I wrote a song that had a funny verse for each of the 60 people in our platoon and performed it at the course graduation party. I told the instructors I had the guitar for most of the course and they were not even mad, they were impressed!
They probably knew about it,but didn't want to reveal trade secrets. We found out after passing our course in Cornwallis that our platoon was monitored because they had rotating duty personnel. Our platoon got extra attention just for the fact one of our instructors lived in a housing unit behind our barracks. Didn't get ragged on as he knew we didn't take food etc into the barracks, we ate it out back thinking how cunning we were. 😂🤣
This was a really cool video! I did Basic in 2001 with the Army Reserves and released in 2008 (2Lt. DEO from Corporal). I've always wanted to rejoin, but life and family commitments kept me from it. Back in 2004, I was one of my Brigade's SAT Range Operators and the amount of weapons training I did over the next 4 years motivated me to become a civilian firearms instructor and competition shooter, which I've done part time while focusing on my career in IT. I've always loved service rifle shooting conditions and would love to go back and train soldiers, seamen, and airmen how to shoot.
Compared to 1976 when I went through basic in Digby you were living in the Taj Mahal. We had an entire platoon living in a single room, slept on bunk beds with communal showers, shitters and no tv room. Thanks for the giggles.
@@Slavic_Boer Mean? No. Hurtful? No. Agreed, there's no need for that. But molly-coddling the little cuties because their feelings might get hurt? Definitely no. Tough, hard to take, pushed to physical limits, not enough sleep, being yelled at for f$%king up? Absolutely. The military is a war machine. War does not take into account how you feel about it when you're in it or when your country tells you to. You do what is necessary when your in it, regardless of how you feel about it or you die. Sometimes you die anyway. That's what you sign up for. Basic should be hard enough to weed out those who can't cut it - not all can. People who join the military and expect it to be all sunshine, rainbows and unicorns prancing around need to go back go kindergarten.
I’m sure it was more difficult in 1976, but I’m not sure if your point about accommodations is a good one. Is sleeping on cots in a mod tent really better than bunk beds in the barracks?
Ya. CFB Cornwallis. Where you’d spend all night minus about two hours polishing the floors. Strip, wax, polish…every night for 10 weeks. Only slept maximum 2 hours a night. Never had a proper nights sleep til I got out of basic.
@@parkdigwig3447 Add to that I spent every weekend in basic polishing garbage cans - the price of speaking my mind in inopportune times. I'm glad I went through it. I got more out of it than they put into it I think. I went in as a kid unsure of how to push myself and came out willing to give pretty much anything a good solid try.
Just finished my bmq last week, and it was really fun. If you are here for money, you are at the wrong spot but if you like this lifestyle you will enjoy it Just play the game!
Did my BMQ at St. Jean back in 2009. It was definitely challenging and people dropped out but I found the most difficult part was staying awake in class lol
Hi there. I'm a new subscriber and I just wanted to say thank you for serving our armed forces for Canada. I'm very grateful for you and your family making the commitment to serve others. I am 55 years old but if I had to go to war, I would be first in line. I have never served, but my husband was in the army surplus for 3 years. I will continue to pray for you and all the armed forces of my country. God bless you and our troops!
Went through Cornwallis in 81, re-enlisted after 9/11 went through BMQ in 2002. It was different in a few ways. I do personally feel Cornwallis was better quality wise. But the biggest difference was Fn vs C-7 lol, we did a lot more weapons training in 81, as we covered C-1 / C-2 / SMG. The other huge difference was PERI staff.
Wow you are all so young lol. I did my basic training in 1979 must say thing are different now. Great to see Video like this Keep up the great job you are doing
Thank you! It's nice to get a positive comment from someone who did it in the 70s. It is different, it is probably easier, but I think it is professional quality training.
@@PrairieSailor everything you learn on basic training are the tools you will use through your life. But you don't how much till you get older lol again what you are doing is a Great thing for the CAF take care stay safe
There are so many things I could say about this but I’ll hold my tongue. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but having gone through Cornwallis, and 10 years at sea, I have to say I wish it was all this easy! Thanks though.
Wonder if it’s like when I went through Cornwallis in 1986. When my father came too my graduation. We compared experiences , he did basic in 53, and it was very similar. I’m sure the verbal abuse has softened. From my experience at retirement in 2009. Lots of changes!
I went through Cornwallis in fall of 1989. Verbal abuse was one thing but at least they weren't allowed to hit us, although one time I thought a MCpl was going to kill me. he was THAT pissed off.
@@ExpatriotSilencers Had the same experience at St. Jean in 96 (granted it was only four and half weeks for me lol) but i had Master Seaman Mitchell ..who i THOUGHT might , maybe actually physically put his hands on me ..he didn't but sure as hell sold it ..btw by dad was at Cornwallis in 89 MWO Johnson he was one of the Base CSM's you probably saw or at least HEARD him lol
Did my basic in 2005 in st jean. Now PO2 on ship getting ready for deployment. Still see some of the guys from basic on ship. Your right they will always be your friends even after 20 years ago.
Cool! When I joined in 1982, it was 10 weeks in Cornwallis, NS for basic training. All trades, male and female. Didn't get any time off until the 6th week, and only off base in the last 2 weeks. Then off to Infantry Battle School at CFB Petawaw, Ont., 16 weeks, half of it in the bush or on the ranges. Only allowed off base around the 10th week. The to CFB Gagetown, NB to join my unit, 2 RCR. Good times, buddy! Thanks for sharing how things work now!
I for one wish we had the PT that you had when you went through BMQ. I started my military experience in 1970 on the SSEP program as a militia with the BCDs.I later entered the RCDs as a lateral transfer. Canada was going through one of it's many military shrinkages thanks to the original Trudeau PM. While I enjoyed my time in the Canadian military, it always sucked when we would co-train with the US ,as we were always bereft of updated clothing or a shortage of ammunition. At the ripe old age of 28 I decided to enlist in the USAF and did my basic at Lackland AFB in San Antonio TX. LOL now that was a shock to my system I was one of 800 recruits for my Basic training (which was the 1st of 3 more rotations for 1985 so figure 2400 per year going to basic. Basic was a huge culture shock as well coming from the Canadian military. Attitude from your DI was the first difference, followed by military formations and marching (I had a hell of a time re-learning to march and how to do facing movements).
I did mine in 1983 at CFRS Cornwallis. I still remember having the back of my calves whacked by the CWO for moving on parade. Many times my bedding went out the window because my bunkie wasn’t up to scratch or my bedding had a wrinkle.
I did my basic at CFRS Cornwallis in 89. H huts. One big room with bunk beds and lockers. I didn't get a room with 4 beds in it until I arrived in Borden for trades training. Good times. You never forget basic.
Your 2006 description brought back memories of my BMQ experience from Jan 2004 to March 2004. I was a ncm reg force Navy from 2004 to 2007 (NET(C)). I was fortunate enough to do my training in Esquimalt, British Columbia where the winter temps were mild the entire time. St Jean was full. It was 10 weeks in duration. We were the only platoon at Workpoint. Our platoon started with 52 people and had several VRs. It was great to be at Workpoint as it was a short walk to Victoria once we were able to leave after the 4th week. 1st 2 weeks was learning drill, military ranks, etc Week 3 - First Aid Week 4 - Chemical/Biological training/ gas hut Week 5 and 6 - Issue weapons and weapon drill. Cleaning weapon and prepare it for inspection. Week 7 - Testing all week. Week 8 and 9 - Out in field. Week 10 - Issued NCD's and prepare for graduation. Flew out to Halifax for my 3's and served on HMCS Fredericton. Released January 5th 2007.
This was ssssoooooooooo HELPFUL! Thanks so much sir. :) I surely look forward to having my BMQ hopefully before the year ends. Thank you for the time and effort you spend in presenting a lto of helpful videos.
