Hey all;
Well I am not sure when the tanks will be given back to the Regt's we were just told that it will be happening. Keep in mind the "new" Leo 2's are still hiding in the east waiting for some "Canadian parts" to be put on, so it might be a little while.
As for MOC trg, well you continue DP1 learning weapons, communications etc, almost like an extended basic of sorts, there are a few members that are on here that are prob a little more in tune as they would be your instructors. There is practical and theory, i.e. learn about something in a classroom and then apply it, I can't say it's 60/40 or whatever because I do not know.
Living conditions on the base, while trg is dorm style, eat at the mess, usually weekends off (as long as you don't mess up during the week and piss of the course staff) haha but it's all about camaraderie. When you get to a regt (in Edmonton at least) you still live in barracks, maybe 2 to a room with a private shower/shitter. If you are married than you can ask for a PMQ (married quarters) and maybe get it if any are avail, or you could live out in the city (if you are married), single guys can ask to move out usually after a waiting period. I never know why single guys want to move out right away, because you don't know the city yet. No sense living south side if you spend all your time in the north etc (I am talking about Edmonton only)
As for deployment, well you need to get to a Regt first, then by the time that happens you might not get deployed for awhile, if at all it all depends on where your Regt is at in regards to trg and what roto they are doing. Sure we are in Afghan today, but who knows what is around the corner? different places maybe, when I first joined Bosnia was the "big thing"
As for height, you guys are tall, I had a friend during my MOC trg that was 6' 4", he was huge! But he dealt with it, I am not sure but I think both are too tall for the LEO 2 dvr seats, and if you are lucky enough to get a gunner spot you might be lucky to have a short ass Commander like me.
I too was from southern Ontario, born and raised. I was supposed to be badged RCD and then my whole course went LdSH(RC) It was the best thing that ever happend to me, I love the west, I like to be able to go to a bar and not bump into a pack of army guys hitting on 1 chick. I like having neighbours that are not military. I like the fact that my wife can put her degree to use. (not saying you can't in other areas, but with a city of 1 mil plus, the job prospects are a little better.) I like that I can travel a few hours and be in the mountains and go skiing. The only thing that I truly miss are the lakes.
I like my job, I like the big guns, I like the rumble of the vehicles, I like to be able to shoot something and see the effects of my rounds, I like the soldiers I work with, I like the brothers and sisters I have in the other Regt's. I have met awesome people, I have travelled around the world on and off taskings. Some days are good, some days are bad. One thing I like about Armoured is I get to see everything, I get to see the Infantry kicking in the doors, I see the Sappers blowing up obstacle's etc, I get to see the Arty rain steel on objectives, I get to shoot at almost everything.
In short(ish) I love my job, I know there are others that love their trades too, you have to decide what you want to get out of your career. You have to decide (and you might not even get it) where you want to be posted. The needs of the army at the time will decide where you will go, but this is true of all trades in the military!
Being an arty soldier doesn't limit you only to arty operations or ex's. At my unit we have received spots on a variety of different tasking.
:threat: 
