canadian forces

[blacknife]

i did just under 5 years as Calgary highlanders infantry. reserve though not reg force. i had been in cadets before and wanted to stick with something a little more real but did not want to commit to long service time. I had an amazing time in there and kind of regret getting out but thats how life was at the time.

in reserves everyone loves to be there, its more like a hobby to try to keep yourself in shape.. enjoy shooting things and have a possiblity to go overseas. the reg force guys there were a few that enjoyed it but so many of them were just counting the days till there contract was over.. be it two or 6 years or however many years away.

ive had a few friends go through air or naval and end up with some good qualifications when they got out 6-10 years later.



I really really liked shooting things, and had lots of chances to do that.

[mike31154]

Ha ha, this thread is starting to give me a little bout of nostalgia, snif. We should all meet at Roger's Pass and have a little Army, Navy, Air Force Mess Dinner.

Looks like you guys are intent on shooting things up. Don't forget that right now there are folks in harms way in Afg.... they shoot back over there and don't always fight by the 'rules of engagement'.

I'll make my pitch for the Air Force life now, maybe we can get a little recruiting contest going here. Really surprised there's a waiting period for the combat arms trades these days...

Anyhow, here are a few photos of some of my experiences over the years. Started on 'fast' air in Cold Lake, more of that in Baden Germany, then a good dose of Army related life in Edmonton and again in Lahr Germany. Ended up as a headquarters weenie in Ottawa supporting the Search & Rescue Helicopter fleet. That was probably the most satisfying part of my career, working on saving people instead of destroying stuff. And to finish off, a civilian consultant supporting the CF18s for 3 years in Ottawa.

As a tech, you do get the odd back seat ride in the two seaters. CFB Baden, Germany



Bringing up the rear of a formation of CF104s in our venerable T33. I think that's the largest number of 104s we ever got in the air at one time in Baden. If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, don't be, one of those birds burns up a substantial amount of kerosene in an hour.



Wainwright Alberta, having a little break/chit-chat by the Huey



One of the better trips out of Edmonton, in the back of a Huey headed for Yuma Arizona through Grand Canyon country. One of our overnight stays on the way was Las Vegas. Highly overrated IMO, I'd never pay to go to Vegas on my own...



CFS Alert. Not many folks have the 'pleasure' of ever making it up here. We went up to prepare a Huey for transport in a Hercules back to Edmonton. The Huey is tasked to resupply caches in the arctic during the summer. Notice how almost every major center in Canada is about the same distance from this god forsaken place.



A number of items need to be removed so the Huey will fit



Stripped down & ready to slide her in



There were tons of other experiences, some not so good, some great. Photos are scanned so the quality isn't the greatest. No such thing as digital cameras at the time.

Hopefully StirCrazy & Asmodeus can come up with some cool stuff too. I'd love to see some pics from Hawaii or San Diego, and an avalanche or two coming down after a round is pumped up the mountain at Rogers Pass.

[Jessie55]

I joined in 05 best decision of my life. I remustered once already but it is worth it. Just like asmo said i joined young...17 and didn't really know what all the trades were about i just saw an MP5 and decided that it looked pretty cool. There are so many different fields to work in im sure there is something for everyone. You will meet many awesome people from all over Canada and get to travel alot all for free. Steady pay with structured increases aka promotions lol. As for BMQ its changed alot from what i have heard but it is not that bad go in with the right mind set and you will be fine....strong mind strong body. Good luck

[Skimmerking]

what trade did ya go Jesse

[Jessie55]

I started as a BOSN and now I am a Supply Tech......1 SVC BN