This was very informative and helpful! I like this new method of training. Not sure why weekend bmq is not an option like the army but i do like the 3 module option as well. Very attainable like you said. Im slated to do my mod 3 next summer. Looking forward to getting the gears from all you instructors.
Good luck next summer! Yes, each of the elements do it differently. Weekend BMQ is only available with the Army Reserves. The Air Force Reserve has no special option and they send their recruits on Reg Force BMQ (much like the Navy Reserve did in 2006).
I gotta say, I'm REALLY nervous about the gas chamber part. I'm kind of claustrophobic. Do you have any tips or advice for getting through it and not psyching myself out?
I think the Reserves train on weekends if that's what you're looking for? It might be an option if you want to serve, but can't commit to it full-time for any reason.
I finished BMQ in 2021 most of the things you are saying you guys did in 2006 was about the same when I got out of St Jean. I loved every last moment of BMQ. The shotgunning of one thing to the next and everyday being something new I have never done before was super cool. It became a thing that I did not care if I was running on 4-3 hours of sleep because everything was super involved and cool.
I'm currently apart of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and I was also taught how to sew, drill, and how make my uniform up to standard. Last summer I really got to feel how its like in the military when I spent four weeks at the Connuaght Primary Range and Cadet Training Centre for a course called Full-Bore Phase 1. This summer I'm going to Blackdown Cadet Training Centre in Borden for 6 weeks as a staff cadet sergeant. I plan on joining the CAF in the fall.
I graduated in 2022 in St jean B22, and was recoursed due to injury. When i got back on platoon i was the instructors target, and wasnt left alone, my 110% wasnt enough and i was so drained. It was the worst experience of my life being on platoon! I do t regret it today because it is a stable job and a better environment now.
I was a Canadian Army reservist from 1979 - 81. Some of the things we did in basic training are fairly similar to the way things are done now. We never practiced foot drill outdoors, but instead did it in the air-conditioned comfort of our armoury, which was located in the basement of the post office in my city. Hours of work: M-F, 0830 - 1630, weekends off during this initial phase. We practiced drill for about the same length of time - two weeks. The only time we practiced it outdoors was when we were preparing for our passing-off parade. Fortunately, the weather that summer wasn't terribly hot. For our in-armoury training, we also wore CF work dress, which looked a bit like the old Naval Combat Dress, but was a green colour, with linden-green coloured short sleeve shirts. We wore dark green coveralls with combat boots and '58-pattern webbing during the field portion of our basic training, but the coveralls were replaced with combat clothing after our passing- off parade and we were sent to participate in the MILCON (Militia Concentration) large-scale field exercise. We didn't get our CF greens dress uniforms until we started our TQ1 (Trade Qualification 1) training in the autumn of 1979. We wore the dress uniforms only for special or public parades (e.g., D-Day, Remembrance Day). We also never wore our work dress uniforms after basic training - our typical dress consisted of combat clothing. We always did drill on parade nights for half an hour, and then did lectures for our other training. Total time of our basic training, which was conducted in the summer months: eight weeks.
Oh, you young pups. I did basic in 1986 in good ol' Cornwallis (does anyone remember the Green and Gold recruit bar?). Then off to the PPCLI Battle School in Wainwright for 16 weeks of getting my ass handed to me daily. This video makes reserve training look like a vacation.
In ‘83 did basic and battle school together at Wainwright. 26 weeks of getting ass kicked 24/7. Started with platoon of 75 and graduated with 23. Includes 3 killed in a truck wreck. What a start of my career.
I think I did it in 1994 at the artillery battle school in Shilo. The only uniform we had was the old olive drab combats and the grey short shorts for PT. I think most of the people who quit didn't fail anything, they just said yes when an NCO asked if they wanted to go home. There wasn't much about it I enjoyed but it was a good weight loss plan
I'm surprised how little subscribers you have. You surely deserve more. I'm scheduled for BMQ in October. Excited to leave Ontario for once. Fantastic video.
Thank you for this content! I'm a pretty old bastard who did basic training and TQ1 as a field engineer in 1988 for the reserves. I really enjoyed it and excelled at the time. I waffled between the idea of continuing on at RMC, or Queens, and chose the latter. Since then, I've often wondered if I had chosen the wrong path. I'm in my mid 54 now, in good shape, and god help me, seriously considering serving before it's too late, if they'll have me. Your videos are very instructive and motivating. Thank you.
I did basic in 2006 as well, but at St Jean as a reg force NCM. From this video I see a serious digression in standards (in my opinion) but I’m not at all surprised given the current climate of neglect from the current government. Lack of funding always translates into a lack of training standards. That all set aside for a moment, how much of a training difference can be credited to the differences between reg force and primary reserves, if any, back in 2006 and currently?… I gathered a lot of similarities between the training standards in 06 between reg force and reserves, they seem very similar to me, from this video you made? My criticism aside, I do see some genuine improvements, I specifically strongly approve of reservists doing more of basic at their home unit. No brainer win-win there, but ignorant me thought all of basic, minus some field training limitations, this whole time, could be done at the home unit lol Cheers, Thank you for your service PO
Having done bmq at st.Jean it is a little easier in terms of some of the PT stuff because the 11:30 2.4km standard is gone which was the big hurdle I think before you just need to pass the force test which is very easy to pass. The psychological aspect of st.Jean though cannot be replicated at the other bases, so that aspect is all the same. Farnham is still Farnham, no one sleeps it’s cold you’re wet if you aren’t getting wet and cold they make you wet and cold. True basic is at st Jean but there just isn’t the capacity to push all the members through there so some people get off with it a little easier at another base
Yeah, back in those early years , getting charged is common for simple stuff. Now a days, the instructors have to be very politically correct and avoid possible discrimination cases. Back in the earlier days, the PT was also harder, 13 km ruck march, trench digging, and fireman carry, now is those easy gym drills.
@@James-zg2nl It was but it could be hard depending on Platoon composition, clerks on platoon makes the platoon very slow but having infantry or most trade was easy.
@@rhythmandacoustics true, almost half of my platoon, 24 of us, were going infantry. Only a few Air Force and Navy people, less than a dozen if I recall correctly. Oh and oddly a whole bunch of MPs, about a dozen of those meatheads.
Veh tech currently posted in Val right now, did basic at CFLRS in 2020. Showed up in March right before Covid hit, got our kit, was there for about two weeks before shit hit the fan. Had to drag all of our kit down from 9th floor into one of the weapon training rooms, and quickly sent back home for six months. Only had to report once a week to my Cplc saying what PT I did and that I was still alive. When I got back the following September, it was immensely different. Timings were less strict, we had more time to eat because less people could be in the mess and we had to clean the tables after. Masks and social distancing at all times, even during our field portion which was hilariously dumb. My section got put in isolation for a week because one guy had a minor cough and we almost missed first aid. Despite all this it was an excellent experience. Also got to experience BMQ-L (SQ) before they dropped it for non-combat trades which was an awesome course.
@@rqrara thanks :) still haven’t made up my mind. But I have a degree in comms so really wanted Public Affairs. Guess there are only a few spots for that. And I want the navy or Air Force. The recruiter suggested me navy warfare so have been piercing the net for as much info as I can get.
I'm so hyped for you. This is awesome, and I hope everything works out in your favor. So I'm relatively new to this, and I had a question regarding recruiter. Before I start my application to even apply, do I get in contact with a recruiter first?@@persperctiverish2611
@@persperctiverish2611 If you are undecided you can try the new Naval Experience Program. It's a one year contract where you shadow various occupations and can decide what you want at the end.
