[Dr Caleb]

Ummmm, call a recruiting centre and ask . . .they love taking to potential new recruits!<br /> <br /> The physical is just the first step though. Basic training (which is usually in the summer for reserves) is the hard part.<br />

[Stymiest]

ehm your supposed to be able to run 2.4km in 12 min<br /> do 19 push ups<br /> 21 situps<br /> <br /> something like that<br /> <br /> really though they will take anyone whether you meet these standards or not. I don't even think they give a physical now you just need a declaration of physical fitness.<br /> <br /> I was in the reserves and trust me some people were in pretty piss poor shape. I am getting sworn into RMC this week though so going reg force

[Dr Caleb]

Congrats Stymiest!<br /> <br /> We've come a long way. In WW2, I heard the physical went something like ". . .yes, he's warm . . ." <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/wink.gif' alt='Wink'><br />

[whelan costen]

Yes Congratulations Stymiest and good luck going through basic! At least you have some background so you won't be in total shock! <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/biggrin.gif' alt='Big Grin'>

[Stymiest]

thx ladies and gents<br /> <br /> I haven't posted on here for awhile but thought I would check again to see whats going on. Over the past year I have slowly been shifting my positions on many issues in Canadian politics. I decided to take a look at some of the ideas of members here and have found some very truthful facts behind them. My views are taking a shift more to the left of the spectrum but while I still consider myself a tory I am trying to radically differentiate myselves from the radical neocons which i think are going to doom our society with their vision of pax americana.

[Stymiest]

[QUOTE BY= cmab] I was wondering what does the physical test, to join the army reserve, consist of?[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Just remember Cmab do exactly what the medic tells you <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/smile.gif' alt='Smile'> He will say specifically don't put checks in any of the boxes we can talk about them later <br /> <br />

[Jesse]

[QUOTE BY= cmab] I was wondering what does the physical test, to join the army reserve, consist of?[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> A bit of searching and I found the requirements guide:<br /> <a href="http://www.recruiting.forces.ca/media/pdf/physical_fitness_en.pdf"><br /> Physical Fitness Guide for Applicants to the Canadian Forces</a>. Page 10 says:<br /> <br /> - 19 push ups without a time limit<br /> - 19 sit ups in one minute<br /> - an acceptable time for a 2.4km run<br /> - a 75kg combined hand grip strength(no clue what that actually means, but I doubt it's that difficult). <br /> <br /> The pamphlet also lists other requirements; I hope it helps you make an informed decision.

[Spanky]

