Author Topic: 20 years (Read 9082 times)

Jackson10 · « **on:** March 03, 2011, 10:58:13 »

Here is my story. I applied to ROTP 20 years ago. It was all I wanted to do from about grade 8, and then was unsuccessful. Applied again after first year university. Again unsuccessful. I was pretty devastated. However, I continued on at university and earned 3 degrees, and became a lawyer. I could not shake the pull of the Forces however. About 10 years ago, I applied for the reserves. Didn't get in then either. I was beginning to think that maybe this was not for me. Anyway, went on and got married, had some kids, and built a successful law career. Also got up to 270 lbs. I am turning 40 soon, and a few months ago I said to my wife "you know, I will be dying one day and the only regret I will have is not giving the forces one more shot." She knew how much it meant so told me to go try. Spoke to a reserve recruiter. He said there were openings. First thing was to lose some weight. Dropped 55 lbs in 6 months. Got the application in, and waited. CFAT was fine. Went for medical testing and there were issues. Chased down the medical reports, so good to go there. Eyes were V4, so some trades limited, but could still do others, which is fine. Then went for fitness test. I was really excited/nervous and blood pressure was through the roof. I therefore couldn't test, so off to the doctor again. Got a clearance, so rescheduled fitness. Cancelled due to snow storm. Rescheduled until today. Went and passed with 36 push-ups. Not bad considering I could do 4 last summer. Now, I wait for a call to be enrolled. I hope it comes.

Rheostatic · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2011, 11:03:26 »

Good luck. Even if you don't get in, You can be proud of the work you've done to improve your health. What trades are you going for?

Jackson10 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 03, 2011, 11:13:26 »

Thanks for the comment. After the eye issue, I applied for Logistics (Officer) and RSM Clerk (NCM).

my72jeep · « **Reply #3 on:** March 03, 2011, 12:14:33 »

O Boy a RMS clerk with a law degree that should speed things up in the OR.

Pusser · « **Reply #4 on:** March 03, 2011, 18:01:34 »

Have you considered Legal Officer? Or, did you want to do something completely different?

ModlrMike · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2011, 18:26:53 »

If you get the choice, and Legal Officer is off the table, I recommend taking LogO. Your education and experience will certainly help you in that occupation.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2011, 18:51:51 »

Thanks for the comments. Legal was my first choice but there were no positions available. Log (O) is my preference, for the reasons mentioned, so I hope it works out.

Hammer Sandwich · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2011, 21:40:26 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on March 03, 2011, 18:51:51

Thanks for the comments. Legal was my first choice but there were no positions available. Log (O) is my preference, for the reasons mentioned, so I hope it works out.

I joined the LOG community muuuuch younger than you...(@26

)....
Have a blast....you'll Love it!

I genuinely wish you all the best!

HS

Jackson10 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 04, 2011, 04:30:23 »

Thanks HS. Any advice?

Spectrum · « **Reply #9 on:** March 05, 2011, 19:00:40 »

You never know, a position for Legal O might open up come next FY in April. If not, I would also say that you go Log O. From those I have talked to, it sounds like it can be an interesting go.

I really would not recommend going NCM at your age and level of education. You may not ever become a Col or General, but even as a Capt you would be able to positively influence a larger portion of the forces. With your work experience, I would assume that you have a lot of people skills and organizational ability. We could always use more people like that.

Best of luck.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 05, 2011, 19:53:17 »

They said that there would be no Legal job in this area anytime soon. So, that is out. I agree on the NCM position and I hope the Log O comes through. It is just that I wanted to be in the CF for so long, if the NCM position is the only offer I get, then it makes for a tough call.

Pusser · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2011, 17:08:20 »

I've known of prominent business men, high level executives and even millionaires who were NCMs in the Reserve. It all depends on what you want out of the experience.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 06, 2011, 19:36:37 »

Fair enough. I was certainly interested in some of the NCM trades. However, given my eyesight and the available trades, it was pretty much RSM clerk only. This was not my first choice, but if it what I get, then so be it.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:11:03 »

Update: Just got a call from the reserve unit. Being sworn in Thursday for Log O. Been a long time coming. Pretty happy right now.

