FortYorkRifleman said:
Hey everyone,
My story is that back in 2003 I enrolled into the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve, completed only two weeks of BMQ and then VR'ed with a 4c release. Fast forward to 2012 and I am going through the process of re-enrolling. All that needs to happen is my medical clearence from Borden and then my file can be downloaded to my regiment. My questions to you all is what effect can my previous decision to leave the Forces have when, four years from now, I apply to become a Corporal? Can my previous record come back to haunt me when I want to go for specialty training?
To clarify one point a bit more than the other posters. One does not apply for promotion in the CF, not to Corporal, not to Sergeant, not to General. Selection for promotion to increasingly higher ranks is done by people (or sometimes one person) who judge the suitability of individuals based on a number of factors; time in rank/service, completion of certain courses or attainment of specific qualifications, acquiring general or specific experience, maintaining a certain level of conduct and judged performance in comparison with peers. There would also have to be an available position for that rank and occupation. For promotion to Corporal (to be honest about it), the requirements to be met (especially in the Reserves) are very low. Basically all it entails is meeting minimum time in service (IIRC, 2 years in the Reserves) and completion of some basic courses. Just about any warm body who regularly shows up for parade nights and weekend training, is trade qualified, does what he is told and doesn’t get caught in sexual congress with the regimental mascot will usually be promoted Corporal. (Depending on the age of the soldier and satisfaction of the mascot that point could be waived.)
Will your brief (blink and you miss it) former period of service be held against you in your rise to the dizzying heights of Corporal? Unlikely. While there is (or should be) institutional memory in the CF (and in specific units), some things don't "really" matter. This is one of them. The important thing is that you "don't shit the bed" this time around.
Will the regiment that you wish to join take it into account when making a decision about allowing you into their ranks? Possibly. But again, I think it unlikely that it becomes a barrier to your enrolment. You made the point that (8-9 years ago) you were young and unprepared (mentally and physically?) to accept the commitment that is inherent in military service. Military leaders are not stupid,
we they know that a
child youth (and face it, that’s what you were back then) does not conduct himself in the same manner as an adult. Hopefully, you now conduct yourself as an adult and will be able to show that through the things you have done in the intervening years.