What do you care about King Ralph anyway? Guy lowered my taxes and gave me a cheque for 400 to boot, works for me.
As for him being a drunk... well I guess you should despise Churchill too, amoungst others.
You just stick with your tea totalling debt ridden turf if that makes you feel superior... don't matter to us Albertans.

Ever hear of the old WW2 saying about 3 world leaders?

One drank and smoked cigars a lot, one was a chain smoker, and one absolutely abhorred smokes and liquor.   

I will take the leaders that drink and smoke a lot.

[Green]

FOCUS PEOPLE, FOCUS!!!

Life in the Canadian Defes...uh....Defence Force!

[likkerpig]

FOCUS PEOPLE, FOCUS!!!

Life in the Canadian Defes...uh....Defence Force!

Ain't a real thread unless it branches a few times dammit!

[drb]

Hoi Hexx,

  Just wanted to point out that not all Naval trades are "hard sea trades." The Navy actually has to fill many tasks on land. On solid ground structures consisting of walls, containing many rooms, and full of all sorts of stuff, that the Navy call "Stone Ships," sailors trained in a number of useful skills can live a very good life just by working in them. One such stone ship in Halifax, the Admiral Hose building, is the location of the Reserve unit HMCS Scotian. IIRC they do recruiting on site.

  IMHO if you really want to do stuff there are few employers that have more resources than the Canadian Forces, if you have talent you will not find greater support in developing that talent than the CF; be it sport, academics, anything, you will get encouragement.

 Do keep in mind that although the perks are great, the job that may need to be done could very well make retail a wonderland of joy and bliss.

Bottom line is that even the weekend sailor gets 80% dental coverage, of late the CF has improved its pay for all ranks, so it is not so bad, and sea and air elements are acquiring much needed hardware, making many new positions to fill. 

 As far as daily life goes, it is as it is with whatever you do, it can be as good or bad as you choose for it to be; or, it is not so much what you do but how well you choose to do it.

Take care,

drb

[ShadowLord]

Hexx -- I can't believe your actually interested in this -- but if ya are --

I know two guys to put ya in touch with -

PGC_Beaver just got out of the full time navy about 18? months ago and now does recruiting for it. He lives with another guy who used to fly Sea Kings for the navy... then there is Howie? still active duty.

If you actually want to discuss the current situation with them-- I can give ya names/emails or even Beavers phone number.

ShadowLord


BTW -- here is a clip you may want to watch first

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaC-w2dIxZc&search=Canada%20Afghanistan%20Canadian%20Forces%20Army%20CF%20Firefight%20Taliban

 

[Hexx]

Ahh should have thought to check Youtube 

Thaks Duck, really don't think I'll have a problem shooting at people.
As long as they don't shoot back of course. (kinda how I like this game to go actually..)

I'll probabl;y head down to the recruitment center this week for an actual visit, rather than just pestering them
(and some of you) with emails.
I think my biggest concern (after the whole getting shot thing) is just that someone who's my age who joined at 18 is going to
have like 12+ years in already. So I'll be joining with the youngins who'll more than likely be kicking my ass all over the place.
Oh well. probably a bonus to be my height. Can always hide behind the tall guys.

[Laflin]

I turned 38 when I was in Iraq, Youngster, and I served with guys there that were in Vietnam .

[Father Ted]

If you're interested in becoming an air traffic controller, you may want to check out the RCAF. I know USAF and USN both have that slot, and they pay you to go to school. Just know that aside from infantry, police, and emergency services, it's one of the most stressful jobs out there.

[ShadowLord]

Hexx

Got to say the civilian ATC  get paid a lot better -- my brother and brother in law both work up at Pearson.
Not to mention they get mandatory breaks every hour due to stress of the job..he works his hour then goes to nap on a Lazyboy..wakes up and works the next hour etc etc .. i

Duck

(why the hell didn't I try to get a job there...)

[Age]

If you're interested in becoming an air traffic controller, you may want to check out the RCAF. I know USAF and USN both have that slot, and they pay you to go to school. Just know that aside from infantry, police, and emergency services, it's one of the most stressful jobs out there.

There is no RCAF anymore Trudeau killed it as well as the RCN and our last remaining Aircraft Carrier.Shouldn't this be in Ten Foward though?They are now just called the Canadian Air force and Canadian Navy and it has always been Canadian Army much like the Britsh being called the British Army.

[Age]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

It depends on where you live as to the high standards in Alberta that is not something Ralph Klien did it was what Brian Mulroney promised Peter Lougheed then Premier of Alberta by getting rid of the Natioanal Energy Program another great idea from Trudeau.