BernDawg · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:23:44 »

Congratulations!

brandon_ · « **Reply #15 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:24:39 »

I second what BernDawg said- Congratulations!

Jackson10 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:38:53 »

Thanks to you both. It is kind of emotional right now.

Sigger · « **Reply #17 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:42:30 »

That is fantastic news! Congratulations!

Redeye · « **Reply #18 on:** March 15, 2011, 15:56:27 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on March 15, 2011, 15:11:03

Update: Just got a call from the reserve unit. Being sworn in Thursday for Log O. Been a long time coming. Pretty happy right now.

Congrats, welcome aboard!

fauntania · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2011, 21:03:27 »

Congratulations! You must be thrilled, and I bet your wife couldn't be prouder.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 05, 2011, 02:45:24 »

UPDATE: Now into weekend BMQ. It is like I thought it would be. That is to say, it sucks and is awesome at the same time.

Pusser · « **Reply #21 on:** April 05, 2011, 10:40:26 »

It's not designed to entertain you, but once you're done, you'll look back on certain moments with fondness.

Sigger · « **Reply #22 on:** April 05, 2011, 11:02:51 »

Like I often say, BMQ, in retrospect, is most wonderful.

BernDawg · « **Reply #23 on:** April 06, 2011, 15:27:02 »

I found that most people hated basic for the first few weeks then by the end couldn't wait to get back to instruct it.

Maverick94 · « **Reply #24 on:** April 07, 2011, 20:24:34 »

Congratulations!

daftandbarmy · « **Reply #25 on:** April 07, 2011, 23:50:11 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on April 05, 2011, 02:45:24

UPDATE: Now into weekend BMQ. It is like I thought it would be. That is to say, it sucks and is awesome at the same time.

Well done you 'orrible little 'eathen, you!

Keep away from dirtiness—keep away from mess,
Don’t get into doing things rather-more-or-less!
Let’s have done with abby-nay, kul, and hazar-ho;
Mind you keep your rifle and yourself just so!

http://www.battlepoetry.com/kip/heathen/heathen.htm

anyone · « **Reply #26 on:** May 07, 2011, 02:55:05 »

There is no "late". Only "later". You got in later.

Congratulations!

Now you can continue a life with no regrets. How many can claim that?

"Never give up" also comes to mind.

trigger · « **Reply #27 on:** May 08, 2011, 12:12:09 »

Quote from: BernDawg on April 06, 2011, 15:27:02

I found that most people hated basic for the first few weeks then by the end couldn't wait to get back to instruct it.

Not this guy. I hated it the whole time. Still hate it. I would never want to set foot in that Mega again.

cdnleaf · « **Reply #28 on:** May 08, 2011, 12:35:50 »

Quote from: Sigger on April 05, 2011, 11:02:51

Like I often say, BMQ, in retrospect, is most wonderful.

Yeah, Cornwallis was like a regular treat of the week

Jackson10 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 09, 2011, 07:57:13 »

I am now more than half way through the weekend BMQ so I thought I would give the midpoint view for anyone who is interested.

Staff - The staff are awesome. They are really quite competent. There is no BS. We get push-ups or leg lifts when we screw up. They don't seem to screw us just for the hell of it.

Inspections - They find stuff wrong, yell a bit, then we go on to class. Accept it for what it is.

PT- Mostly circuit work with some running in between. Most seem to be handling it pretty well. There are a couple who struggle, but as long as they are trying, the staff leave them alone.

Teamwork - As has been said a million times, you cannot do this alone. Work together and things are much easier.

Quitting - We have lost a few so far. It is what it is. Others have said "I am not sure if this is for me, but I will do BMQ, then see where I am." I think this is a good approach. Got to give it a chance.

Being old - Not an issue. I am treated the same, and find I can keep up with the group. Got jacked a couple of times for laughing, so it is all good.

Weapons handling test - Lots of instruction and practice. Passed on the first time. Those who did not were all retested.

Advice at this stage - I am having a blast. From the comment above, "don't have regrets in life."

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #30 on:** May 09, 2011, 10:24:38 »

cdnleaf, they sill had the soft ice cream when I went through Cornwallis!!

Jackson10, an inspiration for all!! Well done!!

medicineman · « **Reply #31 on:** May 09, 2011, 10:53:30 »

There was ice cream in Cornwallis???!!!

