Hey Stark...hold in there. That up in the air feeling is common. You should have seen me when my process started. All the waiting was driving me nuts too. And don‘t be concerned, you‘ll do fine man! Just fine! Yes it is competitive, but they also need people more than ever. No stress pal, I know your keen and pumped to join, which is exactly what the forces need, more guys like you.
As for the course I was on. See it was a QL 2 (basic) & QL 3 (battleschool) combine deal. I was 26 weeks long with no break. 10 weeks for basic (normally done at St.Jean, PQ) and 16 weeks infantyman training. I never did go to St. Jean...they (army) knew I was going infantry and said hell we pump them through all at once, basic and MOC together. I have infantry (RCR) insructors from the get go! So groomed for infantry right from a civilian. Also at the tail end of basic and the front of battleschool, it over lapped. So yeah as for fieldcraft and weapons, battlecraft was taught properly by guys who made their living at this stuff. Then say and Airforce or Navy NCO teaching it to you at St. Jean.
As for the totals Stark, your reasons applied. Yes injuries you get recoursed if you can‘t keep up with the rest of the program ie (knee, or arm injury). Guys decided they can‘t take the "yelling" or what I call at that time "chicken s***" tasks like polished boots, beds made, inspections, etc...etc...Common things they pick you apart on. Ummmm, guys find out that they don‘t want to be in the MOC (infantry) and leave for a different trade. Tons of reasons and yes, if the insructors thought you were a piece of crap then, by hell or high water...they would "make you leave". That isn‘t there intent at all though..don‘t get me wrong there. The last thing the forces want is to loose guys who are numbers for the units. The process of paperwork, flying you to basic, the dental checks, medicals...all that goodstuff, costs them money. And they want to see a return on their investment with years of dedicated and loyal service. And it was very tough! So yeah the numbers are pretty amazing, but that was my course. Other courses, there are for sure other numbers who make the "cut". Like I said in my previous reply, when you‘ve made it to graduation day...you are so very, very proud. And no one ever can strip that feeling away from you! You and your buddies just experienced well...how to put it? Something indeed, special! All the best and don‘t get worried...It‘ll work out for sure. Hope other guys/gals can help add their own experiences on basic/MOC training, and the comradeship to help out! In any trade or MOC, navy or airforce as well we all share something great...that bond of friendship, loyalty, honesty, integrity!!!
Grubby