Age Limits to Join

[brandon-vancouver]

Hello

I'm sixteen, and I finish high school in two years, and after that I want to join the army (one of the parachute companies if I can.) I'm from Vancouver, so i probably oughta join one of the reserves here right, The only one I know is the Royal Westminster Regiment, is there any other ones? After I graduate, what should I do to try and get into a parachute company, or to get into a jump course? Also, what kind of classes should i take in school?

Any other advice anyone has, i'd be very appreciative, thanks very much.

-Brandon

 

[CougarKing]

Well, if you used the search function on this website for "reserve units Vancouver", you would see an older thread called "Canadian Reserve Units:Working List".

Where are you in Vancouver? If you live closer to downtown, (say Kitsilano)- try the Seaforth Highlanders along Burrard- their armory should be pretty easy to spot closer to the Burrard bridge! 

There's also the British Columbia Regiment but they are more Recce and I know you prefer Infantry instead.

http://www.bcregiment.com/

There's also the 12th Service Company in Richmond.

Do a search, and since you already know about the Royal Westminster Regiment, so I think you have ability to search for the other local reserve units on your own.

 

[rz350]

You can call your local recruiting centre and ask them what units are in your area too.

For para? I am no expert at all, but for starters, get into an infantry unit, and do very well on your  training courses(BMQ, SQ and your trade course) and get your self into great physical shape.

 

[brandon-vancouver]

Ah, I wished I lived closer to downtown, I'm from Port Coquitlam, way out in the suburbs. I go to Vancouver all the time though, it isn't such a bad commute.

 

[Steenburg]

I was just wondering, since I am a new member and this is my first post if anyone had info on the CFs policy on re-enlistment of former soldiers. I have no idea if the CF could use me or even want me for that matter since I am now 45 years of age> When I left the forces in 1986 the recruit limit was age 25. Now I hear thats all changed. I was in the 1st Battalion P.P.C.L.I. from 1980 t0 1986. and I know that todays infantry have had a complete change from wepions to uniforms for that matter. But it looks now as though the CF might be in need of some former now older guys? If anyone has any info on this I would appreceate it. I now live in Hatzic B.C. and there is no recruting office around here and most info pages on the net seem to deal with new first time recruits with a long term future ahead of them. Thanks.

Thomas

 

[Michael OLeary]

I was just wondering, since I am a new member and this is my first post if anyone had info on the CFs policy on re-enlistment of former soldiers. I have no idea if the CF could use me or even want me for that matter since I am now 45 years of age> When I left the forces in 1986 the recruit limit was age 25. Now I hear thats all changed. I was in the 1st Battalion P.P.C.L.I. from 1980 t0 1986. and I know that todays infantry have had a complete change from wepions to uniforms for that matter. But it looks now as though the CF might be in need of some former now older guys? If anyone has any info on this I would appreceate it. I now live in Hatzic B.C. and there is no recruting office around here and most info pages on the net seem to deal with new first time recruits with a long term future ahead of them. Thanks.

Thomas

Here is one thread to start wih discussing reenrollment:
http://forums.army.ca/forums/threads/30089.0.html

The search function can turn up more.

 

[brandon-vancouver]

I don't know if I prefer to join the Infantry over Recce. I don't know much about either, which do you reccomend?

Is it possible (and a relatively not difficult path) to join the BC Regiment, and take the parachutist course while with that unit, and then after I graduate high school, transfer to a regular army infantry unit?

Thanks very much
-Brandon

 

[noneck]

I'd suggest that you join a reserve  infantry unit and get a taste and then decide from there. If you don't like being tired, cold , wet and hungry (PRes exclaimer Frm Weekend Ex's)  ...then the infantry probably ain't for you!

Both the Seaforth's and the Westies are great units. We work in conjunction a lot. I would suggest from your location that the Westies would be easier to get to. Give MCpl SANDULAK a call at the Westies recruiting and he will sort you out. He monotors this site so he may give you a shout via PM.

My two bits
Noneck

 

[Bruce Monkhouse]

...and with that great advice, I would say that now it's up to another potential recruit to take the advice and act upon it.
Locked, usual caveats.