MM

Pusser · « **Reply #32 on:** May 09, 2011, 11:14:15 »

Jacson 10, you have a very positive attitude. Keep it up and you'll go far in this outfit.

An important thing to know about basic training is that yes, it's tough and supposed to be, but they're not allowed to kill you and it is not insurmountable. Another thing to note is that basic training is not indicative of life in the CF. Once you're done that phase of your life, things get considerably better. Do not judge a career in the CF based on your experiences on BMQ.

cdnleaf · « **Reply #33 on:** May 09, 2011, 21:49:28 »

Quote from: medicineman on May 09, 2011, 10:53:30

There was ice cream in Cornwallis???!!!
MM

Indeed it appeared that way - I just wasn't stupid enough to raise my hand when the DS asked "Who likes ice cream?...."

Thanks for the update Jackson / great read and all the best with the remainder.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #34 on:** May 10, 2011, 07:26:10 »

Thanks for all the comments guys. I am not sure about being an inspiration but all that stuff people talk about not being too old for your dreams is really true.

One other thing on the quitting. I just don't understand why you would go through the time consuming application process, be successful (when so many are not), and then quit after one weekend. It just seems to me that you have to give it a fair shot. I am seeing that some who desperately wanted to quit the first weekend are now settled, as the routine gets established and we are into the fun stuff with the weapons, etc...

a Sig Op · « **Reply #35 on:** May 10, 2011, 07:27:49 »

Quote from: cdnleaf on May 09, 2011, 21:49:28

I just wasn't stupid enough to raise my hand when the DS asked "Who likes ice cream?...."

Who dares wins...

Trick · « **Reply #36 on:** June 10, 2011, 03:07:44 »

Jackson, just wanted to say you deserve heaps of respect for your drive and it looks like you're finally being rewarded for it.

Best of luck,

Jackson10 · « **Reply #37 on:** June 10, 2011, 11:44:50 »

Hey thanks Trick. Finished the range and gas hut. Now only two weekends left. I'm thinking there might be a few tears if it all goes well.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #38 on:** June 13, 2011, 12:06:58 »

So, I am nearing the end of PRes BMQ. A couple of funny incidents that I thought I could share. The first was during the gas hut and on our second trip through, one of the recruits went in and started screaming, "I'm F*&king dying." The instructor simply replied, "why don't you put your mask on?" Seemed to work. The second was during inspection and the MCpl. was making veiled references to homosexuality with my first aid dummy. When he finally asked what I named him, I got some swearing sent my way when I answered with the MCpl.'s first name (which I had gotten off a list on the wall).

Hammer Sandwich · « **Reply #39 on:** June 23, 2011, 20:44:00 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on June 13, 2011, 12:06:58

The second was during inspection and the MCpl. was making veiled references to homosexuality with my first aid dummy. When he finally asked what I named him, I got some swearing sent my way when I answered with the MCpl.'s first name (which I had gotten off a list on the wall).

Well played, sir.
(commence slow clap while rising from seat)

....Well played.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #40 on:** June 25, 2011, 15:58:55 »

One last post to close the loop. Graduated PRes BMQ today. Won the "Top Shot" award. Let me say, I have held my newborn children, been married a couple of times, and earned three degrees, but today was the proudest moment of my life. It is tough to find the words.

Also kinda funny when the only officer on the course is the one crying.

Hammer Sandwich · « **Reply #41 on:** June 25, 2011, 23:08:11 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on June 25, 2011, 15:58:55

One last post to close the loop. Graduated PRes BMQ today. Won the "Top Shot" award. Let me say, I have held my newborn children, been married a couple of times, and earned three degrees, but today was the proudest moment of my life. It is tough to find the words.

Also kinda funny when the only officer on the course is the one crying.

Congrats, Jackson10!

I've enjoyed reading this thread about your journey regarding the first steps in your CF career.

Cheers.

HS

Jackson10 · « **Reply #42 on:** June 26, 2011, 06:12:01 »

Thanks HS. It has been a fun ride so far.

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #43 on:** June 27, 2011, 08:42:07 »

Welcome to the family.. there will be ups and downs throughout this relationship, trials and tribulations.. but always remember we ARE a family and are there for one another.