[Hexx]

Hexx

Got to say the civilian ATC  get paid a lot better -- my brother and brother in law both work up at Pearson.
Not to mention they get mandatory breaks every hour due to stress of the job..he works his hour then goes to nap on a Lazyboy..wakes up and works the next hour etc etc .. i

Duck

(why the hell didn't I try to get a job there...)

I was actually thinking about this, better salary, pretty much the same benefits (I believe NavCan is a Crown Corporation ) and somewhat less possibility of someone being mean and shooting at me.
Problem is (as I see it) you pay for teh test,pass, pay for the training and aren't really guaranteed of getting in.
Now (apparently) in the armed forces I can take the same courses , become an aerospace controller (or something like that) and if I like it transferout at some later date. with experience. If I don't like it I can request a transfer to some other specialty.

From the very limited amount I asked, I'm assuming that I can change specialties a number of times (as long as the miltary needs the new specialty  of course) So I could be like a Nav controller, then infantry, then a navy diver, then an intelligence officer, then a general, then a tank driver. etc.
I'm wondering if there's a "normal" way to as the recruiter what the record is for one person having worked the most different jobs in the military. I could be famous!

[ShadowLord]

Re : ATC civilian

Not sure if its NavCan or GTAA -- who runs it -- however I do know either way its no longer a gov't job, about 5ish? years ago went private.

My bro had to work his first 3-5 years up north in the Sue -- Dfly lives 1/2 way there from TO i think..
I used to go up with about 5 of his buddies for yank thanksgiving -- we play fooseball-- cross the boarder for cheap booze at the bar -- hit the casino on the reserve -- Used to be a good old time.

" ROFL oh yea i recall the govt back then paid for every LB of stuff he moved up....and back"

[Father Ted]

Hexx

Got to say the civilian ATC  get paid a lot better -- my brother and brother in law both work up at Pearson.
Not to mention they get mandatory breaks every hour due to stress of the job..he works his hour then goes to nap on a Lazyboy..wakes up and works the next hour etc etc .. i

Duck

(why the hell didn't I try to get a job there...)

I was actually thinking about this, better salary, pretty much the same benefits (I believe NavCan is a Crown Corporation ) and somewhat less possibility of someone being mean and shooting at me.
Problem is (as I see it) you pay for teh test,pass, pay for the training and aren't really guaranteed of getting in.
Now (apparently) in the armed forces I can take the same courses , become an aerospace controller (or something like that) and if I like it transferout at some later date. with experience. If I don't like it I can request a transfer to some other specialty.

From the very limited amount I asked, I'm assuming that I can change specialties a number of times (as long as the miltary needs the new specialty  of course) So I could be like a Nav controller, then infantry, then a navy diver, then an intelligence officer, then a general, then a tank driver. etc.
I'm wondering if there's a "normal" way to as the recruiter what the record is for one person having worked the most different jobs in the military. I could be famous!

SUCKER!!!! Whatever the recruiter told you, get in writing, on the contract, before you sign up for anything. And have an alternate that you WANT should they suddenly not have any slots available for ATC. Otherwise, you will end up shoveling caribou s*it in the Yukon.

[Dfly]

Re : ATC civilian

Not sure if its NavCan or GTAA -- who runs it -- however I do know either way its no longer a gov't job, about 5ish? years ago went private.

My bro had to work his first 3-5 years up north in the Sue -- Dfly lives 1/2 way there from TO i think..
I used to go up with about 5 of his buddies for yank thanksgiving -- we play fooseball-- cross the boarder for cheap booze at the bar -- hit the casino on the reserve -- Used to be a good old time.

" ROFL oh yea i recall the govt back then paid for every LB of stuff he moved up....and back"

That Sue you mentioned, is Soo(short for Sault-St-Marie)  I live roughly 2 1/2 hours from that city, and a good 6 hours from TO.  Also, my sister-in-law works for NavCan, in Cornwall.  It did go private a few years back, but you could not ask for much better training for Aircraft Controllers.

News flash Duck, Casino in Ontario, no longer do you need the headaches of crossing the border in today's conditions.  And I always do well at it, now if only I can get the wife to stop losing more than I win while I am there, all would be well within the world. 

[drb]

Hoi Hexx,

From the very limited amount I asked, I'm assuming that I can change specialties a number of times (as long as the military needs the new specialty  of course) So I could be like a Navy controller, then infantry, then a navy diver, then an intelligence officer, then a general, then a tank driver. etc.

I'm wondering if there's a "normal" way to as the recruiter what the record is for one person having worked the most different jobs in the military. I could be famous!