Thanks, very informative. I'm planning to join the CAF once I get older and I'm trying to gauge the level of fitness I'll need to get to. I'm pretty fit already but I just want to be more prepared
Thank you for the video, this brings me back. I did my basic in Borden in 2007 (Vimy Platoon). I had the pleasure of doing the full 13weeks + week 0. (Reg force) We had a lot of issues with PSP lead PT, it got to the point that our staff had to supervise them, we had one PSP instructor that did not give us time to drink water, and often grabbed the wrong Platoon for morning PT, so staff show up and their Platoon would be gone. 🍻
BIG changes since I did basic at CFS Cornwallis in 1974 wow thought that was hard!!...all this stuff your talking about was SO COMPACT back in 74. In I think 11 or 12 weeks.
Thank you for reminding me why I didn’t join the CFs. I was Legion in 1989 and it was common for men to die in training. 8km March? Are you serious? Try 120km in two days in full kit! You really have it easy
Forces tried to recruit me for a civillian engineering role. The rate of pay was a 40k paycut, I told the recruiter to try a temporary foreign worker for the rate of pay they were offering.
you barracks guys had it rough for inspections. i had a cot in a tent with 15 other dudes and all we had to do was sweep the concrete and some basic ass hanging and sleeping bag positioning. wouldn't trade that for a tv or warmer mornings.
I went through Cornwallis in 85. Started the course (Infantry/Artillery mix) with, as memory serves, somewhere around 80-90 recruits and lost quite a few along the way due to recourse and quitting (as I recall recruits had an initial window of time in which they could say "no thanks"). I think we got down to 50-60 by the end. This was not long after the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act (1982) came into effect. We were thankful because we had heard things could be much more physically 'hands on' as far as instructors dealing with recruits before the Act. We had heard one of our instructors (MCpl.) had been busted down from Sgt. for throwing a recruit and his bunk out a second storey window (H Block)...I guess he didn't get the memo about the Charter. I could believe it...he was a big guy with a mean demeanor...shouted at me once so loud I almost sh_t myself (and I was somewhat used to it, being a cadet). During our course a recruit in another platoon died during a PT run (heart attack/vomit-choking) while PT staff initially shouted at him to get up (so we heard). It certainly wasn't all bad....the instructors turned out to be decent guys by course graduation. Many memories where made and I'm sure many people look back on it as a positive, if trying, experience. Don't want to do it again but thankful they did it once, sort of thing. Of course, being combat arms, that was just the beginning for us.... From what I can tell, much has changed over the years. For better and for worse.
@@PrairieSailor As it occurred in one of the other courses running at the time, I don't recall it having any effect on our course. Word got around and we knew about it but that was about it. The course motored on and we were kept busy enough. Not much time to think about it. Plus most of us were pretty young...sh_t happens. I had one of my great uncles die in a horrible training accident during WW2...guys I went through Cornwallis with were later killed during regular training exercises....the military, even by todays standards is no joke, so people interested in it should take it seriously and prepare physically and mentally because...sh_t can happen.
I went through BRT (Basic Recruit Training) in 1996 at CFB Borden and my experience was a little different from the Petty Officer's. Our course back then lasted something close to 3 months if memory serves me correct. We were a mixed Reg Force - Primary Reserve course and had recruits who were eventually going to all branches of the CF: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Engineers! (me). We stayed in the standard H Blocks like the PO described and went to the, as we called it, the "Alphabet School" since it had 8 or 9 letters in it's abbreviation. We marched in three ranks for every meal to and from the mess hall. We were CB'd (Confined to Barracks) for the first three weeks of the course but after that were allowed to go to the theater, the museum, and the MacDonalds on the base....but we had to march in unison there and back. Our course had the standard C7 rifle quals, gas hut, swimming, drill square and PT tests along with a field exercise where we learned the joys of the CF's IMPs and heating up the Freddie Chef "boil in the bag" main courses. Let me tell you from experience the IMPs will 'bung' you up for days! The 4 day field exercise was actually a lot of fun even with it dropping below freezing and getting some snow. The night time escape and evade portion was a hoot! I was never prouder than when I passed the saluting test and was given my 'Cornflake' (CF's cap badge) even though it was soon replaced by the Engineer's Beaver cap badge when I got back to my unit. Would I do it again? No! Was it a great experience? YES!
Was at St. Jean in the summer of 96 ...the course was only 8weeks then ...but the drill, inspections and standards were pretty much what you described in 06 ...though the Master Corporals and Master Seamen constantly told us how "fucking easy " we had it...these were all guys who went through CFB Cornwallis in the late 70s or the early /mid 80s ..i regret that i only stayed for four and half weeks none of the staff wanted to see me leave (or anybody for that matter) yeah had i stayed i would have been in radio Ops in the Navy and would have been long retired with pension by now (was 26 in 96) .and so now i am still on "civvie street" at 53 plugging away lol..i STRONGLY encourage anybody watching your vid thats thinking about joining .."DONT QUIT" take it form this "old man" you will NEVER regret NOT quitting . GREAT presentation btw!
Thank you for the comment! I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. Based on tons of comments it does seem like BMQ in the 70s/80s in Cornwallis was tough. I will also say that every instructor and every member of the CAF for that matter will tell a recruit that it was harder back when they did it.
@@PrairieSailor ...yep apparently it was pretty tough in comparison to St Jean later in the 90s ..actually i applied way back 88 but i changed my mind to finish high school..would have interesting though as my dad was one the Base CSM's at the time lol
Did my boot camp in CFB Cornwallis, we didn't get a weekend out until after the 5th week, then went to Digby, our barracks were all open concept, with about 30 plus recruits, 3 months if I remember right, now it seems like they got it so easy (snowflakes), in boot camp i remember being up midnight starching uniforms so they would pass inspection.
Subbed! Ive done my cfat, fitness test, medical, interviews. Just waiting for a call from my cpl recruiter. Next step would be ready for competition list ✅ Can’t wait to start my bmq. Going infantry btw
I did reg force BMQ in 2018 and I'm shocked at how easy it seems now. As much as I hated the non-stop nonsense that was doled my way, I'm almost leaning towards re-enlisting (as a reservist ofc)
Hey man, thanks for the video. I thought I’d let you know that on the list I’ve been given for my BMOQ this spring includes camo, and a service dress (with oxfords). Interestingly, nothing navy related other than the service dress.
Thanks for the video, im 32 with a wife and 3 kids, with full time Job in Conservation. I always wanted to join the Military but choose family life instead and the Reserves seems like a good option to have both
the medics will do everything they can to keep you from being recoursed due to injury. its a point of pride. the re tests are usually later that day or the next day. BMQ was the most fun ive ever had and it made me a better person. good time management skills and tewamwork skills as well as lifeskills like laundry and organizing your shit will make it easier.
I spent 9yrs in the Army I went back after 7 years and lost all of the qualifications, including Basic, they would not allow me to keep my basic qualification even though I knew more then anyone else and wanted me to do basic again!, after 9 yrs they thought I wouldn't know basic, seriously, so I left again because of this, they lost a former M/Cpl.
I have been trying to join the Canadian Air Force as an AES Op for over a year now, my application has been stuck on medical/interview completed for a long time now. The recruiting process has been extremely slow and painful, it's like the CAF doesn't even want new recruits. The more research I do about the CAF the more pessimistic I become, the lack of funding and decrease in standards makes me question if my dream of serving my country is one worth chasing anymore.
Some occupations are more difficult to get into than others. I recommend checking in with your recruiter frequently, sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I hope your application works out for you, good luck.
0218B Graduated 18 July 02 from St. JEAN. St Jean was totally different from Borden. I lived in those 4 man barracks at CFSCE during my POET and QL3. (BB 2, BB 6 and BB 7)
What were some of the differences between St. Jean and Borden? When I see videos from St. Jean around the same time period they seem similar to my experience in Borden.