Congrats.

Hammer Sandwich · « **Reply #44 on:** June 29, 2011, 23:00:23 »

Quote from: Bzzliteyr on June 27, 2011, 08:42:07

Welcome to the family.. there will be ups and downs throughout this relationship, trials and tribulations.. but always remember we ARE a family and are there for one another.

And I can second that.
Even if something really f**ked up happens to you, you'll be taken care of, and you'll have a tight-knit group of people around you.

Reg or PRes.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #45 on:** April 18, 2012, 19:36:36 »

A short update for anyone interested.

I had a great year at the unit, and have now completed BMOQ Mod 2. As I am turning 40 this year, my wife asked what I wanted to do special for the birthday. I said "how about letting me go do BMOQ-L/CAP for 10 weeks?" Her response, "if you are stupid enough to try it, I will not stand in your way."

My unit has nominated me for a course in Aldershot this summer. I just hope the old body holds up.

RDJP · « **Reply #46 on:** April 18, 2012, 20:11:34 »

Congrats, and well done.

NSDreamer · « **Reply #47 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:28:54 »

Congrats and well done mate.

As to if your body holds up? We had some pretty old farts (said affectionately) on my CAP. The only ones who didn't make it were actually younger folk. Keep your head down, work as a team, listen to your DS and help each other out and you'll do fine! Also, get some comfortable pens, you're going to spend a few hours of non stop writing for hand written orders.

-NSDreamer

Jackson10 · « **Reply #48 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:34:13 »

Thanks for the practical advice. Any other tips are welcomed.

NSDreamer · « **Reply #49 on:** April 19, 2012, 09:49:16 »

Good advice, get a good comfortable pair of boots and break them in. If you're in Aldershot you'll be going to Cloud lake for a good portion of your training and comfortable boots make a hell of a difference in that pebble and boulder strewn alley. I totalled pair of issue boots there $:-\$

Also, get a red light headlamp for operations in and around the hide while your on your Field ex's.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #50 on:** April 19, 2012, 11:45:51 »

Thanks. I am already on the headlamp as I didn't have one for Mod 2, and others did. I am just using the issued boots, and find them pretty good. Is this what you mean? I heard the Swats, bates, etc... could be trouble in the field? Please let me know your thoughts.

NSDreamer · « **Reply #51 on:** April 19, 2012, 12:11:42 »

Ref the boots, I'm not sure what your course instructor will do, but for mine we performed the BFT on ashphalt which leaves and the terrain in and around cloud lake is just plain sh**. Having footwear that you are comfortable in dry, wet, for extended periods and that dries quickly makes a hell of a difference.

Some people don't mind the issued boots, it's good for them, but a good pair of magnums, or even good insoles for the issue boots can make a world of difference too.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #52 on:** April 19, 2012, 12:25:20 »

Perfect. Thanks.

curious george · « **Reply #53 on:** April 19, 2012, 22:13:13 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on June 25, 2011, 15:58:55

One last post to close the loop. Graduated PRes BMQ today. Won the "Top Shot" award. Let me say, I have held my newborn children, been married a couple of times, and earned three degrees, but today was the proudest moment of my life. It is tough to find the words.

Also kinda funny when the only officer on the course is the one crying.

Someone's chopping onions nearby. I don't know you, I'm not even in myself, but your story makes me feel so proud of you.

Jackson10 · « **Reply #54 on:** April 20, 2012, 13:54:55 »

Thanks CG. This stuff can be emotional sometimes.

Good luck to you.

curious george · « **Reply #55 on:** April 21, 2012, 15:39:05 »

Thanks Jackson10. That unit you're serving with is darn lucky to have you there!

Allgunzblazing · « **Reply #56 on:** April 21, 2012, 16:09:47 »

Jackson, I wish you the very, very best! One doesn't hear a story like yours often.

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #57 on:** April 23, 2012, 17:04:32 »

What unit are you with now?

