Topic: no excuse (bmq tips)

[bullitt]

Very good thread! I am off to BMOQ in Esquimalt  for the summer 2010! Thanks a million to all who posted!!

[Eye In The Sky]

Sweet!  Do you need an account number to put that million in?? 

 

[bullitt]

Lol I just might! unless my RBC no fee junior account is up to the task, then I am all good! 

[CaNaDiAn_GhOsT]

  Mojo Magnum is 100% correct. I was freaking out when my BMQ dates were handed down and collecting information wherever I could to try and help make it easier for me. Once I got on the ground for my course it all got thrown right out the window.
 
  I've been a BMQ instructor for the past 3.5 months. When the new ones show up, they are all the same. You'll be clueless, scared, anxious, whatever. But keep in mind that everyone that came at the same time as you is feeling the exact same way. That being said, work together. Build teamwork and "help buddy out" whenever possible. Your staff will always have directions for you to follow, all you have to do is follow along. We won't give you anything impossible or super hard to do. We will challenge you, for sure, but all we want to see is you trying your best. If you just shrug and say "I don't care", or say "I don't wanna do this", rest assured your a$$ will be out in no time. On the other hand, if you can't do something, but if we see you trying you'll be just fine!

[Diligent_Effort]

BMQ in St.Jean can and will be one of the most challenging events a person can go through.   

Many people will spend months upon months (even years for  some ) working up physically in order to do well for basic.
Indeed that is important.  A lot of focus on cardio will be needed.  Same thing for upper body strength.  But these are things you can work up to and prepare over time.

But there is another aspect of Basic that will ultimately test even the most physically fit of the fittest.. and that aspect has to do with your mind. 

When you arrive, you will get "jacked up" one way or the other and so will all your buddies.  It might not be the 1st or 2nd day but believe me, it will happen quicker than you realize.  You will learn about rank, respect and how to address people properly.

Running, marching, PT, drills are all physically demanding on their own but.. add in sleep deprivation.  You must wake up anywhere from 4:30am-5:20am, depending on the day's schedule and when the C-Senior wants the rest of you to wake..
And everyday mon-fri you must be in bed exactly at 2300.  Not earlier, not later. 

And finally add in ULTRA multitasking X 110.  Simple things like packing your gear properly for the next day + doing ALL homework assigned to you + doing assigned quarter chores + keeping EVERY space in your sleeping quarters neat & tidy by CF standards + marking ALL your kit + figuring out an effective way to share 2 laundry machines/dryers among 55 recruits+ another dozen or more things to keep up to date with. 
It all adds up and you will feel overwhelmed at times.

Oh yeah.. TIMING.  All of the above may seem simple enough to do at a normal human pace HOWEVER.  You are living, breathing, speaking, eating, sleeping, showering, shaving, and sweating to MILITARY TIME.
 So you will be given "impossible" timings to accomplish certain task and than expected to move on to the next one immediately.  You will mess up and forget things naturally.. and you will be JACKED UP!!!

Don't sweat it.  Its all a part of BMQ and you are being tested.

Keep a positive attitude and do your best to not listen to any self doubt.

Another thing that I MUST advise to any potential recruit ready for BMQ:

**Learn NOT to over socialize or become the "life of the party".

Often when a group of people are under similar stressful conditions, they tend to bond a lot quicker.
People will horse around a lot as a way to occupy their minds away from the reality of their situation.
Very very bad.  If you have a bunch of task and assignments to do, do them!!  Be responsible and focus!!
Joke around LATER when you can afford to. 

The best Soldier is the one that is able to SHUT UP, and label ALL the kit/gear assigned to him in silence. 
The best Soldier is the one able and willing to re-do his homework a 3rd, 4th and 5th time when the Sgt's & MCpl's aren't satisfied with them.  The best Soldier is the one willing to go that extra mile and complete his task when everyone else is outside having fun.