 Not sure about the commissioned officer restrictions, but in the ranks of the CF they will allow you to change trades up to Master Seaman (Navy) Master Corporal (Army/Air Force); Once you achieve that rank they have invested so much into your training that they expect you to do that job and continue advancing in that direction. It doesn't take long though, once you are in, to learn about other trades, at least enough to make an educated choice well before the cut off, indeed maybe even before your first promotion. Changing "elements" (Navy to Army to Air Force or whatever combination) would be counter productive to your career, as you would be starting over, in some cases all over again needing at least a year, or longer, of courses to get up to speed in the new element where you can be employed in it. Now, there are many posting/units that have all elements working in them, again once you are in you will have a great deal of exposure to the wide spectrum of life in the CF.

 Other things that might intrest you are the many human resource exchange programmes with other armed forces we are allied with, as well as posting all around the world are available. You may choose, going part-time any ways, to always apply to the same type of posting at the same location, taking training when it is a good time to take a break from school, or another job, (and I have heard of some regular force folks do have other part-time or casual work or hobby jobs that they work around military requirements.)

 Take care

drb

[likkerpig]

From the very limited amount I asked, I'm assuming that I can change specialties a number of times (as long as the miltary needs the new specialty  of course) So I could be like a Nav controller, then infantry, then a navy diver, then an intelligence officer, then a general, then a tank driver. etc.
I'm wondering if there's a "normal" way to as the recruiter what the record is for one person having worked the most different jobs in the military. I could be famous!

If you are in a trade that they are short on people for (off the top of my head: combat arms <infantry, armored, artillery, combat engineer> as well as some support trades like mechanic, etc) they will not let you remuster to another trade, unless there are extenuating circumstances... IE: Infantryman who has blown out his knees would probably be allowed to remuster to another trade he tests competent for. The recruiter will blow smoke up your ass to get you in.
The most trades in one person I saw (discounting militia) was 3... infantry to radio operator to lineman.

[likkerpig]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

It depends on where you live as to the high standards in Alberta that is not something Ralph Klien did it was what Brian Mulroney promised Peter Lougheed then Premier of Alberta by getting rid of the Natioanal Energy Program another great idea from Trudeau.

Ummm... well you are correct getting rid of the NEP did help the economy here... brought back the oil companies, Lougheed put this province deep in the hole. King Ralph dug us out of it.

[TraumaTech]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

It depends on where you live as to the high standards in Alberta that is not something Ralph Klien did it was what Brian Mulroney promised Peter Lougheed then Premier of Alberta by getting rid of the Natioanal Energy Program another great idea from Trudeau.

Ummm... well you are correct getting rid of the NEP did help the economy here... brought back the oil companies, Lougheed put this province deep in the hole. King Ralph dug us out of it.

 ummmmm  the extraordinary events of the last couple years,coupled with unscrupulous gouging by oil speculators,dug alberta out of the hole....king ralph,just happen to be the jerk in office 

[likkerpig]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

It depends on where you live as to the high standards in Alberta that is not something Ralph Klien did it was what Brian Mulroney promised Peter Lougheed then Premier of Alberta by getting rid of the Natioanal Energy Program another great idea from Trudeau.

Ummm... well you are correct getting rid of the NEP did help the economy here... brought back the oil companies, Lougheed put this province deep in the hole. King Ralph dug us out of it.

 ummmmm  the extraordinary events of the last couple years,coupled with unscrupulous gouging by oil speculators,dug alberta out of the hole....king ralph,just happen to be the jerk in office 

Sigh... ok, I don't know why you have a fixation on Ralph... transference from some other issue?
The last couple years have been Ralph's worst, he has let the government run on autopilot and spending has gone nuts... not catastrophic with the petroleum revenues coming in, but when they crash...
Ralph's great deed was in the 90's, when he cut infrastructure spending to the bone. No more deficit budgets. Any surpluses went to debt reduction. Things were rough: health care, education, government services were all bare bones. But the majority of the population could see the light at the end of the tunnel and kept voting him in. As I said before, the oil boom accelerated this by 2 years.
B.C. is in the process of the same thing right now. The voters got sick of NDP socialism and deficit budgets.
Now if the rest of the country would get on board, that would be nice... but why bother when the have provinces provide a welfare state for the rest?
I've lived here for the better part of 19 years, I got a first hand view of what went on. Your uninformed comments on the cause of Alberta's success only highlight your willful ignorance.

[TraumaTech]

Didn't like Alberta much (though it was better than Manitoba..ick)
I likve Vancouver, dunno if I'd want to live  there though. (Isn't it like pricey?)

