Tips for the interview

[Disturbance]

Exactly that. I know its just like a formality but I believe the saying "Fail to Plan, plan to fail. So anyone tell me what to expect and what they expect from me would be awesome thanks.

-Disturbance

[King]

I have a question which is not all that related to the topic but...

How long does it take on average from the time you go into a CFRC or unit and express a desire to sign up (for the reserves) until you are sworn in? From what I casually catch in the posts of others it's a long time. Weeks or even months. Once you are sworn in, I assume that you have to wait until your QL2 and QL3 are over with before you can serve actively in the unit. You don't attend the parade nights and do the QL2 on the weekends at the same time? Or do you? My impression was that you don't actually join the unit until the next fall (after your QL3).

[Enfield]

Disturbance - don't worry about it. If the recruiting sergeant at the Seaforths thought you were ok, the formal interview is no problem. Just be confident and tell them what they want to hear, just like any other job interview. Email me and lemme know how it goes.

King- To join go to the unit you want to join, and talk to them. You give the paperwork to them, they give it to CFRC, and CFRC administers all the tests, then the unit gets you sworn in and gives you your kit. Plan on at LEAST a month, more likely two, and even 3 months to get in. It's a long and frustrating process.

Different units treat new recruits differently and QL2 is run differently between units as well. Some regiments have training set up for recruits waiting for the next course, sorta like a "Pre-QL2", which actually ends up teaching them everything anyways. And in this case you would parade at the same times as the unit and maybe even do some ex's, but you won't work directly with the troops. For example, last ex recruits and QL2's were used as enemy force for FIBUA, a very cool job. Then again, when I did QL2 back east we weren't even allowed to wash dishes after a mess dinner until after QL2. But you'll always be seperate. With some regiments your "in" after QL2, others QL3, depends when they give you your cap badge (ask about this when you go to join)

Some units do QL2 on just weekends, some every weekend, some every 2nd or 3rd weekend, some do weekends and evenings, depends oin the unit. But your still kept apart from the troops. Make sure to ask when they do QL2 and when courses start and what you do beforehand etc.
You wanted to join the PLF out east right? Email and I'll give ya some info on them specifically.

Enfield

[This message has been edited by Enfield (edited 02-13-2001).]

[garett]

Just don't keep weapons in your locker.

[TonyM]

Top Ten Things NOT to Ask at the Interview

10-How much money am I going to get out of this outfit?
9-Do I have to wear a silly hat?
8-Is it true all army chicks are fat?
7-Why do I have to get up so early?
6-Will I get dirty?
5-Can I wear my Nikes?
4-Do I only need to in as good of shape as you?
3-Were you in the Airborne?
2-When can I apply for JTF?

And the Numer One question not to ask is:

1-When do we get the freakin' guns?

[garett]

I was at a party a little more then a year ago and some guy was saying that he was going to be in the militia and that he was going to be a sniper. He was completely convinced of it. Never made it past the amplitude test. I guess our unit's recruiting officer (former RCR RSM) told him that yes he could be a sniper when he asked if he could be one. Maybe that is a good idea, we should just lie to everyone and tell them they'll be a commando when finished their QL3's. They'll join for the glory but stay for the driver call outs.

[Disturbance]

Tony I dont plan on saying anything unless they tell me too. I have just been waiting for this for a looong time and I dont wanna fuck it up like I did the aptiturd test the first time.

-Disturbance

[Disturbance]

Oh yeah also yesterday I kinda wrecked my shoulder snowboarding, its not broken but I think the tendons at the top tip are a lil messed. Is this gonna screw with the medical?

[garett]

Maybe, but not if its a temporary thing.

[King]

Enfield

Barring any unforseen consequences (like not getting into school) I'll end up in either Halifax or St. John's, but I think I would rather go to Halifax. The PLF would be the unit I'd go after, unless I get there and they are totally screwed around.

You can email me at King@newfoundland.com

Thnx

[Quimby]

Disturbance, just lie when taking your medical. I had all kinds of injuries I never told the CF about before I joined. It's none of their business. As well you owe no honesty to an organization that will lie to you as much as the CF will.