Now I'm not telling you to be the "Wolverine" or "Logan" type.  You need to communicate with your fellow Recruits and of course get along with them.  After all you will be depending on each other for the next several months and vice versa to get through the course effectively as a team.. just keep it on a professional level though.  Keep yourself sociable but grounded enough to do your best to complete your tasks given to you.

Oh one quick and final thing!!  DO CALL your family and loved ones when you get the chance.  It will make a world of a difference.  It might be your only source of connection to the outside world for the next several weeks.  So in order to keep yourself in check, call them and smile  
Get a phone card though at Canex, long distance will cost a lot of coins lol.

Alright hope my post can someway help any future Recruits for BMQ and onwards in their CF career path.

Take care and stay safe.

[fischer10]

Education and intelligence are 2 ******* different things. I have met university graduates who are the dumbest ****s in the world.

Agreed, many people who have a paper saying they are smart are not "smart" in a common sense way at all. I think we are getting common sense part of intelligence and the educational part of intelligence mixed up here. Many, many people I have met are smart in school, but when it comes to applying and doing the logical they simply can't. As for swearing, I don't think it should be a problem at all. It helps acquire the end product of making a soldier which the people joined to become. I think if they could they would shoot at us, but seems it is so dangerous they can't so be happy with the swearing haha.

As for the tip part, I have not done any BMQ yet, going in a month roughly . Going to be fun IMO! So be in shape and have a positive attitude and we are good to go!

(sorry for any bad English)

[ONT]

Can you fail the course for not passing the written tests?

[Kat Stevens]

So by "not passing", did you mean, umm, "fail"?  Nah, don't worry about them, the tests are just there to make you feel good about yourself.

[CDN Aviator]

Can you fail the course for not passing the written tests?

This isn't the public school system. There is more than enough training provided and chances to re-take exams should you fail but there are always limits. Pass the tests or you are gone.

[HavocSteve]

This isn't the public school system. There is more than enough training provided and chances to re-take exams should you fail but there are always limits. Pass the tests or you are gone.

Also heard that the tests are pretty simple. They are meant to be passed, as long as you the homework. Not only that, but people will also lend you another brain to help you out.

[LineJumper]

Also heard that the tests are pretty simple. They are meant to be passed, as long as you the homework. Not only that, but people will also lend you another brain to help you out.

Perhaps I am the only one disturbed by this mindset, however, simple tests and loaned brains do not a good soldier produce.

[Snapshot007]

Just out of curiosity, can we bring cell phones, cameras, and laptops? If so, where are they stored?

How many times per day do they run at BMQ?

If we bring our own cars, the battery will lose charge after (I think) two weeks if its not run, do they have assistance for us or are we calling CAA on our own accord?

How long are we allowed to shower? Thought I read somewhere for the communal its 4 minutes...is that undress, shower then re-dress?   

Is there or is there not any room for a second set of shoes?

How much money should I bring to start for supplies?

Can everything I need be bought at the Canex? Are the the prices reasonable?

Will I be continuing my weight-training program while there?

[ballz]

Just out of curiosity, can we bring cell phones, cameras, and laptops? If so, where are they stored?

How many times per day do they run at BMQ?

If we bring our own cars, the battery will lose charge after (I think) two weeks if its not run, do they have assistance for us or are we calling CAA on our own accord?

How long are we allowed to shower? Thought I read somewhere for the communal its 4 minutes...is that undress, shower then re-dress?   

Is there or is there not any room for a second set of shoes?

How much money should I bring to start for supplies?

Can everything I need be bought at the Canex? Are the the prices reasonable?

Will I be continuing my weight-training program while there?

All of your questions can be easily answered by a bit of reading, rummaging, and the good ol' search function.

'Cept for this doozy:

If we bring our own cars, the battery will lose charge after (I think) two weeks if its not run, do they have assistance for us or are we calling CAA on our own accord?

If your car battery loses it's charge after 2 weeks I suggest buying a new one (car or battery... your call) or a set of booster cables (good idea anyway...) because there is something wrong.