Ugh plus the Canucks.. I'm not even sure the Sens are visiting there this year..

It depends on where you live as to the high standards in Alberta that is not something Ralph Klien did it was what Brian Mulroney promised Peter Lougheed then Premier of Alberta by getting rid of the Natioanal Energy Program another great idea from Trudeau.

Ummm... well you are correct getting rid of the NEP did help the economy here... brought back the oil companies, Lougheed put this province deep in the hole. King Ralph dug us out of it.

 ummmmm  the extraordinary events of the last couple years,coupled with unscrupulous gouging by oil speculators,dug alberta out of the hole....king ralph,just happen to be the jerk in office 

Sigh... ok, I don't know why you have a fixation on Ralph... transference from some other issue?
The last couple years have been Ralph's worst, he has let the government run on autopilot and spending has gone nuts... not catastrophic with the petroleum revenues coming in, but when they crash...
Ralph's great deed was in the 90's, when he cut infrastructure spending to the bone. No more deficit budgets. Any surpluses went to debt reduction. Things were rough: health care, education, government services were all bare bones. But the majority of the population could see the light at the end of the tunnel and kept voting him in. As I said before, the oil boom accelerated this by 2 years.
B.C. is in the process of the same thing right now. The voters got sick of NDP socialism and deficit budgets.
Now if the rest of the country would get on board, that would be nice... but why bother when the have provinces provide a welfare state for the rest?
I've lived here for the better part of 19 years, I got a first hand view of what went on. Your uninformed comments on the cause of Alberta's success only highlight your willful ignorance.

 every province cut  infrastructure spending in the early 90's(it dawned on them,the gravey train is over)   that would be the process ,where the fed gov downloaded onto the prov govs  who then downloaded onto the municipal gov who ultimately downloaded onto the poor working stiff who pays for everything.this happened right across the country.the parts of the country who weathered it the best were the provinces with the largest population(Ontario) concentrated in one area(southern Ontario) and provinces that had the richest resources(alberta) with it's oil.Ralph at best you could say...was a one trick horse,of coarse that trick was coming to the realization that,"oh my,i am spending more than i can afford'.  way to go ralph,in maybe being the first to ralize that.
  You said his best years were in the 90's with bare bones spending?? what has he figured out since then...lol   oh my,i can spend like a fool again(or those other fools) because some oil speculator has more than doubled the cost of a barrel of oil.

  i and likely most others maybe a little envious that alberta pays no provincial taxes because of the oil,but we sure as hell pay our fair share in taxes in this county as any albertan ilregardless of a "have or have not state",and a comment from a loud mouth who only claim to fame is he is an albertan,......a drunk at that......is simply repugnant.

 

[Riskyllama]

whoa now guys...keep it civil or we'll have to invade you guys again(See Note on War of 1812) for peacekeeping operations.

[likkerpig]

 every province cut  infrastructure spending in the early 90's(it dawned on them,the gravey train is over)   that would be the process ,where the fed gov downloaded onto the prov govs  who then downloaded onto the municipal gov who ultimately downloaded onto the poor working stiff who pays for everything.this happened right across the country.the parts of the country who weathered it the best were the provinces with the largest population(Ontario) concentrated in one area(southern Ontario) and provinces that had the richest resources(alberta) with it's oil.Ralph at best you could say...was a one trick horse,of coarse that trick was coming to the realization that,"oh my,i am spending more than i can afford'.  way to go ralph,in maybe being the first to ralize that.
  You said his best years were in the 90's with bare bones spending?? what has he figured out since then...lol   oh my,i can spend like a fool again(or those other fools) because some oil speculator has more than doubled the cost of a barrel of oil.

  i and likely most others maybe a little envious that alberta pays no provincial taxes because of the oil,but we sure as hell pay our fair share in taxes in this county as any albertan ilregardless of a "have or have not state",and a comment from a loud mouth who only claim to fame is he is an albertan,......a drunk at that......is simply repugnant.

 

I'll start with the last first. As for me being a drunk, well, given my moniker that is a given. Loudmouth? Well, sometimes, although I have been rather sparse in my posting during the last few months. Irregardless, if you meant it as an insult, my feelings are not hurt, I've been called worse by better, (and far more literate) people.
As far as paying your fair share... why do we still have transfer payments then? Every province in this country has natural resources and capable work forces... some just lack the determination to make the sacrifices necessary to drag themselves out of the muck of debt, are content to be welfare provinces.
I've explained twice how Alberta got to where it is today, you chose to be wilfully ignorant of the facts, letting your jeleousy and envy taint your words and thoughts. That is your problem, not mine or Alberta's. Hey, you don't like us, don't visit! As my banner says, I'd be more than happy to have Alberta seperate and leave the rest of you to wallow along on your own.
Oh, and to clear up a misconception, we do have provincial tax here, 10% flat rate.