 

[DavidFM]

I am 42, and I'll be 43 in August. I have already begun the process of compiling my documents, etc., to apply for a direct-entry officer position in the Canadian Armed Forces. I have seen the minimum physical requirements needed to be considered, and quite frankly, they're laughable. I'm interested in entering the military police force, as my schooling was in criminology. I also wouldn't mind at all being posted overseas, particularly Afghanistan. I've just returned to Canada after having lived and worked in Asia for the past 18 years (Japan for 15, Thailand for 3). Japanese is my second language, and I can also get by in French, German, and Thai. I have had experience leading, and I'm a real team player. I never quit. I've worked in myriad jobs over the course of my life, but one of the things I haven't done is to serve my country, as my father did in Korea at the age of 23 (he retired a full Colonel with 36 years of service). I think I have a lot to offer the CAF. I am also in the best shape of my life. It would seem a real shame not to be considered because of my age. All comments, suggestions, or tips on how to improve my chances would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly.

 

[BC Old Guy]

DavidFM -
            At your age you don't have to worry about age being a problem for enrolment.

  Keep up your physical fitness and training.  The standards are minimum standards, and are based on what level of fitness is needed to start an intense physical fitness program.  The better fitness level you have when you go to training the better you will do.

  Being somewhat older myself, I find that my recovery time after exercising/overexercising is much longer than it was when I was in my 20s, but that if I keep up a good level of fitness then I don't have to worry as much about additional stresses/injuries.

      Enrolling as a MP Officer will see you go through the MP assessment board, which uses tests and criteria similar to any other police force.  There are not that many positions for this occupation, and there is a fair bit of interest.  Take a look at other occupations to see if there is a second or third option that would interest you.

Good Luck.

 

[DavidFM]

BC Old Guy,

Thanks for the encouragement. I should have all my documents ready by next week. I popped into the recruitment centre today to ask about officer selection times, and he basically said that if I put my application in next week, I'd probably be looking at around October/November for my first interview. I'm ready NOW. I want to get over to Afghanistan to do my part, but I'm really looking forward to the basic and other training that's required to get in. My Dad said that they're already training reserves now to deploy in a year's time, so I'm not even sure we're going to be there when I would be ready to go, assuming, of course, that they accept me. I've also indicated an interest in PR, where my communication skills may come in handy. This (the CF) is where I'd like to finish my working career, as I said in my last post, I've done pretty much everything imagineable, but I've yet had the honour/privelege of serving my country. Also, I know I'm a good leader, and I look forward to guiding the younger recruits through what is likely going to be a tough process. Not just the physical stuff (I am 42 after all), but more about the mental fortitude and wisdom to tackle such a unique occupation. Anyway, thanks again for the words of encouragement. I'll let you know how everything turns out. Cheers.

 

[dardt]

I am 42, and I'll be 43 in August. I have already begun the process of compiling my documents, etc., to apply for a direct-entry officer position in the Canadian Armed Forces. I have seen the minimum physical requirements needed to be considered, and quite frankly, they're laughable. I'm interested in entering the military police force, as my schooling was in criminology. I also wouldn't mind at all being posted overseas, particularly Afghanistan. I've just returned to Canada after having lived and worked in Asia for the past 18 years (Japan for 15, Thailand for 3). Japanese is my second language, and I can also get by in French, German, and Thai. I have had experience leading, and I'm a real team player. I never quit. I've worked in myriad jobs over the course of my life, but one of the things I haven't done is to serve my country, as my father did in Korea at the age of 23 (he retired a full Colonel with 36 years of service). I think I have a lot to offer the CAF. I am also in the best shape of my life. It would seem a real shame not to be considered because of my age. All comments, suggestions, or tips on how to improve my chances would be greatly appreciated. Thank you kindly.

It was mentioned you just returned to Canada after living out of Country for several years. You may be in for some significant delays in having to have a pre-security evaluation, check with you're local CFRC on current requirements (In Canada residence time / wait times for pre-security evaluations). Just wanted to mention it because it slows a lot of people's processing down if they have lived out of Country. Good luck with you're application.

 

[DavidFM]

Thank you. I was somewhat concerned about that myself, as they ask in the application if I've lived in Canada for the past 10 consecutive years. My Dad, however, says it shouldn't be a factor. I guess I'll find out soon enough. Thanks for the information. Cheers.