I graduated BMQ at CFLRS in March 2023, I VR'ed afterwards because it was not a good experience. There was so many things we were never shown how to do and were just expected to have known. We were never shown how to iron our shirts, make our beds, fold our clothes, clean our rifles, and polish our boots. We were expected to teach each other or try to learn by watching TH-cam videos of other militaries in the world. We also were never taught how to be proper leaders. We were just thrown into positions of leadership and expected to figure it out. If you had any leadership experience before coming to basic then you had a chance. But if you didn't, god help you. Because no one else would.
Tbh it was like that in 2019 when I went. But we couldn’t watch videos. That being said you did have a lot more time and after 10 weeks we felt a lot more confident. Even though I don’t think it prepared me at all for my combat engineer dp1, but then again that got severely fucked by Covid, basically no one was ready
@kevinjossyv7400 late response but unless things have changed since I went through the swimming is not a requirement to pass. Lots of guys never touched the pool on mine due to not being able to swim.
I did army reserve basic training in 1987 with the Princess Louise Fusiliers infantry regiment in Halifax and then did Reg force basic training in 1989 at CFB Cornwallis and there was no comparison. Reg force basic training was about 100 times harder both mentally and physically.
I thought you were actually going back, this was just bootcamp storytime in the woods... The thumbnail and title tell a very different story than what we got
Interesting POV. I was in the Primary Reserve in the late 80's and early 90's and back then noticed a fairly large gap in the standards between the Reserves and Regular Force, although that was less so if the reservist was employed on a class B or class C. I did eventually join the Reg Force and left during the FRP in the late 90's and went into civilian work. Today I am a member of my past Reserve Unit's and Reg Force Unit's Member Association and notice some significant changes in dress and deportment, which never would have flew during my time in. Standards on grooming and dress has unfortunately in my opinion gone the way of the dogs and see people on courses now with what we used to call "Bags of hair on their head." and faces with long beards, which usd to be only permitted on naval ships and in the winter when on training exercises (and only if the weather was severe enough). Judging by our countries still significant challenges in recruiting new people, it stand s to reason cutting your hair isn't one of them.
I joined in 2020 and completed BMOQ at Camp Vimy. During mod 2, I still had to sew name tags on all the kit. PT was a joke. I got in trouble for doing pull-ups at the classroom pull-up bar during downtime as I could "hurt myself." Mind you, at that time, I could do over 20 pull-ups. Lame. I came to Camp Vimy 185lbs and was in the best shape of my life, but I left 195lbs and was totally out of shape. I enjoyed basic and made a lot of lifelong friends, however to some extent I feel a little robbed of an experience.
But on a more positive note, I finished my PAO course back in May. Keep up the fantastic work, channels like this are so valuable to outreach. Bravo Zulu!
This was awesome thanks a lot man. I'm really thinking about starting basic training within the next few months, and I'd noticed the CAF released a pre-training program, and if it was a thing do you remember doing it, or anything to get yourself ready? Thanks again.
Started my BMOQ late 2023. Although being Air Force I will likely never use much of it, it's a shame that a lot of fun stuff - bayonet fighting, swimming courses, etc. were cut.
Hello! I hope your BMOQ is going/went well! I’m hoping to join by this summer and start BMOQ. Do you mind if we can connect and I can pick your brain on what to expect?
You were one of my instructors at Val Cartier in 2022. I had a lot of respect for you there. You were a good leader.
Thank you for the comment, I hope your career is going well.
I forgot to say where I hid the guitar! it was in the ceiling panels of the drop ceiling.
I wrote a song that had a funny verse for each of the 60 people in our platoon and performed it at the course graduation party. I told the instructors I had the guitar for most of the course and they were not even mad, they were impressed!
@@PrairieSailor😂
They probably knew about it,but didn't want to reveal trade secrets.
We found out after passing our course in Cornwallis that our platoon was monitored because they had rotating duty personnel.
Our platoon got extra attention just for the fact one of our instructors lived in a housing unit behind our barracks.
Didn't get ragged on as he knew we didn't take food etc into the barracks, we ate it out back thinking how cunning we were. 😂🤣
LOL 😂 In Cornwallis, the NCOs inspected the drop ceiling every few days.
@@PrairieSailor is that the red behind u
This was a really cool video! I did Basic in 2001 with the Army Reserves and released in 2008 (2Lt. DEO from Corporal). I've always wanted to rejoin, but life and family commitments kept me from it. Back in 2004, I was one of my Brigade's SAT Range Operators and the amount of weapons training I did over the next 4 years motivated me to become a civilian firearms instructor and competition shooter, which I've done part time while focusing on my career in IT. I've always loved service rifle shooting conditions and would love to go back and train soldiers, seamen, and airmen how to shoot.
Compared to 1976 when I went through basic in Digby you were living in the Taj Mahal. We had an entire platoon living in a single room, slept on bunk beds with communal showers, shitters and no tv room. Thanks for the giggles.
@@Slavic_Boer Mean? No. Hurtful? No. Agreed, there's no need for that. But molly-coddling the little cuties because their feelings might get hurt? Definitely no. Tough, hard to take, pushed to physical limits, not enough sleep, being yelled at for f$%king up? Absolutely.
The military is a war machine. War does not take into account how you feel about it when you're in it or when your country tells you to. You do what is necessary when your in it, regardless of how you feel about it or you die. Sometimes you die anyway. That's what you sign up for. Basic should be hard enough to weed out those who can't cut it - not all can.
People who join the military and expect it to be all sunshine, rainbows and unicorns prancing around need to go back go kindergarten.
I’m sure it was more difficult in 1976, but I’m not sure if your point about accommodations is a good one. Is sleeping on cots in a mod tent really better than bunk beds in the barracks?
Thousands did basic in Digby. Myself 1980
Ya. CFB Cornwallis. Where you’d spend all night minus about two hours polishing the floors. Strip, wax, polish…every night for 10 weeks. Only slept maximum 2 hours a night. Never had a proper nights sleep til I got out of basic.
@@parkdigwig3447 Add to that I spent every weekend in basic polishing garbage cans - the price of speaking my mind in inopportune times. I'm glad I went through it. I got more out of it than they put into it I think. I went in as a kid unsure of how to push myself and came out willing to give pretty much anything a good solid try.
you known this is the greatest channel i could find to learn more about BMQ
As someone whos joining i gotta say id choose the 2006 bootcamp over todays bootcamp, it seems id learn more from there
Just finished my bmq last week, and it was really fun. If you are here for money, you are at the wrong spot but if you like this lifestyle you will enjoy it
Just play the game!
Thank you for sharing your experience!
How long did you wait when you finish your cfat for your next steps?
@Thatflyingpilipino honestly not that long maybe month or so, im almost done with dp1 right now, time flies by quickly
sick! i got my cfat on april 11th! hoping to go to bmq asap afterwards!! @@patrik5428
@@patrik5428are you a reserve or full time. Why did he say 3 weeks when the website says 9.
Did my BMQ at St. Jean back in 2009. It was definitely challenging and people dropped out but I found the most difficult part was staying awake in class lol
Thanks for making this video. It gave me a lot of insight on what to expect.
Hi there. I'm a new subscriber and I just wanted to say thank you for serving our armed forces for Canada. I'm very grateful for you and your family making the commitment to serve others. I am 55 years old but if I had to go to war, I would be first in line. I have never served, but my husband was in the army surplus for 3 years. I will continue to pray for you and all the armed forces of my country. God bless you and our troops!
The age range for application is 16-57 with retirement at 60, it’s not too late! Thank you for the kind words.
Finally, a new BASIC UP episode
@@kyles7394 lol, 15 years later.