[Reverend B]

Hoo-ah, Quimby....but I do not understand when you say that the CF lies....it just temporarily slips there minds. They don't actually lie, they just forget to tell us that they have a bunch of evidence proving that we were put in danger...they whern't hiding it, they were just putting it in a safe place of storage, where no-one could find it. As for the injury, don't sweat it, i did my physical two days after getting a cast of my right leg...it was the size of a broomstick. They're doctors, and they understand, it's there job. At worst,they will give you a temp pass and tell you to come back in a month for a re-check.

[TonyM]

Hey Q,
As one cynic to another, see if you can identify any of the following in your command:

Military incompetence involves:

A serious wastage of human resources and failure to observe one of the first principles of war - economy of force.

A fundamental conservatism and clinging to outworn tradition, an inability to profit from past mistakes (owing in part to a refusal to admit past mistakes).

A tendency to reject or ignore information which is unpalatable or which conflicts with preconceptions.

A tendency to underestimate the enemy and overestimate the capabilities of one's own side.

Indecisiveness and a tendency to abdicate from the role of decision-maker.

An obstinate persistence in a given task despite strong contrary evidence.

A failure to exploit a situation gained and a tendency to `pull punches' rather than push home an attack.

A failure to make adequate reconnaissance.

A predilection for frontal assaults, often against the enemy's strongest point.

A belief in brute force, rather than the clever ruse.

A failure to make use of surprise or deception.

An undue readiness to find scapegoats for military disasters.

A suppression or distortion of news from the front, usually rationalized as necessary for morale or security.

A belief in mystical forces - fate, bad luck, etc.
from
Norman F. Dixon, On the Psychology of Military Incompetence, 1976

[TonyM]

Disturb-
Here's one real-deal piece of advice for you that I used. When I went in for the interview I did a quick scan of the office. Took in the awards and diplomas on the wall (she was a navy psychiatrist, did a tour in the Gulf), pictures on the desk (married, kids), etc. Asked current-issue type leading questions when I was able. "Was it stressful for you to be away from your family" That got her going for about 20mins. By the end, we wuz just a couple of good buds telling stories, and I got a good reccomdation out of her. She suggested I go for officer. I tried not to lose it on that. Consider this your first recce. See how fast you can gather intel and use it.

[Disturbance]

Tony thats good advice, but thats kinda how I act anyway I always take in as much as I can from my surroundings and adapt.

[Disturbance]

next time I post I will tell you all what happened.

[Disturbance]

Does it mean I passed the interview if they are gonna do the background and want me to do the physical test (which is the next phase)? I mean why would they keep me going if she didnt think I should be in CF? Cause she didnt say anything. I think it went as good as it could have (considering my luck anyways)
All I really found out from the medical was that I have 20/20 vision and am medically fit to do basic; Tony I tried chattin the Doc up about him livin on a sub but he didnt seem to want to elaborate so whatever. The interview basically sketched me out I just hate not knowing.
Now I gotta wait about 4 weeks for the background check and pass that step test, then when thats done they will recommend me to Seaforth's and its up to them after that.
So close its really starting to get on my nerves now.
And about getting on the summer courses she said as long as you are in before it starts you should be able to get into the courses - cause I asked about a cutoff date.

-Disturbance

The clock is ticking

[TonyM]

Sounds like you're in. It takes something pretty drastic to drop you. You know, those real conversation stoppers that make everyone quiet and uncomfortable, ("You know, ever since the accident, I'm having a hard time reading..."-true story, I heard that one in an interview). The "fitness" test is laughable. To make it challenging, go out the night before and get completely hammered, break your leg, then give it a go. I'll still give you odds that you'll pass. This is giving you an indication of what's in store-lots of waiting around not knowing what's happening.