[willellis]

Just out of curiosity, can we bring cell phones, cameras, and laptops? If so, where are they stored?

How many times per day do they run at BMQ?

If we bring our own cars, the battery will lose charge after (I think) two weeks if its not run, do they have assistance for us or are we calling CAA on our own accord?

How long are we allowed to shower? Thought I read somewhere for the communal its 4 minutes...is that undress, shower then re-dress?   

Is there or is there not any room for a second set of shoes?

How much money should I bring to start for supplies?

Can everything I need be bought at the Canex? Are the the prices reasonable?

Will I be continuing my weight-training program while there?

You just need to take a breath man. You sound way too concerned with everything that surounds the course, rather than BMQ it's self. Your situation is probably the same as a thousand recruits before you, so don't sweat the small stuff! Just go into the course, giver your best, and learn as much as you can from the experience. Any questions that you have, send them to your recruiting centre. Or as ballz put it, the search option on this site is available to everyone. Good luck and don't sweat the small stuff.

[Greymatters]

Perhaps I am the only one disturbed by this mindset, however, simple tests and loaned brains do not a good soldier produce.

ftp://

But it does produce 100% pass rates - and that is more important in some minds than the quality of soldier being passed. 

[HavocSteve]

I was just saying, the platoon should and will help each other. Everyone will help each other because it isn't a "one man" army.

[AgentSmith]

People stress out way to much about BMQ. Yes it is a new way of doing things and it is a shock to the system. However if you do what you're told and "play the game" you'll be fine. There's no big secret to passing, just do what the instructors tell you to and you'll be just fine. The big thing they stress is teamwork. You can't do anything alone.

[Eye In The Sky]

Just a couple of small points here....

1.  Written/theory tests are part of training.  Generally speaking they don't get easier as you progress in your trade either.  On my Reserve 6A armour recce course in '97, we had to know, IIRC, the ORBAT of a Soviet Motor Rifle Division from top to bottom.  I am in a new trade now and on the QL3 level course for that;  21 exams over 14 weeks.  You can't apply something properly that you don't know properly IMO.  If you, for example, are tested on the 15 sentry must-knows (or that how many there was when I was still on the green side) and you don't know them, how will you know them in a field setting when you are bagged and fried??

2.  WAY too many people on here are either over thinking/complicating/working themselves up over BMQ.  Keep it simple.  You aren't expected to know this stuff when you show up.

3.  BMQ success plan, in its simpliest form.

Do WHAT you are told, HOW you are told, WHEN you are told.

It really is that bloody simple.

[Pusser]

Always make sure your uniform is up to standard.
As well, realise no matter what you do, the DS will
find fault in what you have done./quote]

So what's the point of sweating about your uniform?  Yes, you need to put some effort into it.  Yes, your shoes must be shiny.  Yes, your clothes need to be pressed.  BUT, nobody gets thrown out of this outfit because their shoes aren't shiny enough or their creases aren't sharp enough.  SET YOUR PRIORITIES and keep your eyes on the prize.  Don't let your academics suffer (i.e. the things the WILL get you tossed out) because you spend too much time with a can of polish.

[mewingkitty]

2.  WAY too many people on here are either over thinking/complicating/working themselves up over BMQ.  Keep it simple.  You aren't expected to know this stuff when you show up.

If you watch the videos regarding recruitment and basic training, they may have 1 minute worth of a classroom scene, then 25 minutes of guys standing at attention, making their beds, polishing their boots, running, jumping, crawling, getting yelled at, folding clothes, refolding clothes, etc. etc.

Us applicants stress about it because that's what we see ALL the emphasis on everywhere we look. If it's not a big deal, why are there so many threads started by people on this very forum about "Basic BMQ tips" and "BMQ survival" and such, written by people after they've been through it. Why would they bother writing the thread in the first place?

[Eye In The Sky]

I don't NEED to watch a video on BMQ.  I did mine in 1989 and I got thru it ok with the advice I gave a few posts ago.  I got that advice from my father, who was a retired WO in the Air Force.  And guess what...it worked!  ******' imagine that! 