Went through Cornwallis in 81, re-enlisted after 9/11 went through BMQ in 2002. It was different in a few ways. I do personally feel Cornwallis was better quality wise. But the biggest difference was Fn vs C-7 lol, we did a lot more weapons training in 81, as we covered C-1 / C-2 / SMG. The other huge difference was PERI staff.
Oct 81 here
Wow you are all so young lol. I did my basic training in 1979 must say thing are different now. Great to see Video like this Keep up the great job you are doing
Thank you! It's nice to get a positive comment from someone who did it in the 70s. It is different, it is probably easier, but I think it is professional quality training.
@@PrairieSailor everything you learn on basic training are the tools you will use through your life. But you don't how much till you get older lol again what you are doing is a Great thing for the CAF take care stay safe
There are so many things I could say about this but I’ll hold my tongue. I appreciate your enthusiasm, but having gone through Cornwallis, and 10 years at sea, I have to say I wish it was all this easy! Thanks though.
Wonder if it’s like when I went through Cornwallis in 1986. When my father came too my graduation. We compared experiences , he did basic in 53, and it was very similar. I’m sure the verbal abuse has softened. From my experience at retirement in 2009. Lots of changes!
I went through Cornwallis in fall of 1989. Verbal abuse was one thing but at least they weren't allowed to hit us, although one time I thought a MCpl was going to kill me. he was THAT pissed off.
@@ExpatriotSilencers Had the same experience at St. Jean in 96 (granted it was only four and half weeks for me lol) but i had Master Seaman Mitchell ..who i THOUGHT might , maybe actually physically put his hands on me ..he didn't but sure as hell sold it ..btw by dad was at Cornwallis in 89 MWO Johnson he was one of the Base CSM's you probably saw or at least HEARD him lol
Did mine in Aug 1979
Did mine Aug 1979 . Cornwallis
@@ExpatriotSilencersI graduated September 1989 8926
Did my basic in 2005 in st jean. Now PO2 on ship getting ready for deployment. Still see some of the guys from basic on ship. Your right they will always be your friends even after 20 years ago.
Good luck on your deployment PO! Thanks for sharing, and thank you for your service at sea.
your quality, delivery and information is awesome. tysfm
Thank you!!
Cool! When I joined in 1982, it was 10 weeks in Cornwallis, NS for basic training. All trades, male and female. Didn't get any time off until the 6th week, and only off base in the last 2 weeks. Then off to Infantry Battle School at CFB Petawaw, Ont., 16 weeks, half of it in the bush or on the ranges. Only allowed off base around the 10th week. The to CFB Gagetown, NB to join my unit, 2 RCR.
Good times, buddy! Thanks for sharing how things work now!
I for one wish we had the PT that you had when you went through BMQ. I started my military experience in 1970 on the SSEP program as a militia with the BCDs.I later entered the RCDs as a lateral transfer. Canada was going through one of it's many military shrinkages thanks to the original Trudeau PM. While I enjoyed my time in the Canadian military, it always sucked when we would co-train with the US ,as we were always bereft of updated clothing or a shortage of ammunition. At the ripe old age of 28 I decided to enlist in the USAF and did my basic at Lackland AFB in San Antonio TX. LOL now that was a shock to my system I was one of 800 recruits for my Basic training (which was the 1st of 3 more rotations for 1985 so figure 2400 per year going to basic. Basic was a huge culture shock as well coming from the Canadian military. Attitude from your DI was the first difference, followed by military formations and marching (I had a hell of a time re-learning to march and how to do facing movements).
I did mine in 1983 at CFRS Cornwallis. I still remember having the back of my calves whacked by the CWO for moving on parade. Many times my bedding went out the window because my bunkie wasn’t up to scratch or my bedding had a wrinkle.
I did my basic at CFRS Cornwallis in 89. H huts. One big room with bunk beds and lockers. I didn't get a room with 4 beds in it until I arrived in Borden for trades training. Good times. You never forget basic.
Your 2006 description brought back memories of my BMQ experience from Jan 2004 to March 2004. I was a ncm reg force Navy from 2004 to 2007 (NET(C)). I was fortunate enough to do my training in Esquimalt, British Columbia where the winter temps were mild the entire time. St Jean was full. It was 10 weeks in duration. We were the only platoon at Workpoint. Our platoon started with 52 people and had several VRs. It was great to be at Workpoint as it was a short walk to Victoria once we were able to leave after the 4th week.
1st 2 weeks was learning drill, military ranks, etc
Week 3 - First Aid
Week 4 - Chemical/Biological training/ gas hut
Week 5 and 6 - Issue weapons and weapon drill. Cleaning weapon and prepare it for inspection.
Week 7 - Testing all week.
Week 8 and 9 - Out in field.
Week 10 - Issued NCD's and prepare for graduation.
Flew out to Halifax for my 3's and served on HMCS Fredericton. Released January 5th 2007.
That sounds like it was a good experience, thank you for sharing.
@PrairieSailor
It was a good experience but it wasn't the career I was looking for. I recommend anyone who is interested to give it a try.
Cheers. :)
This was ssssoooooooooo HELPFUL! Thanks so much sir. :)
I surely look forward to having my BMQ hopefully before the year ends.
Thank you for the time and effort you spend in presenting a lto of helpful videos.
Thank you for the kind comment!! Good luck on your BMQ!!
PO is not a sir!! thats gponna be on the test ;)
How did it go?
@@chibi_undercover9663 I didn’t push thru with Navy. Became very busy with FT Work ( at DND). Pursuing army reserve by early next year.
Subbed. Good stuff. I’m doing medical on Friday this week. Looking to sign on after that! Nervous and stoked all at the same time.
Thanks for the sub, good luck with the application, and let me know if you have any questions!!
This was very informative and helpful!
I like this new method of training. Not sure why weekend bmq is not an option like the army but i do like the 3 module option as well. Very attainable like you said.
Im slated to do my mod 3 next summer. Looking forward to getting the gears from all you instructors.
Good luck next summer! Yes, each of the elements do it differently. Weekend BMQ is only available with the Army Reserves. The Air Force Reserve has no special option and they send their recruits on Reg Force BMQ (much like the Navy Reserve did in 2006).
I gotta say, I'm REALLY nervous about the gas chamber part. I'm kind of claustrophobic. Do you have any tips or advice for getting through it and not psyching myself out?
@@sandymckerchar3287 Yes, practice practice practice. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.
@@sandymckerchar3287it’s not as bad as you think. Don’t breathe it in as best as you can. You’ll be fine. It’s just a little spicy.
I think the Reserves train on weekends if that's what you're looking for? It might be an option if you want to serve, but can't commit to it full-time for any reason.
I finished BMQ in 2021 most of the things you are saying you guys did in 2006 was about the same when I got out of St Jean. I loved every last moment of BMQ. The shotgunning of one thing to the next and everyday being something new I have never done before was super cool. It became a thing that I did not care if I was running on 4-3 hours of sleep because everything was super involved and cool.
Thanks for sharing! I loved BMQ too.
im a very feminine female but i kinda wanna join CAF, do you recommend it in terms of lifestyle?? are makeup and lashes allowed at all?
@@mariajuneid5888😊
I'm currently apart of the Royal Canadian Army Cadets and I was also taught how to sew, drill, and how make my uniform up to standard. Last summer I really got to feel how its like in the military when I spent four weeks at the Connuaght Primary Range and Cadet Training Centre for a course called Full-Bore Phase 1. This summer I'm going to Blackdown Cadet Training Centre in Borden for 6 weeks as a staff cadet sergeant. I plan on joining the CAF in the fall.
BMQ is going to be easy for you, keep it up!
Congratulations on your Best Recruit award and thank you for your service.
I graduated in 2022 in St jean B22, and was recoursed due to injury. When i got back on platoon i was the instructors target, and wasnt left alone, my 110% wasnt enough and i was so drained. It was the worst experience of my life being on platoon! I do t regret it today because it is a stable job and a better environment now.
