Some units have a policy that new soldiers MUST live in barracks for at least a year. I'm not sure of the legality of that, but it's actually a good idea. The rent is relatively cheap, and if you pay for rations and quarters (food and lodging), it comes right off your paycheck, so you don't have to worry about bouncing a rent check and/or having to eat Mr Noodles or yellow death (Kraft Dinner) until payday. There are different options for the mess hall now (pay for what you eat, a set price per meal, or monthly), and (in Edmonton, anyway) you didn't have to eat in the mess hall at all, but there are fairly strict regulations about how you can heat/cook food in the barracks (ie. no hotplates (or approved hotplates)).
The reason for forcing new soldiers to live in barracks for the first year is to reduce the amount of "administrative burden" issues that come up (bouncing rent checks, not being able to afford rent, etc). Some of the more mature soldiers (soldiers that lived on their own for many years before joining) can usually get out of that by proving that they are capable of living on their own (enough furniture, know how to balance a check book, etc). A really easy way to get the boot from the military is to become an administrative burden. Having finance companies phoning your CO is a great way to get in the bad books. NEVER give out your unit's phone number to anything less than a bank, and even then tell them to never phone your unit except in an emergency. Your platoon/troop Warrant Officer and/or Troop Leader/Platoon Commander are NOT your personal secretary. Another good way to get in the bad books.......
Most of the barracks (that I know of) are being improved, but the rooms are either A) small, or B) slightly bigger, but you share with someone else. If you have a LOT of furniture from being a civilian, that can be an issue. And new soldiers are the one's that are expected to double up (or triple or quadruple, depending on the base and/or quarters situation) not the Cpl's and Master Corporals (who usually get their own room). You can normally get a phone line, and cable, and a lot of guys have satellite dishes installed. Internet access can be a problem, but I think that it's getting better.
It's not at all like Full Metal Jacket (dormitory style) or other war movies. You are expected to keep your room clean, and if you have or share a bathroom, that must be cleaned as well. You can expect to have your Warrant Officer come through at least once a week (they look for cleanliness and damages, not to see if your socks are rolled up like in Basic). You can play musical instruments, but keep in mind that you are in a barracks, with lots of other soldiers, some of whom work shift work, and hearing a poor rendition of Stairway to Heaven at 2230 on a Thursday night, at 9.5 on your amp, will not endear you to your neighbours. There are also policies for Quiet Hours that are enforced (usually after 2200 on "school" nights, and 2300 hrs on weekends, depending on base, etc)
Anyway, hope that helped, and feel free to ask any other questions via PM.
Al
