Topic: 20 years

[daftandbarmy]

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]

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]

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]

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

Yeah, Cornwallis was like a regular treat of the week 

[Jackson10]

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]

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

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

[medicineman]

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

MM

[Pusser]

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]

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]

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]

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

Who dares wins...

[Trick]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Bzzliteyr]

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]

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]

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]

Congrats, and well done.   

[NSDreamer]

 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]

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

[NSDreamer]

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.