DarkFireTaker said:
Greetings
Joining the Reserves in Infantry with the CGG regiment in Montreal. After months of waiting, I'm nearly done for the application process. I only have the Fitness Evaluation left, and that's next Wednesday (October 1st). Not worried about that.
Just wondering, after fitness, how will the process go? I know there's a ceremony and the kit. But in details.
Also, I plan on doing BMQ in the summer (part-time during the year would get in the way with college). I guess I'll be done with the process long before summer starts. Does that mean that the ceremony will take place soon (after fitness) or later (before BMQ)? And the kit, will I receive it soon (after ceremony) or later (before BMQ)?
Since no one else has answered you, and I have the time, I'll do my best;
Details, eh? Ok;
Once you've passed the fitness test, your file will go through a meriting process. They (the CFRC) will grade your performance in the CFAT, the Medical and the Physical as well as the interview and background check and send your file, with this numeric grade to the gaining unit; in this case the CGG.
It will then be up to the Reserve unit you're joining to either accept your application or not. This is the whole point behind the meriting system, but some units just take 'em as they come in a 'first come, first serve' method (this usually happens when units scramble to fill positions on a course).
If the unit selects you, they will contact you to set up an enrolement date. Since your course isn't until summer, they may wait until the end of the training year or until they collect enough applicants to justify a holding platoon.
When you're called for enrolement, you will have to bring some information with you. They will tell you exactly, but it usually involves filling out a Personal Emergancy Notification form and some tax forms, so you will need to bring ID, banking info and information about who you would like notified if something happens to you (2 People).
Also, you will be applying for military ID, so you will need to find out your blood type... the best way to do that is give blood and ask.... then its free.
They will tell you exactly what you need to bring, but be prepared for about 2 hours of paperwork.
For the actual ceremony; it all depends on how the unit wants to run it, but the standard involves either a Solemn Affirmation or an Swarn Oath on the Bible... Solemn Afirmation begins with "I (name) do solemnly affirm" where the oath ends with "so help me God"... it really comes down to your personal beliefs.
Most units conduct their swearing in ceremonies infront of their unit Colours (flags) and guests are welcome (family and friends)... you only get to do this once so it's kind of a big deal.
The whole event is usually presided over by the Commanding Officer of the Regiment, or, in his absence, a suitable field grade officer (Maj or Col.).
Because of all this, it is recommended that you wear business attire (suit/tie).
Once you're sworn in, you are entitled to kit. The unit will set up a date for you to get your gear from the local ASU (Area Support Unit). This may involve travel to another city and it may involve going on a week day... either way, the unit will sort you out with that as well.
Thats pretty much the meat and potatoes of the deal... more details will be available from both the CFRC and the unit recruiter.
DarkFireTaker said:
And, since the enrollment ceremony would swear me in as an official member of Canadian Forces, would I be able to "do something"/work/volunteer during the year before BMQ? Or will I just have to wait for the BMQ in the summer?
Generally, once you're sworn in, they should employ you, which is why they'll wait until the last possible moment before your course (allowing time for you to get your gear) to swear you in... but if the unit has previsions for a holding platoon, you may be sworn in earlier and employed on training nights. But here's the catch; because you're not trained, you really can't do much except all the joe-jobs around the unit... And you won't be allowed on exercise, except maybe as enemy force or just some extra labour. So it may be better that you wait until just before the course.
Anyway, I hope that helps.... Good luck.
