Walther89 said:
I have a hard time deciding which way to do. I did my DP1 less than a year ago. I need summer employment,so I got loaded onto CG tasking as parade rank and file. Honestly,I thought that it is going to be GD tasking. Now,I also chose the courses I want to do at Meaford and it is the same length as CG.
Whoever did CG: how is it? what is the typical daily routine like?
Every choice has its advantages, but I personally would prefer courses because it gives me skills and Meaford is not far from the place I live.
I've done rank and file at CG twice in my second and third summers in the reserves. I later went back as an NCO and worked on th headquarters side. The latter was not *a* good experience for me, but it did turn into some very good learning.
Rank and file isn't a bad gig- it's what you make if it really. If you decide to be miserable it will give you countless reasons to be. Now it is, to be blunt, all the parade-square BS that I loathe about the military, and it will be a summer that will contribute little if anything to your development as a soldier. HOWEVER, lest I sound too bitter, if you go in deciding to make the most of it, a really great time can be had. It's a chance to get to know other troops from all over the place, and make some strong friendships. Ottawa's a fantastic city in the summer (it was home for me for years), and there's a ton to see and do, lots of fun to be had, and all kinds of great watering holes an easy walk or bus ride from Carleton. Living at Carleton is pretty jammy, you'll probably share a university residence room with one other person. You'll make quite good money. Some guys even sign up for a summer class or two at Carleton while they're there- there are often evening courses, so if you are or will be a university student, you might even knock a credit or two off. I did that my last summer there.
Meaford, conversely, is... Well, Meaford is Meaford. Anyone who can manage to be miserable at CG will manage to be miserable at Meaford. What Meaford will offer you is likely some progression in your career. You spoke of lining up a couple courses, and I see that you're a gunner. I am of the mindset that you should take every course you can get, and your trade has no shortage of them. You will be a better gunner for getting that training. Time spent in Meaford has the redeeming quality of giving you lots of opportunity to learn more about your trade, and the army in generally *if* if you are attentive and open to such learning. You would also stand a better chance of being free for the big exercise at the end of the summer, and for soldiering in the reserves they are generally worth going to.
So my leanings? If you have courses on offer, take them! Go to Meaford and get more learning under your belt. You said it's close to home for you anyway. With that said- if you decide to take CG, then more power to you, make the most of it, and enjoy Ottawa. Either way you appear to have a full summer of Class B lined up for you, which in this day and age makes 'Which tasking?' a great dilemma to have.