[TraumaTech]

 every province cut  infrastructure spending in the early 90's(it dawned on them,the gravey train is over)   that would be the process ,where the fed gov downloaded onto the prov govs  who then downloaded onto the municipal gov who ultimately downloaded onto the poor working stiff who pays for everything.this happened right across the country.the parts of the country who weathered it the best were the provinces with the largest population(Ontario) concentrated in one area(southern Ontario) and provinces that had the richest resources(alberta) with it's oil.Ralph at best you could say...was a one trick horse,of coarse that trick was coming to the realization that,"oh my,i am spending more than i can afford'.  way to go ralph,in maybe being the first to ralize that.
  You said his best years were in the 90's with bare bones spending?? what has he figured out since then...lol   oh my,i can spend like a fool again(or those other fools) because some oil speculator has more than doubled the cost of a barrel of oil.

  i and likely most others maybe a little envious that alberta pays no provincial taxes because of the oil,but we sure as hell pay our fair share in taxes in this county as any albertan ilregardless of a "have or have not state",and a comment from a loud mouth who only claim to fame is he is an albertan,......a drunk at that......is simply repugnant.

 

I'll start with the last first. As for me being a drunk, well, given my moniker that is a given. Loudmouth? Well, sometimes, although I have been rather sparse in my posting during the last few months. Irregardless, if you meant it as an insult, my feelings are not hurt, I've been called worse by better, (and far more literate) people.
As far as paying your fair share... why do we still have transfer payments then? Every province in this country has natural resources and capable work forces... some just lack the determination to make the sacrifices necessary to drag themselves out of the muck of debt, are content to be welfare provinces.
I've explained twice how Alberta got to where it is today, you chose to be wilfully ignorant of the facts, letting your jeleousy and envy taint your words and thoughts. That is your problem, not mine or Alberta's. Hey, you don't like us, don't visit! As my banner says, I'd be more than happy to have Alberta seperate and leave the rest of you to wallow along on your own.
Oh, and to clear up a misconception, we do have provincial tax here, 10% flat rate.

actually   the drunk part was referring to ralph,but i c where you would think it was at you,and i doubt you have been insulted by better.
this divergence from the topic is going no where fast,so long as smugness and arrogance which you are full of and a few other things(now this was an insult).
           forgive me,as i am trying to keep the words small,so as not to lose you.as for leaving Canada,well   like the french...if ya wanna go,then go....don't threaten it,do it...we'll manage to keep things moving along,even if they are not at the pace you and ralph would like it

[likkerpig]

 every province cut  infrastructure spending in the early 90's(it dawned on them,the gravey train is over)   that would be the process ,where the fed gov downloaded onto the prov govs  who then downloaded onto the municipal gov who ultimately downloaded onto the poor working stiff who pays for everything.this happened right across the country.the parts of the country who weathered it the best were the provinces with the largest population(Ontario) concentrated in one area(southern Ontario) and provinces that had the richest resources(alberta) with it's oil.Ralph at best you could say...was a one trick horse,of coarse that trick was coming to the realization that,"oh my,i am spending more than i can afford'.  way to go ralph,in maybe being the first to ralize that.
  You said his best years were in the 90's with bare bones spending?? what has he figured out since then...lol   oh my,i can spend like a fool again(or those other fools) because some oil speculator has more than doubled the cost of a barrel of oil.

  i and likely most others maybe a little envious that alberta pays no provincial taxes because of the oil,but we sure as hell pay our fair share in taxes in this county as any albertan ilregardless of a "have or have not state",and a comment from a loud mouth who only claim to fame is he is an albertan,......a drunk at that......is simply repugnant.