[QUOTE BY= Stymiest] ehm your supposed to be able to run 2.4km in 12 min<br /> do 19 push ups<br /> 21 situps<br /> <br /> something like that<br /> <br /> really though they will take anyone whether you meet these standards or not. I don't even think they give a physical now you just need a declaration of physical fitness.<br /> <br /> I was in the reserves and trust me some people were in pretty piss poor shape. I am getting sworn into RMC this week though so going reg force[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Well good luck with your choice of career, just watch out for that Depleted Uraninum ammo (especially if you're going into the army when you've finished at RMC).<br /> <br /> From the Sydney Morning Herald:<br /> <br /> <i><b>Troops show uranium sickness signs, claims expert</b><br /> <br /> Australian servicemen and women who served in the recent Iraq war were reporting symptoms of uranium sickness, a United States nuclear weapons expert said today.<br /> <br /> Dr Douglas Rokke is a former US Army nuclear health physicist and was formerly the Pentagon's expert on the health effects of depleted uranium ammunition.<br /> <br /> Speaking in Melbourne today, Dr Rokke said Iraqi women and children and American and Iraqi military personnel had reported respiratory illnesses and rashes after the recent conflict, and he had also been told of Australian servicemen and women with similar symptoms. <br /> <br /> SNIP<br /> <br /> During operation Desert Storm in 1991 Dr Rokke led a team assigned to clean up uranium contamination caused by friendly fire.<br /> <br /> "What we saw can be described in only three words - Oh my God! The wounds were horrible, the contamination was extensive," he said.<br /> <br /> "Although myself and my team members wore respiratory and skin protection, that protection we know today does not provide any adequate protection against the inhalation, the ingestion, the absorption of uranium compounds."<br /> <br /> He said he now suffered rashes, respiratory problems, kidney problems and cataracts related to his exposure to uranium.</i><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/06/23/1056220529069.html">Troops show uranium sickness signs</a><br /> <br /> From the Uranium Medical Research Centre(UMRC)<br /> <br /> <i>Fiction: Uranium is ubiquitous in nature and we are exposed daily. There is no cause for concern.<br /> <br /> Fact: Uranium is present in nature in trace amounts, about 3 parts per million (ppm) by weight. It takes about 5 tonnes of dry soil or rock to produce 1 teaspoon of what is called ”natural uranium”. It is “natural” in that is has the isotopic proportions that exist in nature. However, what is “unnatural” is when uranium is presented in concentrated quantities. In these concentrations of radioactivity its effect on human health and the environment become dangerous.<br /> <br /> When uranium is exposed to the natural chemical action of the environment it can become solublized and can then migrate into the water supply. Uncontained uranium waste is a problem when left in the open as it oxidizes. This is the case all over the world in nuclear waste repositories.<br /> <br /> Uranium is most dangerous when it burns and is aerosolized as happens when it is used in weapons.<br /> <br /> SNIP<br /> <br /> Fiction: Alpha particles can't penetrate clothes and skin.<br /> <br /> Fact: This statement ignores the most prevalent and dangerous pathway for uranium to get into the human body. Inhaled uranium can remain in the lungs and bones for years where it continues to emit alpha, beta and gamma radiation. Each alpha particle can traverse up to several hundred cells causing somatic and genetic alterations. Multiply this by billions of such particles and a huge amount of cellular damage becomes possible. The majority (50-70%) of the airborne DU particles sampled during the testing of 105 mm DU projectiles were in the respirable range and capable of reaching the non-ciliated bronchial tree. Studies also indicate that the half-time in the lungs is up to 5 years.<br /> <br /> Soluble DU compounds have rapid access to the bloodstream with consequent toxic effects on the target organs and the bone where it is incorporated. Mass spectrometry results of deceased Canadian veteran, Captain Terry Riordon, confirmed that depleted uranium was present in his bone. From there it can compromise the immune system and affect the stem cells that travel throughout the body thereby affecting many other organs. Soldiers inside a tank or armoured vehicle can inhale tens of milligrams of DU after the shell goes through the tank. Compare this to the maximum allowable yearly dose in the U.S. for inhaled uranium is 1.2 milligrams per year.</i><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.umrc.net/facts_and_fictions.aspx#f3">Uranium Medical Research Centre - Facts and Fictions</a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thefourreasons.org/duresources.htm">Depleted Uranium Information</a><br /> <br />

[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= spanky] <br /> Well good luck with your choice of career, just watch out for that Depleted Uraninum ammo (especially if you're going into the army when you've finished at RMC).<br /> <br /> [/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> Offtopic Spanky. Stymiest is well aware of DU ammo. Please keep your posts on the subject.

[canuck]

[QUOTE] Yes Congratulations Stymiest and good luck going through basic![/QUOTE] <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Likewise, from myself... with the poor timing and all. <br /> <br /> What follows are the three worst things for NCMs in the CF:<br /> <br /> - A 2Lt trying to use a map and compass.<br /> - A Lt that says "I know what I'm doing."<br /> - A Cpt that says "I have a great idea!" <br /> <br /> <img align=absmiddle src='images/smilies/wink.gif' alt='Wink'>

[Armageddon]

Ok, I went to the Reserve Recruitment Center over at the Harry Hays building in Calgary. They explained the whole thing to me, yada yada. <br /> Two problems:<br /> I can run 1 km in 12 mins. How the heck am I supposed to get down 2.4?!<br /> The other problem is the basic training if I get through the running. If I'm supposed to do it during the summer, could I have a job at the side? Is it where you go to a base for a few hours every day during the summer or what?<br /> Any help would be appreciated. I'd love to join the Reserves (maybe even in the regular forces after university), BUT I'd also to be able to make great money working construction. <br /> So, all the advice, tips, and help would be most appreciated.

[canuck]