Thanks for sharing. It's too bad you had a poor experience, but good for you for sticking it out and I'm glad you are in a better environment now!
22!
I was a Canadian Army reservist from 1979 - 81. Some of the things we did in basic training are fairly similar to the way things are done now. We never practiced foot drill outdoors, but instead did it in the air-conditioned comfort of our armoury, which was located in the basement of the post office in my city. Hours of work: M-F, 0830 - 1630, weekends off during this initial phase. We practiced drill for about the same length of time - two weeks. The only time we practiced it outdoors was when we were preparing for our passing-off parade. Fortunately, the weather that summer wasn't terribly hot.
For our in-armoury training, we also wore CF work dress, which looked a bit like the old Naval Combat Dress, but was a green colour, with linden-green coloured short sleeve shirts.
We wore dark green coveralls with combat boots and '58-pattern webbing during the field portion of our basic training, but the coveralls were replaced with combat clothing after our passing- off parade and we were sent to participate in the MILCON (Militia Concentration) large-scale field exercise. We didn't get our CF greens dress uniforms until we started our TQ1 (Trade Qualification 1) training in the autumn of 1979. We wore the dress uniforms only for special or public parades (e.g., D-Day, Remembrance Day). We also never wore our work dress uniforms after basic training - our typical dress consisted of combat clothing. We always did drill on parade nights for half an hour, and then did lectures for our other training.
Total time of our basic training, which was conducted in the summer months: eight weeks.
Thank you for the info!! It's nice to know there were some similarities from that time frame.
Oh, you young pups. I did basic in 1986 in good ol' Cornwallis (does anyone remember the Green and Gold recruit bar?). Then off to the PPCLI Battle School in Wainwright for 16 weeks of getting my ass handed to me daily. This video makes reserve training look like a vacation.
It is definatly not a vacation. But it is also not the same as Cornwallis in 1986.
In ‘83 did basic and battle school together at Wainwright. 26 weeks of getting ass kicked 24/7. Started with platoon of 75 and graduated with 23. Includes 3 killed in a truck wreck. What a start of my career.
I think I did it in 1994 at the artillery battle school in Shilo. The only uniform we had was the old olive drab combats and the grey short shorts for PT. I think most of the people who quit didn't fail anything, they just said yes when an NCO asked if they wanted to go home. There wasn't much about it I enjoyed but it was a good weight loss plan
Actually weighing options right now. Thank you sir
Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions!!
These videos are perfect for us young guys deciding on whether to enlist.
Thank you! That is why I do it. I appreciate the feedback.
Just finished it this summer, incredible experience!!
I'm surprised how little subscribers you have. You surely deserve more. I'm scheduled for BMQ in October. Excited to leave Ontario for once. Fantastic video.
@@Razzbow good luck on BMQ!
Thank you for this content! I'm a pretty old bastard who did basic training and TQ1 as a field engineer in 1988 for the reserves. I really enjoyed it and excelled at the time. I waffled between the idea of continuing on at RMC, or Queens, and chose the latter. Since then, I've often wondered if I had chosen the wrong path. I'm in my mid 54 now, in good shape, and god help me, seriously considering serving before it's too late, if they'll have me. Your videos are very instructive and motivating. Thank you.
You are able to apply up to 57 years of age. We would be happy to have someone with your experience!
@PrairieSailor Thank you! Are there many candidates in my age range?
I did basic in 2006 as well, but at St Jean as a reg force NCM. From this video I see a serious digression in standards (in my opinion) but I’m not at all surprised given the current climate of neglect from the current government. Lack of funding always translates into a lack of training standards. That all set aside for a moment, how much of a training difference can be credited to the differences between reg force and primary reserves, if any, back in 2006 and currently?… I gathered a lot of similarities between the training standards in 06 between reg force and reserves, they seem very similar to me, from this video you made?
My criticism aside, I do see some genuine improvements, I specifically strongly approve of reservists doing more of basic at their home unit. No brainer win-win there, but ignorant me thought all of basic, minus some field training limitations, this whole time, could be done at the home unit lol
Cheers,
Thank you for your service PO
Having done bmq at st.Jean it is a little easier in terms of some of the PT stuff because the 11:30 2.4km standard is gone which was the big hurdle I think before you just need to pass the force test which is very easy to pass. The psychological aspect of st.Jean though cannot be replicated at the other bases, so that aspect is all the same. Farnham is still Farnham, no one sleeps it’s cold you’re wet if you aren’t getting wet and cold they make you wet and cold. True basic is at st Jean but there just isn’t the capacity to push all the members through there so some people get off with it a little easier at another base
Yeah, back in those early years , getting charged is common for simple stuff. Now a days, the instructors have to be very politically correct and avoid possible discrimination cases. Back in the earlier days, the PT was also harder, 13 km ruck march, trench digging, and fireman carry, now is those easy gym drills.
@@rhythmandacoustics it should still be like that because even in 2006 basic was too easy.
@@James-zg2nl It was but it could be hard depending on Platoon composition, clerks on platoon makes the platoon very slow but having infantry or most trade was easy.
@@rhythmandacoustics true, almost half of my platoon, 24 of us, were going infantry. Only a few Air Force and Navy people, less than a dozen if I recall correctly. Oh and oddly a whole bunch of MPs, about a dozen of those meatheads.
Veh tech currently posted in Val right now, did basic at CFLRS in 2020. Showed up in March right before Covid hit, got our kit, was there for about two weeks before shit hit the fan. Had to drag all of our kit down from 9th floor into one of the weapon training rooms, and quickly sent back home for six months. Only had to report once a week to my Cplc saying what PT I did and that I was still alive. When I got back the following September, it was immensely different. Timings were less strict, we had more time to eat because less people could be in the mess and we had to clean the tables after. Masks and social distancing at all times, even during our field portion which was hilariously dumb. My section got put in isolation for a week because one guy had a minor cough and we almost missed first aid. Despite all this it was an excellent experience. Also got to experience BMQ-L (SQ) before they dropped it for non-combat trades which was an awesome course.
Thank you for sharing!
Love the new NEP program being offered. Just started the application process.
How do you like it? Would you recommend it or would you suggest getting signing bonus, pay acceleration by signing a 3 year
Do the three year and get the signing bonus. Your selection of available postings is also much higher.@@guruboy5
I remember the Master Coperal drill instructors at the old CFB Cornwallis Boot Camp, so bad ass!
Awesome, we are probably not as badass as they were, but we do our best to get the recruits moving with purpose.
Thanks for these videos!
I passed my CFAT yesterday and am really excited for the adventures to come!
congrats!!! what trade u going into?
@@rqrara thanks :) still haven’t made up my mind. But I have a degree in comms so really wanted Public Affairs. Guess there are only a few spots for that. And I want the navy or Air Force. The recruiter suggested me navy warfare so have been piercing the net for as much info as I can get.
I'm so hyped for you. This is awesome, and I hope everything works out in your favor. So I'm relatively new to this, and I had a question regarding recruiter. Before I start my application to even apply, do I get in contact with a recruiter first?@@persperctiverish2611
@@persperctiverish2611 If you are undecided you can try the new Naval Experience Program. It's a one year contract where you shadow various occupations and can decide what you want at the end.
@@PrairieSailor Thank you for the reply! I will look into this :)
Fantastic Video. I did my Basic in Borden in 2001 and I could relate to a lot of your stories
Thanks, very informative. I'm planning to join the CAF once I get older and I'm trying to gauge the level of fitness I'll need to get to. I'm pretty fit already but I just want to be more prepared
You need to be able to pass the Force Evaluation: th-cam.com/video/6cM8K0bxgvk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=qCOOT6B_AOEdU7FE
Thank you for the video, this brings me back.