 

I'll start with the last first. As for me being a drunk, well, given my moniker that is a given. Loudmouth? Well, sometimes, although I have been rather sparse in my posting during the last few months. Irregardless, if you meant it as an insult, my feelings are not hurt, I've been called worse by better, (and far more literate) people.
As far as paying your fair share... why do we still have transfer payments then? Every province in this country has natural resources and capable work forces... some just lack the determination to make the sacrifices necessary to drag themselves out of the muck of debt, are content to be welfare provinces.
I've explained twice how Alberta got to where it is today, you chose to be wilfully ignorant of the facts, letting your jeleousy and envy taint your words and thoughts. That is your problem, not mine or Alberta's. Hey, you don't like us, don't visit! As my banner says, I'd be more than happy to have Alberta seperate and leave the rest of you to wallow along on your own.
Oh, and to clear up a misconception, we do have provincial tax here, 10% flat rate.

actually   the drunk part was referring to ralph,but i c where you would think it was at you,and i doubt you have been insulted by better.
this divergence from the topic is going no where fast,so long as smugness and arrogance which you are full of and a few other things(now this was an insult).
           forgive me,as i am trying to keep the words small,so as not to lose you.as for leaving Canada,well   like the french...if ya wanna go,then go....don't threaten it,do it...we'll manage to keep things moving along,even if they are not at the pace you and ralph would like it

LOL... what is this, round 8? Them ropes are making impressions on your back!
Yes, I have been insulted by better... not hanging out at the EI and Welfare offices, pretty sure I run with a better class crowd than what you are used to.
No problem with the small words, notice that you haven't got the hang of capitalization yet, no problem, I can lower myself to your standard.
Unlike the Quebecers, we don't make threats to get concessions from the rest of the country. You have nothing we want. Last federal election 30+% of Albertans were in favor of leaving the country, another Lieberal government will put that over the top. They will come back to power, because the rest of the country will buy into their lies again... weakness for being fed feel good crap is inherent in the national psyche.
Enjoy your welfare state.

[KBF-Crim]

That's about enough of that eh?

Not only is this thread completly off topic...it's devolving into a peepee match...

 

[Green]

MEMORANDUM FOR POTUS

FROM:  COL GREEN

SUBJECT:  Alberta

Sir,

It has come to my attention that not all is well in Canada.  The province of Alberta is trying to make a break from the rest of their nation.  Request approval to develop plans for the possible movement of Alberta into the United States.  This course of action would provide the following advantages:

1)  Oil

2)  One step closer to getting Alaska attached to the lower 48

3)  Help to offset the loonies in the state of Washington

It is possible that military action might be required to execute this COA.  Inside sources inform me that we there is a chance that none other then Hexx may be assigned to the Canadian Defence Force.  With luck, he could be assigned to a defense post in Alberta. In turn, the Canadian government may actually assign him a position of responsibility.  If this scenario plays out, I recommend the execution of the aforementioned plans for the conquest of Alberta.

-----------------------

Monsieur,

Il est venu à mon attention que pas tout est bien au Canada. La province d'Alberta essaye de faire une coupure à partir du reste de leur nation. Invitez l'approbation pour développer des plans pour le mouvement possible d'Alberta en les Etats-Unis. Cette ligne de conduite fournirait les avantages suivants :

1) huile

2) une étape plus près de passer l'Alaska attaché aux 48 inférieurs

3) aide pour excentrer les loonies dans l'état de Washington

Il est possible que l'action militaire pourrait être exigée pour exécuter ce COA. Les sources intérieures m'informent que nous il y a une chance qu'aucun autre alors [ b]Hexx[/b ] ne peut être assigné à la force canadienne de la défense. Avec la chance, il pourrait être affecté à un poteau de la défense dans Alberta. Alternativement, le gouvernement canadien peut réellement lui assigner une position de la responsabilité. Si ce scénario joue dehors, je recommande l'exécution des plans mentionnés ci-dessus pour la conquête d'Alberta

//SIGNED//
Col Green

[likkerpig]

That's about enough of that eh?

Not only is this thread completly off topic...it's devolving into a peepee match...

 

You leave my peepee outa this!
Shouldn't you be out harassing cops, not playing one?
 

[KBF-Crim]

That's about enough of that eh?

Not only is this thread completly off topic...it's devolving into a peepee match...

 

You leave my peepee outa this!
Shouldn't you be out harassing cops, not playing one?
 

[likkerpig]

That's about enough of that eh?

Not only is this thread completly off topic...it's devolving into a peepee match...

 

You leave my peepee outa this!
Shouldn't you be out harassing cops, not playing one?
 

sigh...
http://www.dynaverse.net/forum/index.php/topic,163368776.0.html

[Hexx]

Sheesh Crimmy even *I* got Likkers reference right off. 

And <sigh> as cool as it would be to get assigned to a postion where I could invade the US, apparently the Canadian Armed Forces has all these "rules" about who's in charge. Just because I'm better than everyone else is ~as it turns out~ not an excuse to jump over the ranks and be given a Commander in Chiefship right away.