"We have been ordered to move off today; had our orders canceled; warned for an alarm; had our passes stopped; had our foreign orders canceled; had our passes and foreign orders renewed; and now have orders to move tomorrow. Great minds are at work. - Anon., A Soldier's Diary of the Great War, 1924"

Nothing changes.

[Enfield]

Your in - yeah, that's all the interview is, you expected a cross examination? =o)
Everything with the CFRC is just hoops to jump through, formalities. If you meet the requirements (over 17, citizen, grade 10, etc.) and are not a complete numpty, all the tests are just formalities and paperwork to be signed off on. The challenge is putting up with the BS, not passing the tests.
4 weeks eh? cutting it close... still no dates being given for the QL2 course, but I'll let you know if I hear any. More guys are being kitted out every week.

Enfield

[Disturbance]

so when they do the background check do they just check back with the places I worked and lived? I am glad you guys think I am in -very reassuring, but still 2 more loops to jump through.
She told me that she has known ppl who have failed the physical and they never even broke a sweat doing the steps things - just cause their heart rate was to high. The doc told me to run run run but I am doin that anyways and the doc also said to eat way more -funny how she would know I wasnt cause I am. The doc was actually kinda funny cause she was like "you need to gain some more." I did a lil laugh and said yeah. Then she was no like "no I'm serious eat twice as much" it was funny cause the way she said..I guess ya had to be there. Its all good though she just wanted to make sure I knew what I am for. She told me about some guy who didnt eat enough during basic and when on parade he fainted and sliced his neck on his bayonet.

So I am assuming I passed the interview part because I am going to do the physical next and if I didnt why would they bother right. That was my only concern.

-Disturbance

[Disturbance]

Yeah she said there was a course starting in may and it may sketchy if I try for that one but I said no I am hopin for a july slot and she was just like yeah that shouldnt be a problem.

[garett]

We've got a guy right now on the QL2 at our unit that is a certified nut case. The stories I've heard about him. I totally don't understand how he got by the recruiting process. Actually I do know how he got by, its not adequate for screening out people who shouldn't be soldiers.

[Disturbance]

When she asked why I wanted to join I was so very tempted to say cause I wanna shoot stuff and pick up chicks with a new line "hey I am in the army lets fuck". But then I thought to myself hmmmm that might not go over so well...but hey ya never know.

-Disturbance

I am totally kidding for those that cant read sarcasm in text.

[Enfield]

Originally posted by Disturbance:
When she asked why I wanted to join I was so very tempted to say cause I wanna shoot stuff and pick up chicks with a new line "hey I am in the army lets fuck". But then I thought to myself hmmmm that might not go over so well...but hey ya never know.

-Disturbance

I am totally kidding for those that cant read sarcasm in text.


Why the hell else would you join?? Chicks and guns!!! Ok, don't tell them that in the interview, but that's why most of us join - plus some disjointed ideas about a challenge and some minor patriotism.

And nobody at CFRC would have a clue about courses. That's in the hands of the unit and brigade HQ, not CFRC. Don't listen to them about stuff like that, or getting on a july course - talk to the Regiment, not them.

[FNG]

Also, don't be overly concerned if by May, you still don't know when you are leaving for your course. The Army gets things done in the last minute, but it gets done.

[Disturbance]

I've noticed FNG

-Disturbance

[King]

The stair stepper test done as your PT test, does anyone know the acceptable score(s)? I suppose it depends on age and whether you smoke and drink.

[Cree Warrior]

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT IT!! It is way easy, if you can walk up three flights of stairs without collapsing you will pass it.
It is a very innaccurate VO2 test, based on excertion and heart rate. To fail you'd have to have a very high resting heart rate and an increadibly high heart rate after walking up and down stairs for a couple minutes.

TOO EASY, dont fret young men, you're worrying about the small stuff.

Sua Sponte

By the way King, I'm back in The Pas...so watch your back!!

[TonyM]

If you smoke and drink while doing it, you'd still pass.

[King]

Cree,

I had to do one of these for a job out at Tolko, just wondering if I could match my score with whatever the acceptable military score would be. Out of interest, not really all that worried.

Welcome back.