I did my basic in Borden in 2007 (Vimy Platoon). I had the pleasure of doing the full 13weeks + week 0. (Reg force)
We had a lot of issues with PSP lead PT, it got to the point that our staff had to supervise them, we had one PSP instructor that did not give us time to drink water, and often grabbed the wrong Platoon for morning PT, so staff show up and their Platoon would be gone.
🍻
BIG changes since I did basic at CFS Cornwallis in 1974 wow thought that was hard!!...all this stuff your talking about was SO COMPACT back in 74. In I think 11 or 12 weeks.
Did my BMQ, SQ and PP1 in 2003 I think it’s gotten progressively easier each year.
Thank you for reminding me why I didn’t join the CFs. I was Legion in 1989 and it was common for men to die in training. 8km March? Are you serious? Try 120km in two days in full kit! You really have it easy
Forces tried to recruit me for a civillian engineering role. The rate of pay was a 40k paycut, I told the recruiter to try a temporary foreign worker for the rate of pay they were offering.
I hope you didn’t take it then.
you barracks guys had it rough for inspections. i had a cot in a tent with 15 other dudes and all we had to do was sweep the concrete and some basic ass hanging and sleeping bag positioning. wouldn't trade that for a tv or warmer mornings.
Hi, a lot of the content featuring Vimy is from my Infantry Dp1 in 2020, haha good memories!
Another very informative video PO 🇨🇦👍🏼
I went through Cornwallis in 85. Started the course (Infantry/Artillery mix) with, as memory serves, somewhere around 80-90 recruits and lost quite a few along the way due to recourse and quitting (as I recall recruits had an initial window of time in which they could say "no thanks"). I think we got down to 50-60 by the end. This was not long after the Charter of Rights and Freedoms Act (1982) came into effect. We were thankful because we had heard things could be much more physically 'hands on' as far as instructors dealing with recruits before the Act. We had heard one of our instructors (MCpl.) had been busted down from Sgt. for throwing a recruit and his bunk out a second storey window (H Block)...I guess he didn't get the memo about the Charter. I could believe it...he was a big guy with a mean demeanor...shouted at me once so loud I almost sh_t myself (and I was somewhat used to it, being a cadet). During our course a recruit in another platoon died during a PT run (heart attack/vomit-choking) while PT staff initially shouted at him to get up (so we heard). It certainly wasn't all bad....the instructors turned out to be decent guys by course graduation. Many memories where made and I'm sure many people look back on it as a positive, if trying, experience. Don't want to do it again but thankful they did it once, sort of thing. Of course, being combat arms, that was just the beginning for us....
From what I can tell, much has changed over the years. For better and for worse.
Thank you for letting us know your experience. It must have been traumatic having a recruit die during PT.
@@PrairieSailor As it occurred in one of the other courses running at the time, I don't recall it having any effect on our course. Word got around and we knew about it but that was about it. The course motored on and we were kept busy enough. Not much time to think about it. Plus most of us were pretty young...sh_t happens. I had one of my great uncles die in a horrible training accident during WW2...guys I went through Cornwallis with were later killed during regular training exercises....the military, even by todays standards is no joke, so people interested in it should take it seriously and prepare physically and mentally because...sh_t can happen.
This is helpful for mental preparation
For me, I trained in Cornwallis (6 Platoon 9116). After seeing this video, there's a big difference between now and then!
I went through BRT (Basic Recruit Training) in 1996 at CFB Borden and my experience was a little different from the Petty Officer's. Our course back then lasted something close to 3 months if memory serves me correct. We were a mixed Reg Force - Primary Reserve course and had recruits who were eventually going to all branches of the CF: Army, Navy, Air Force, and Engineers! (me). We stayed in the standard H Blocks like the PO described and went to the, as we called it, the "Alphabet School" since it had 8 or 9 letters in it's abbreviation. We marched in three ranks for every meal to and from the mess hall. We were CB'd (Confined to Barracks) for the first three weeks of the course but after that were allowed to go to the theater, the museum, and the MacDonalds on the base....but we had to march in unison there and back. Our course had the standard C7 rifle quals, gas hut, swimming, drill square and PT tests along with a field exercise where we learned the joys of the CF's IMPs and heating up the Freddie Chef "boil in the bag" main courses. Let me tell you from experience the IMPs will 'bung' you up for days! The 4 day field exercise was actually a lot of fun even with it dropping below freezing and getting some snow. The night time escape and evade portion was a hoot! I was never prouder than when I passed the saluting test and was given my 'Cornflake' (CF's cap badge) even though it was soon replaced by the Engineer's Beaver cap badge when I got back to my unit. Would I do it again? No! Was it a great experience? YES!
Was at St. Jean in the summer of 96 ...the course was only 8weeks then ...but the drill, inspections and standards were pretty much what you described in 06 ...though the Master Corporals and Master Seamen constantly told us how "fucking easy " we had it...these were all guys who went through CFB Cornwallis in the late 70s or the early /mid 80s ..i regret that i only stayed for four and half weeks none of the staff wanted to see me leave (or anybody for that matter) yeah had i stayed i would have been in radio Ops in the Navy and would have been long retired with pension by now (was 26 in 96) .and so now i am still on "civvie street" at 53 plugging away lol..i STRONGLY encourage anybody watching your vid thats thinking about joining .."DONT QUIT" take it form this "old man" you will NEVER regret NOT quitting . GREAT presentation btw!
Thank you for the comment! I'm sorry it didn't work out for you. Based on tons of comments it does seem like BMQ in the 70s/80s in Cornwallis was tough. I will also say that every instructor and every member of the CAF for that matter will tell a recruit that it was harder back when they did it.
@@PrairieSailor ...yep apparently it was pretty tough in comparison to St Jean later in the 90s ..actually i applied way back 88 but i changed my mind to finish high school..would have interesting though as my dad was one the Base CSM's at the time lol
@@PrairieSailor btw thanks for the reply/feedback...the best youtube channels are the ones with lots of feedback from the channel creator l owner imo
This video is really helpful, thank you buddy!
Thanks man good to know what I'm getting into gave you a like and subscribe for the hard work this video must have took
Thank you!
Did my boot camp in CFB Cornwallis, we didn't get a weekend out until after the 5th week, then went to Digby, our barracks were all open concept, with about 30 plus recruits, 3 months if I remember right, now it seems like they got it so easy (snowflakes), in boot camp i remember being up midnight starching uniforms so they would pass inspection.
Thank you so much for the information. That’s really useful keep it going
Thank you!
Subbed! Ive done my cfat, fitness test, medical, interviews. Just waiting for a call from my cpl recruiter. Next step would be ready for competition list ✅
Can’t wait to start my bmq. Going infantry btw
Good luck!
Hmmm, times have changed. 11 weeks boot camp in Cornwallis and strait to the SSF. Overseas I did Nijmegen march 3 times.
I did reg force BMQ in 2018 and I'm shocked at how easy it seems now. As much as I hated the non-stop nonsense that was doled my way, I'm almost leaning towards re-enlisting (as a reservist ofc)
Go for it! If you did it in 2018 you won’t have to do it again.
Hey man, thanks for the video. I thought I’d let you know that on the list I’ve been given for my BMOQ this spring includes camo, and a service dress (with oxfords). Interestingly, nothing navy related other than the service dress.
Thanks for the video, im 32 with a wife and 3 kids, with full time Job in Conservation. I always wanted to join the Military but choose family life instead and the Reserves seems like a good option to have both
Great video
I went through basic at St. Jean back in 99 as a reg force NCM. The place looks exactly as I remember it from back them.
the medics will do everything they can to keep you from being recoursed due to injury. its a point of pride. the re tests are usually later that day or the next day. BMQ was the most fun ive ever had and it made me a better person. good time management skills and tewamwork skills as well as lifeskills like laundry and organizing your shit will make it easier.