Also not sure if it might be the job for me after all, just watched the recruitment video today, apparently (as a recruit anyway) they
expect you to make your bed neat, keep your little room tidy and iron your stuff.
I can't remember the last time I did *any* of those.
Obviously it's some weird form of brainwashing.

[Father Ted]

Welcome to the military! How dare they make you keep a neat bunk and appearance! This is a job for the ACLU! Oops, I forgot, you're Canadian and they don't have jurisdiction to interfere. You're on your own...

[KBF-Crim]

Sheesh Crimmy even *I* got Likkers reference right off. 

And <sigh> as cool as it would be to get assigned to a postion where I could invade the US, apparently the Canadian Armed Forces has all these "rules" about who's in charge. Just because I'm better than everyone else is ~as it turns out~ not an excuse to jump over the ranks and be given a Commander in Chiefship right away.

Also not sure if it might be the job for me after all, just watched the recruitment video today, apparently (as a recruit anyway) they
expect you to make your bed neat, keep your little room tidy and iron your stuff.
I can't remember the last time I did *any* of those.
Obviously it's some weird form of brainwashing.

I got it too goofball...the point remains...

 

Follow em.

[likkerpig]

Sheesh Crimmy even *I* got Likkers reference right off. 

And <sigh> as cool as it would be to get assigned to a postion where I could invade the US, apparently the Canadian Armed Forces has all these "rules" about who's in charge. Just because I'm better than everyone else is ~as it turns out~ not an excuse to jump over the ranks and be given a Commander in Chiefship right away.

Also not sure if it might be the job for me after all, just watched the recruitment video today, apparently (as a recruit anyway) they
expect you to make your bed neat, keep your little room tidy and iron your stuff.
I can't remember the last time I did *any* of those.
Obviously it's some weird form of brainwashing.

Go officer. They have maids to take care of that while they are in school anyway... afterwards... well, guess ya would haveta get married and make the spouse take care of that.

[Age]

That's about enough of that eh?

Not only is this thread completly off topic...it's devolving into a peepee match...

 

I thought this was more of a HoT&Spicey topic Crim.It would be waffleing where I come from.

[Tekwarrior]

Gentlemen. I am in the Canadian Airforce. My trade is Aviation systems technician, who transfered from infantry and has done 2 "Sea tours", totaling 4 years on navy frigids, with seaking helicopters. I would say i have a good spectrum of life in the Canadian military. 22 years of service says so.
    If you want camaraderie with some danger (and depending on your point of view, excitement) combat arms trades are there. Lots of field training deployments. It can be a bit teediest when not deployed, with lots of inspections on people and equipment. There is also a lot of physical fitness training to take up the time as well. As a grunt I did that a couple of hours every day. The army picks your training, not you. Army does more then just combat arms. They do have trades training too. All the services do.  If you want to see the world, the navy does a lot of port calls all over the place. The Airforce, to me, is most like a civilian job. The Army and Navy are big on rank. The Airforce , although rank has it's place, deals more in the job then the rank. People tend to stay for full careers in the Airforce, then they do  in the Army and Navy because the Airforce does not treat the people as harsh as the other 2 services.     
     Most time you can change trades if you do not like what you are doing. My trades training was on a course full of all combat arms trades. They ranged from Sargent's to corporals. I know Chief warrent officers (an enlisted rank) that have changed trades and some have gone officer. When it comes to trade change, combat arms takes priority, because they generally are put in the most danger, in regards to life and limb. You have to do 2 and half years in trade before you can request a change. Then you go through the waiting  game till your name and trade come up. It took me 4 years before i got my new trade.
       It's a good life, but don't fool yourself about it. It can be hard on you, both physically and mentally, but especially hard on families. If your planning on getting married and having a family, make darn sure whoever your marrying has their eyes open. I love the life but it has been trying at time, with my family. As a heads up to you for family life, I have this to tell you as an example. I was deployed for my first daughter. Missed the first 3 months of her life. I was on training for my second daughter and missed the first 3 months of her life. Wife just loved it (sarcasm). However, when my third daughter was born with complications, I was told, "GO HOME. KEEP US INFORMED" The military was there for me in times of trouble. They go out of their way when bad things happens. Find a civilian job that does that for you and still pay you. I hope, although I've been a bit long-winded, that this helps in your decision to join up or not. Good Luck

[Howie]

Hexx:

Some very good information about the Military. Like any job it has its ups and downs. One one side you have the civilian life. You have more personal freedom, you can take advantage of many of the things Military personnel cannot, such as enjoying family life to its fullest.

The other side is the Military lifestyle. As Tek said, it is incredibly tough on home life. They treat you pretty good with decent pay and benefits.