Eye In The Sky · « **Reply #58 on:** April 23, 2012, 19:03:42 »

Quote from: NSDreamer on April 19, 2012, 09:49:16

Good advice, get a good comfortable pair of boots and break them in. If you're in Aldershot you'll be going to Cloud lake for a good portion of your training and comfortable boots make a hell of a difference in that pebble and boulder strewn alley. I totalled pair of issue boots there $:-\$

Also, get a red light headlamp for operations in and around the hide while your on your Field ex's.

http://www.gov.ns.ca/nse/protectedareas/wa_cloudlake.asp

Ref the headlamp, not sure if the newer models are still the same, but I have a Petzl Tikka Xp, wicked headlamp IMO. I also picked up a filter kit with green, blue and red filters for it, changes out in about 15 seconds. Something like this, mine isn't camo, but it angles down, etc. Always have this in my backpack.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Petzl-E89-PC-Tac-Tikka-XP-Headlamp-three-colored-lenses-Camouflage-/251035570500?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a72e2d144

Personally, for night nav's, etc, (dismounted stuff) I always preferred orange filters. Couldn't see the red boundaries, etc on the Range Control maps, that kinda of stuff.

Good2Golf · « **Reply #59 on:** April 23, 2012, 20:20:35 »

Quote from: Jackson10 on April 19, 2012, 09:34:13

Thanks for the practical advice. Any other tips are welcomed.

Glucosimine, chondroiten and advil....

Oh...and good boot liners -- I wear other boots daily, but I still prefer to BFT/ruck in my Vibram'd Mk.IIIs for their combination of support and comfort. As well, you could suggest to your wife you'd like some nice gel/memory foam liners - I get mine at Mark's Work Warehouse, can't recall the name, but they were about $30, orange foam with blue gel heel and ball of foot inserts.

Keep up the great work!

Regards
G2G

NSDreamer · « **Reply #60 on:** April 23, 2012, 21:16:52 »

Quote from: Good2Golf on April 23, 2012, 20:20:35

Glucosimine, chondroiten and advil....

Oh...and good boot liners -- I wear other boots daily, but I still prefer to BFT/ruck in my Vibram'd Mk.IIIs for their combination of support and comfort. As well, you could suggest to your wife you'd like some nice gel/memory foam liners - I get mine at Mark's Work Warehouse, can't recall the name, but they were about $30, orange foam with blue gel heel and ball of foot inserts.

Keep up the great work!

Regards
G2G

+Gold Bond

PJGary · « **Reply #61 on:** April 24, 2012, 03:14:59 »

My biggest regret is I didn't discover the joys of insoles until I was handed them at physio

.

Basically, they are a lifesaver.

I would recommend these: https://secure.yoursole.com/ca/footbeds/softec-ultra/

Bonne Chance!

RDJP · « **Reply #62 on:** April 24, 2012, 11:07:11 »

Thanks for the story. I'm 40, a new grandfather, kids are done school within the decade including university, and I just walked through the door for my CFAT, medical and interview for the PRes.

I'm as nervous as on my first date.

However, I've wanted to get back to this since my first taste in 1989. Your story gives me a lot of motivation.

Thanks again.

BernDawg · « **Reply #63 on:** April 25, 2012, 14:50:14 »

When it comes to insoles I stumbled on to these several years ago and never wore my boots without them since then. (no boots for me any more cept for hunting and hiking, and, yup, they're in there..)
http://www.spenco.com/products/footcare/poly-sorb/heavy-duty

Jackson10 · « **Reply #64 on:** April 25, 2012, 19:57:29 »

Seriously, thanks everyone for the advice/comments. The foot advice is timely, as my heels sometimes bother me. As well, thanks for the headlamp piece. I started taking glucosamine a few months ago, and I found it did wonders for my knees. I just got to try and keep the body whole for the summer.

Bzzliteyr · « **Reply #65 on:** April 26, 2012, 11:17:40 »

Jackson, the CF used to give out glucosamine but stopped after there were no concrete studies of its effects but I am glad to hear it works for you! Where did you say you were again?

Jimmy_D · « **Reply #66 on:** April 26, 2012, 12:10:37 »

For your night nav, if you have a second red filter for an elbow light. I would recommend drilling a very small hole in the centre of the filter.

That way there you have your red filter for night time and can see all the markings on you map because the filter will let out a little bit of white light thanks to the hole, which if done right will not be noticable by anyone not looking at your map.

News:

Author Topic: 20 years (Read 9082 times)