From both my experience as a Reservist and my personal opinion, it doesn't matter how fast you can run <u>as long as you are reasonably fit, healthy, and demonstrate your willingness/determination by putting forth a strong effort</u>. <br /> <br /> However, what will play an even more important role in your application will be the result you achieve on your aptitude test. This is what will determine whether or not your application will even be accepted (at the time I wrote the test, one third of the applicants failed before their physical fitness was ever scrutinised). If you do exceptionally well on this test they will tend to be more forgiving in other aspects which will come out during the interview (it worked for me... ).<br /> <br /> <br /> It is usually only during training as a recruit that an actual exercise regime is imposed. Don't worry, lots of running is involved, so you will have a chance to improve (even so, it still doesn't matter if you can't run circles around everybody... who would want to anyways?). Since the performance of each recruited candidate is assesed individually, both your actual effectiveness and your demonstrated determination (whether behind the desk or in the field) will have a direct impact on your chance for graduation.<br /> <br /> My physical fitness test (about three years ago) consisted of eyesight and hearing tests, drug tests, strength tests (gripping power, push-ups, sit-ups....), an examination by a doctor for joint and abdominal injuries, and a cardiovascular test (consisting of walking up and down steps at a measured pace for a time, then having blood pressure, heartrate, weight, height, age, and recovery recovery time among other bits of information recorded. These figures were then input into a formula to determine lung volume. I assume each number had to fall within an acceptable range in order for fitness to be considered a pass). Not a treadmill in sight. <br /> <br /> Of all the things I have done so far, the application process has been the least demanding, so stop worrying about the recommended fitness specifications they give you.<br /> <br /> If anybody else has gone through the application process, how does this compare to yours?

[canuck]

[QUOTE BY= Armageddon]<br /> The other problem is the basic training if I get through the running. If I'm supposed to do it during the summer, could I have a job at the side? Is it where you go to a base for a few hours every day during the summer or what? [/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> At the time I went through, there were three phases of traing: <br /> <br /> Basic Military Qualifications (covering CF procedure, military and internaional law plus an introduction to soldier skills. Lots of lectures. Do not expect to get your hands on any weapon for at least a few weeks)<br /> <br /> Soldier Qualifications (lots of weapons handling, patrolling, and fieldcraft... general soldiering skills. All CF recruits go through the same training to this point)<br /> <br /> Basic infantry Qualifications (infantry specific training. More weapons handling, lots of time spent doing section attacks, etc....)<br /> <br /> <br /> According to the rumour mill there is a different training process in the works or this process has already been phased out... not quite sure.<br /> <br /> BMQ for me was conducted during the weekends at the local armoury (Hamilton, Ontario) during the winter and spring months. A quarter of the recruits dropped out after the first two days since realising they'd be taught military law before being permitted to touch any weapon. Only 13 graduates.<br /> <br /> SQ and BIQ were conducted from June to August at LFCTA Meaford. Everyday from 5AM to 11PM on average, weekend leave was usually awarded after the first two or three weeks depending upon how well each course was performing. Clearly, the summer training for the more intensive courses is a full-time commitment, but if you have a job elsewere it <i>should</i> be possible to have your training set for a later date which is not uncommon. That is something you might have to work out with your employer.<br /> <br /> I hope this helps you...

[Armageddon]

Hm, so 5 AM-11PM. So basically 18 hours. Isn't that kinda brutal? Eh, I guess it's supposed to be.<br /> Now, I could potentially handle that, but thing is, does one get paid while training? If so, how much per hour? I know, sounds greedy, but if I could be making $2000 a summer working, insteading of just getting say board and food from a base, I'd kinda choose the summer job.

[Dr Caleb]

[QUOTE BY= Armageddon] Hm, so 5 AM-11PM. So basically 18 hours. Isn't that kinda brutal? Eh, I guess it's supposed to be.<br /> Now, I could potentially handle that, but thing is, does one get paid while training? If so, how much per hour? I know, sounds greedy, but if I could be making $2000 a summer working, insteading of just getting say board and food from a base, I'd kinda choose the summer job.[/QUOTE]<br /> <br /> What Canuck said ^^.<br /> <br /> Yes, the training is supposed to be brutal. I joined shortly after I turned 18. I had been doing karate and boxing since I was in my early teens, and could run the 400 in under 1 minute, 1k in 2:30, and a one armed chinup (ethier arm) and hold for 20 seconds. But no matter how tough I was, they would push me till I was exhausted. That was the point, not how well I could do, but how I performed once all my physical end mental energy was gone, and how hard I tried after that point. What they'll look for is your drive, not your abilities. They can condition your body, but if you don't have the will, you won't make it. <br /> <br /> Like Canuck said, many dropped the course when they found out they wouldn't be given a gun right away. That's exactally the kind of person the Army doesn't need; the gunfighter.<br /> <br /> As for pay, I don't recall what it was like, but I do remember getting paid for basic training. But I was also regular forces. But don't choose the reserves or regular forces to get rich, I'll tell you that! It's a good life, for the right sort of person, and they do have an excellent retirement plan. Basic training will tell them and you if you are the right sort of person.<br />