 

Since then, I've taught on many courses, BMQ being one of them on more occassions than I can count on my 2 hands, and I am telling you...people are overthinking it.

ONCE you are sworn in and have a goddamn course start date, read the info the CFRC gives you, read the Joining Instructions, do what you need to do and RELAX and enjoy your last few weeks and days before you grace the Green Doors and CFLRS.

Thats my advice, take it or leave it.  I for one, and kinda tired of the SAME questions about cell phones and "what happens if my bum hurts" and all that stuff that, for one, has been answered a gazillion times already and I am tired of the people who are too ******' lazy to search the site for info people on here, me included, have given...only to have it ignored.

Take into consideration, some of the people who give advice around here have less time in the military than my current beret does.  BMQ is NOT complicated...stop making it hard before you even get there.  Get in shape, get your personal affairs in order and stop worrying about what you will be doing in Week 5 before you even get to the province of Quebec FFS.

fack!

[mewingkitty]

I don't NEED to watch a video on BMQ.  I did mine in 1989 and I got thru it ok with the advice I gave a few posts ago.  I got that advice from my father, who was a retired WO in the Air Force.  And guess what...it worked!  ******' imagine that! 

That's fantastic, but you're taking my comment completely out of context.
The question was asked - why are we so concerned about BMQ.
I answered that question.
I didn't tell you that you don't know what BMQ is like, I didn't say it's hard, I didn't say it's easy. I said that the information available to recruits tells us that BMQ is going to be insanely complex and stressful, therefore that's what we think.

[gcclarke]

That's fantastic, but you're taking my comment completely out of context.
The question was asked - why are we so concerned about BMQ.
I answered that question.
I didn't tell you that you don't know what BMQ is like, I didn't say it's hard, I didn't say it's easy. I said that the information available to recruits tells us that BMQ is going to be insanely complex and stressful, therefore that's what we think.

Ok seriously? The reason the videos show 1 minute of classroom work and 25 minutes of getting yelled at, making beds, polishing shoes, etc is due to the fact that showing 25 minutes of classroom work and a minute of the other stuff would be boring as hell.

The nice man told you to freaking relax. You replied with an answer stating why you think some people might not relax. Perhaps neglecting Mr. Macluhan's idea that the medium is the message, and the fact that youtube videos cannot possibly show an accurate portrayal of BM(O)Q because those courses are all about stressing you for days at a time, whereas the videos last a few minutes at a time.

Plus the fact that you somehow took his comment of "relax and show up and listen to what they say", and decided that that advice doesn't apply to the topics of "standing at attention, making their beds, polishing their boots, running, jumping, crawling, getting yelled at, folding clothes, refolding clothes, etc. etc." When I went through basic training, we were given instruction on how to stand at attention, how to make our beds, how to polish our boots, how to crawl, how to jump, how to fold our clothes, and how to re-fold our clothes. I guess they just assumed that if we managed to be accepted into the CF, we would be smart enough to figure out how to run and how to get yelled at. Turns out they were correct.

So, to re-iterate, show up in good shape, do what you're told, when you're told, how you're told, and you'll do fine.

[mewingkitty]

The nice man told you to freaking relax.

Actually, no where in his post did he mention anything about relaxing.

Quite frankly you guys are spazzing out at me for just posting in this thread. I haven't asked any questions, I haven't complained about requirements, I haven't whined about why I'm not in yet, and I haven't blamed anyone for not holding my hand while I wait.

[Eye In The Sky]

ONCE you are sworn in and have a goddamn course start date, read the info the CFRC gives you, read the Joining Instructions, do what you need to do and RELAX and enjoy your last few weeks and days before you grace the Green Doors and CFLRS.

BMQ is NOT complicated...stop making it hard before you even get there.  Get in shape, get your personal affairs in order and stop worrying about what you will be doing in Week 5 before you even get to the province of Quebec FFS.

fack!

Attention to detail; another important skill in the CF.