 My experience has been 18 years worth. I was in the Navy for 15 of those years and I was a Recruiter for 2 of them 99-01 in vancouver and Victoria. I was a PO1(Petty officer first class) while in the navy serving on pretty much every west coast ship. The trade I was in was called Nav Comm or Naval Communicator. If you were to join the navy you will be gone from home a rough average of 180 days per year up to 300 days per year. I say rough average because everyone's experience is different. Some years I was home for quite a bit of the time, then due to training/deployments/personnel shortages I was home 4 days in 18 months(this really kills your computer gaming time btw...)

Due to a medical problem, I am unable to sail anymore so I am currently in the Air Force as an ATIS tech (Aerospace Telecommunications and Informational systems tech).
A big long ass acronym for I fix Electronic stuff from radar to computers and everything in between. Tek is correct in that the air force is considerably more in line with the civilian sector. I work 730 - 330 weekdays with weekends off just like in the outside world. I get 25 days paid vacation a year, Full dental/medical coverage, etc.

Now for some direct information...

The best place to go is www.dnd.ca for information. The have videos for trade information on all of the hundreds of trades available in the CF. It all boils down to what you want to do. Click on the "Recruiting" Picture on the left side and browse all jobs.

Just know that they do work on quotas. Certain trades will be full and not available, whilst others will be open and available to you. The recruiters should help you as much as possible by showing you all the information on certain trades. Keep in mind they are not experts on all of the trades. For example a Navy recruiter can not tell you how much time off you will get as an Air Force trade or how much time in the field you will spend  as an Army trade. I have heard some horror stories about US military recruiters promising the world...The Canadian forces recruiters will not lie to you and a good recruiter will make sure you understand the information fully. They cannot tell you everything that will happen in your career either ie Time you will wait for training, when you will get promotions, sh*tty trivial jobs that need to get done(we all do them) etc.

Take what they say with a grain of salt. Do some research. Ask to speak with someone in that trade if possible. Do your homework. If the trade you wanted is closed be prepared to wait until it is open. They will ask you if you want something else that is open.

Now onto the process...

1.) You go in and speak with a recruiter.
2.) you pick a trade and do some research at which time you will be given an application.
3.) fill out the app and bring it back in.
4.) Wait for a call for processing( this can take a few months depending on the workload of the centre in question.)
5.) You will get a call booking you for processing. This step includes an Aptitude test (CFAT), Some other paperwork, An interview with a Military Career counselor(what I used to do), a medical, and the Physical Fitness test.
6.) If you meet the standards, the wait for enrollment can take a few months more. It is all dependant on when QL3(qualification Level and 3 being the basic level) will take place. Also be prepared for them to enroll you quickly and have a long wait while in the military for your QL3 course.

The term for NCM(Non commissioned members) is 3 years.(there are NCM plans that are longer if you take fully subsidized University training for those trades)
The term for Officers is normally 9 Years.

What you need:

Dependant on what trade you choose, your education background will be forefront. For example, to get into a technical trade such as Tek or myself you will need very strong advanced math(algebra) and Physics at least at the grade 12 level. (Most of the videos will tell you what subjects you need)

Well ill stop rambling and if you have any direct questions just post them and I will try to answer them as best I can.

Cheers.
 

[Howie]

One other thing that I should add about changing trades.

Here is the thing. To change trades OT (occupational transfer) it can occur while in basic training up to your graduation from your QL3 training. After that point you will have to wait until you have finished you QL5 course(next formal level from your QL3 while your QL4 is mainly an On the job qual). You also will need as a requirement at least 48 months. Normally by this time you will have had your QL5 training.

You can apply for OT at any time during your career regardless of rank BUT only if the trade is not closed out. This means if it is closed out they do not have enough to fill critical shortages and no OTs will be accepted. I have a friend who has gone through 4 different trades. Stoker, Hull tech, Arty, and Atis Tech. Needless to say if you are at a rank above Cpl when you OT, you will lose that rank and go down to a Cpl.

Since my OT was for medical reasons, I lost my rank..(it sucks to go down 3 ranks!!!) but keep my pay at my former level.

Just some food for thought!

Cheers!

[Hexx]

Thanks Guys! (missed Teks post there)

Right now preoccupied by moving, then will have to be preoccupied with getting hte weight off
Figure by March or so should be ready to join up.
 Still a little bitter that (from what I've heard) because I'm now "old enough" to be a mature student
I can't apply for the finish University on their dime kinda thing but eh, my bad for not finishing University the first time round.

<sigh> Too stupid in my youth.