 

[John007]

Hey,
My names John, I'm 16 years old as of this day, and on February 27th I'll be turning 17. It's come to my attention after quite a bit of extensive research that the army provides an excellent
opportunity to further enrich your abilities and skills through joining the reserves. Both myself and a good buddy of mind have 100% commited to joining the reserves this summer upon qualification
from the recruiting office. Since we've made that decision and for the next five month, we're following a very strict training regime and diet to further develop our physical and mental health. We are
not doing this for the money, not in the least bit, both of us feel its our obligation to serve our country. My buddy wants to develop a long term career in the military and pursue a post-secondary
education through possibly RMC, and I myself have it set in my mind to become a Medical Officer (My older brother is a heart surgeon/Intensive care specialist in Thunder Bay so it runs in my family),
and my academic average certainly permits such an ambition.

Two of my Co-Workers are enlisted in the reseveres and have been since they were my age, they are now in their 20s, and both have provided a great deal of information and explained the incentives to joining.
Although one of them said going from a civilian to soldier is the hardest yet at the same time most rewarding experiance he has ever had the opportunity to be apart of.

So both of us are pretty much 100% sure about it and feel confident in our current physical fitness to join. Now on to the serious question I myself have to ask:
I myself am Armenian, it's a small hardly ever heard of country in south-eastern Europe sharing very similar ideals and culture as Greece. Both my friend and I are born and raised Catholics,
attending Catholic school since inception into primary education. I do not consider myself apart of a visible minority, but I may at times be confused with one, and as such have seen and heard offensive
and duragatory comments in my life, predominatly because at a Catholic school 95% of us are European. I do not tolerate racism or discrimination in any form, I can never in my life believe that a man
women or child can justify hate, actual hate against a group of people based on merits of Culture, Geographical and socio-economical background, race, religion and gender. That being said, I'm aware
of the army's SHARP program, I'm aware racism is not tolerated and commend a strong effort against racism. I want to honestly know, from anyone on these forums, their oppinion on the topic, have you in all honesty witnessed
racism or prejudice, having taken part in or seen it happen against any group of people based on race, religion, colour, etc. in the reserves or armed forces regardless of the fact that it is not tolerated.

That is the only thing left for me to determine in my decision, because the absolute last thing I would want in my life is to enter the armed forces and leave because I see that kind of treatment happen, and
from that, a destroyed career as a Medical Officer, an occupation to my understanding is in high demand, and a shattered hope in the great Multicultural country Canada is.

I appreciate all input on the matter. Thank you.

 

[1feral1]

The only colour the army sees is green.

However, don't go throwing the race card around, or using who you are as a chip on your shoulder. It won't work.

Armenian born or Canadian born (not that it matters)? Either way, perhaps refer to yourself as Canadian with Armenian hetritage.

I am Canadian born, but an Australian citizen, and I refer to myself being Australian, but of Canadian heritage.

We are who we are, but putting your past over your present, I do not feel is not positive thinking.


Cheers,

Wes

 

[John007]

Thanks for your advice, I'd never use the race card for any reason, again I don't even consider myself a visible minority, and I am Canadian born, but I just wanted to know if it ever happens.

The only colour the army sees is green.

However, don't go throwing the race card around, or using who you are as a chip on your shoulder. It won't work.

Armenian born or Canadian born (not that it matters)? Either way, perhaps refer to yourself as Canadian with Armenian hetritage.

I am Canadian born, but an Australian citizen, and I refer to myself being Australian, but of Canadian heritage.

We are who we are, but putting your past over your present, I do not feel is not positive thinking.


Cheers,

Wes

 

[John007]

Another question I have, rather than clogging up the boards I'll ask it here.

For Medical studies, is it 5 or 7 years of mandatory service after education is over?
Im most likely committed to working my lifetime in the army if I become a Medical Officer, but I could not seem to find a definate answer.

 

[Loachman]

That question, and similar ones, are best asked at recruiting centres - although somebody here will undoubtedly know.

As for your question concernng discrimination and racism, none of us can guarantee that you will not encounter it in the CF. There are, after all, jerks everywhere. I do believe that we hold ourselves to a higher standard than society in general in that regard, as in most areas, and extrememly few of us would tolerate any display of discrimination other than that based purely upon ability and qualities of character.

It's who you are that counts, not your colour, faith, culture, gender etcetera.

 

[1feral1]

I am Canadian born

There ya go, so why call yourself Armenian first, if you were born in Canada? As far as I am concerned, Canadians are simply that, Canadian. No wonder why Canada has issues.