When/ where did you do your bmq?
Indeed, BMQ was pure fun. Infantry DP1 on the other hand, was pure nightmare and pain.
Camp Vimy in Val, brings back memories, some good, some not so bad
Did my BMQ in 2000 at Moss Park Armourer. We never got the chance to go through the Gas Chamber hut. Oh well!
Such a good video, sums it up perfectly thanks PO
James I did my basic also in Borden, just one year after you. Mine was 9 weeks, but I did some online training before and after basic.
I spent 9yrs in the Army I went back after 7 years and lost all of the qualifications, including Basic, they would not allow me to keep my basic qualification even though I knew more then anyone else and wanted me to do basic again!, after 9 yrs they thought I wouldn't know basic, seriously, so I left again because of this, they lost a former M/Cpl.
@@fireball3421 sorry that happened, thanks for sharing. Usually 7 years is the threshold so it’s too bad there isn’t wiggle room.
I mean I understand making it more appealing... But holy hell this is like daycare.
I did my basic in Borden in 2021. I was in the same shacks! Great time. Kinda disappointed I never got to experience CFLRS though
I have been trying to join the Canadian Air Force as an AES Op for over a year now, my application has been stuck on medical/interview completed for a long time now. The recruiting process has been extremely slow and painful, it's like the CAF doesn't even want new recruits. The more research I do about the CAF the more pessimistic I become, the lack of funding and decrease in standards makes me question if my dream of serving my country is one worth chasing anymore.
Some occupations are more difficult to get into than others. I recommend checking in with your recruiter frequently, sometimes the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I hope your application works out for you, good luck.
Over 2.5 years waiting now for me
Interesting I did my basic training in Cornwallis course 7040
Just graduated CFLRS(BMQ) my dp1 in wainwright gonna start January
This was super useful.
I don't know why but I really enjoyed doing drill. I always found it relaxing and easy to do. Unlike most others, they hated drill.
I enjoy drill too. As a musician I always found the timing very easy and was never out of step.
@@PrairieSailor It was nice to take a break from the constant workouts and just do a shit ton drill.
Try doing pack drill sometime. Thats not so much fun. :(
0218B Graduated 18 July 02 from St. JEAN.
St Jean was totally different from Borden.
I lived in those 4 man barracks at CFSCE during my POET and QL3. (BB 2, BB 6 and BB 7)
What were some of the differences between St. Jean and Borden? When I see videos from St. Jean around the same time period they seem similar to my experience in Borden.
Good job on the video, Camp Vimy good times
I graduated BMQ at CFLRS in March 2023, I VR'ed afterwards because it was not a good experience. There was so many things we were never shown how to do and were just expected to have known. We were never shown how to iron our shirts, make our beds, fold our clothes, clean our rifles, and polish our boots. We were expected to teach each other or try to learn by watching TH-cam videos of other militaries in the world. We also were never taught how to be proper leaders. We were just thrown into positions of leadership and expected to figure it out. If you had any leadership experience before coming to basic then you had a chance. But if you didn't, god help you. Because no one else would.
Tbh it was like that in 2019 when I went. But we couldn’t watch videos. That being said you did have a lot more time and after 10 weeks we felt a lot more confident. Even though I don’t think it prepared me at all for my combat engineer dp1, but then again that got severely fucked by Covid, basically no one was ready
I am planning to join next year. I am still doing my research so i had a question. I do not know how to swim, will this be an issue for passing BMQ?
geez that does suck. I hate it when they expect things out of me without even showing us how
@kevinjossyv7400 late response but unless things have changed since I went through the swimming is not a requirement to pass. Lots of guys never touched the pool on mine due to not being able to swim.
I did army reserve basic training in 1987 with the Princess Louise Fusiliers infantry regiment in Halifax and then did Reg force basic training in 1989 at CFB Cornwallis and there was no comparison. Reg force basic training was about 100 times harder both mentally and physically.
I'm calling the Seaforth highlander recruiting office on Monday.
I thought you were actually going back, this was just bootcamp storytime in the woods...
The thumbnail and title tell a very different story than what we got
@@sku77boy82 I did go back and I did do a vlog while I was there. I have 20 episodes recorded. Hopefully I will be able to release them at some point.
@PrairieSailor awesome, cuz I'm currently in the process of trying to join the armed forces and definitely wanted a REAL non lied to sneak peek at BMQ
8946 Cornwallis first course to use the C7 rifle (with iron sights )
I was in bootcamp in 1975, and it wasn't easy not one bit.
I need to get into the routine of repetition and discipline to fulfill this goal
Good luck, you can do it!
Interesting POV. I was in the Primary Reserve in the late 80's and early 90's and back then noticed a fairly large gap in the standards between the Reserves and Regular Force, although that was less so if the reservist was employed on a class B or class C. I did eventually join the Reg Force and left during the FRP in the late 90's and went into civilian work. Today I am a member of my past Reserve Unit's and Reg Force Unit's Member Association and notice some significant changes in dress and deportment, which never would have flew during my time in. Standards on grooming and dress has unfortunately in my opinion gone the way of the dogs and see people on courses now with what we used to call "Bags of hair on their head." and faces with long beards, which usd to be only permitted on naval ships and in the winter when on training exercises (and only if the weather was severe enough). Judging by our countries still significant challenges in recruiting new people, it stand s to reason cutting your hair isn't one of them.
There was an FRP in 1992. I took it and left to go back to university.
@@ExpatriotSilencers yeah the FRP program ran to 98, the year after I got out. I was able to at least transfer my pension as my Civie job was at AECL
Every generation of soldiers will tell you basic was harder when they went through than what the subsequent generation had to endure. 🤔
Agreed!
I joined in 2020 and completed BMOQ at Camp Vimy. During mod 2, I still had to sew name tags on all the kit. PT was a joke. I got in trouble for doing pull-ups at the classroom pull-up bar during downtime as I could "hurt myself." Mind you, at that time, I could do over 20 pull-ups. Lame. I came to Camp Vimy 185lbs and was in the best shape of my life, but I left 195lbs and was totally out of shape. I enjoyed basic and made a lot of lifelong friends, however to some extent I feel a little robbed of an experience.
But on a more positive note, I finished my PAO course back in May. Keep up the fantastic work, channels like this are so valuable to outreach. Bravo Zulu!
This was awesome thanks a lot man. I'm really thinking about starting basic training within the next few months, and I'd noticed the CAF released a pre-training program, and if it was a thing do you remember doing it, or anything to get yourself ready? Thanks again.
I did BMQ right after high school and was in good shape from playing hockey so I didn’t do any prep. Go for the pre-training program, it sounds great!
I am doing my army BMQ here at HMCS Chippawa. You guys have a really nice building😅😅. We finish in august. Too bad i don’t get to see you 😂in
I'll be back August 14 if you are still there. I did not know they are doing Army BMQ at Chippawa lol. We have to go to Quebec to do Navy BMQ.
Also I want to thank you for your videos
Thank you for the comments sharing your experience!
St Jean 0225A October 2002… it was easy back then.
Great video, this is exactly what I was looking for! And I'm kinda confused why they changed it the way they did.
Interesting, just did weekend Army BMQ January-May, quite different the way navy does it’s BMQ. Specially the Mod’s 1/3 thanks for the insight!
What was the weekend BMq like?
Started my BMOQ late 2023. Although being Air Force I will likely never use much of it, it's a shame that a lot of fun stuff - bayonet fighting, swimming courses, etc. were cut.
Hello! I hope your BMOQ is going/went well! I’m hoping to join by this summer and start BMOQ. Do you mind if we can connect and I can pick your brain on what to expect?